Meringue animals—yep, those floating cuties in hot cocoa—have taken over TikTok lately, and it’s not hard to see why. These little desserts aren’t just delicious; they’re interactive.
They bob in your drink, melt into sweetness, and make everything from breakfast to dessert feel kinda magical.
Why These Adorable Desserts Are a Must-Try
They’re not just for cocoa. These whimsical treats can float in coffee or even serve as quirky cake toppers. Plus, they hold up well when made right, thanks to the sturdy meringue structure.
That glossy finish and airy crunch? It’s a result of proper whipping and slow sugar addition. Miss a step, though, and things can go flat—literally.
Part of the fun is customizing the little creatures. From piglets to puppies to tiny cats with whiskers, the sky’s the limit. Want to go off-book and make floating ghosts for Halloween or pastel chicks for spring brunches? Go for it.
That’s what makes this recipe so popular across platforms. You’re not locked into a shape—only limited by the size of your piping tip and your imagination.
Tips to Nail This Viral Dessert
It might seem tempting to just whip up some egg whites and wing it, but the details matter. Even tiny grease residues in bowls can mess with the structure.
Make sure everything’s squeaky clean before starting. Add sugar slowly—dumping it in too fast can kill your peaks. And if you’re going the vegan route, aquafaba works surprisingly well but takes longer to whip. Be patient.
Letting them cool in the oven once baked adds a layer of crispiness while preventing collapse. This low-and-slow method is a big deal in most meringue-based recipes.
The result? Animals that don’t just look good but float like marshmallows in your drink—soft enough to dissolve slightly, but firm enough to keep their shape.
Perfect for DIY Gifting & Holiday Treats
People are packing these in gift jars alongside cocoa powder mixes or stacking them on cookie platters for a showstopping centerpiece. They’re also family-friendly—get kids involved with piping or decorating.
It’s the kind of dessert that turns into a weekend activity.
They also store really well, so you can make a batch ahead of time. Keep ’em dry and in an airtight container, and they’ll last up to two weeks. Rainy day? Pop one into a mug and it’s instant cozy vibes.
Special event? Drop a custom one on each guest’s plate. These meringue animals basically double as edible art.
Influencer-Approved & Worth the Hype
Scroll through any viral recipe list, and this one’s likely featured. Some call it the next evolution of hot cocoa bombs. But unlike those, these don’t explode—they just gently dissolve, adding texture and sweetness as they float.
And with so many variations possible, it’s no wonder the trend isn’t fading. Pink hippos, dinosaur families, sleepy sloths—the more niche, the better.
People love posting their fails and wins alike, creating a wave of engagement that’s helped this dessert stick around.
How to Make Yours Stand Out
For that extra flair, consider using edible glitter or painting on tiny details with food dye and a toothpick. Just don’t overload them with too much color—it can weigh down the meringue.
Practice on parchment first, get a feel for piping, and if one batch flops? Try again. The process is half the fun.
Viral Meringue Animal Recipe for TikTok
Equipment
- Stand or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls (preferably glass or metal)
- Piping bags with assorted decorating tips
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites at room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup superfine sugar
- Food coloring optional, for decorating features
Instructions
- Set your oven to 200°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a grease-free mixing bowl, whip the egg whites with cream of tartar until you get soft peaks.
- Slowly sprinkle in the superfine sugar while beating continuously until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy.
- If you plan to add colors, divide the meringue and gently fold in food coloring as needed.
- Spoon the mixture into piping bags equipped with various tips. Test your animal shapes on a piece of parchment before starting the final versions.
- Pipe your chosen animal shapes onto the lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Use piping tools or toothpicks to sculpt facial features or ears.
- Bake for 1 hour, ensuring the meringues dry out completely without gaining any color. Once done, turn off the oven and allow them to cool inside with the door ajar for extra crispness.
Notes
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.