Can I Replace The Cream of Tartar In The Lemon Meringue Cake With Something Else?

Our answer

Nigella's Lemon Meringue Cake (from FEAST) has thin sponge layers that are topped with meringue. The layers are then sandwiched with lemon curd and whipped cream. It is a good alternative to the more traditional lemon meringue pie.

The egg whites are whisked with cream of tartar. This is a type of acid (it is a by product from wine making) in powder form. Adding an acid to whisked egg whites helps to create a more stable meringue, so we would not recommend leaving it out. However, here cream of tartar can be replaced with white wine vinegar or lemon juice, in the same quantity (½ teaspoon). As lemon juice is aready being used in the recipe this would be the easiest alternative.