A touch of butter adds rich, luxurious flavor to the meringue, but admittedly, it also deflates it a bit. For a fluffy, snow-white cap, omit the butter.

serves 24
You might need to buy:
  • Cupcakes:
  • baking soda
  • baking powder
  • sugar
  • large egg yolks
  • vanilla extract
  • whole buttermilk
  • large egg whites
  • cream of tartar Baking spray with flour
  • Frosting:
  • sugar
  • water
  • vanilla bean
  • large egg whites
  • cream of tartar