Fluffy, sweet, and delightfully airy, zefir is a beloved treat in many Eastern European kitchens.

This dessert, similar to marshmallows, combines a unique texture with a burst of fruity flavor.

Ready to create this masterpiece in your own kitchen? Let's dive into a step-by-step guide to crafting homemade zefir!

What Is Zefir?

Zefir is a traditional dessert made from fruit puree, sugar, and egg whites. Its cloud-like texture comes from whipping these ingredients and stabilizing them with agar-agar, a plant-based thickener. Unlike gelatin, agar-agar is derived from seaweed, making zefir an excellent choice for vegetarians.

Ingredients You'll Need

To make about 20 pieces of zefir:

- 2 medium-sized apples (or 200g of unsweetened apple puree)

- 200g granulated sugar

- 1 large egg white

- 6g agar-agar powder

- 75ml water

- Additional 150g sugar (for the agar-agar syrup)

- Powdered sugar for dusting

Step 1: Preparing the Fruit Base

1. Peel and core the apples. Slice them into chunks and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or until soft.

2. Mash the baked apples into a smooth puree using a blender or food processor.

3. Allow the puree to cool completely before moving to the next step.

Step 2: Whipping the Mixture

1. Combine the cooled apple puree and 200g sugar in a mixing bowl. Mix well.

2. Add the egg white and whisk the mixture using a stand or hand mixer until it forms stiff peaks. This process can take 7–10 minutes.

Step 3: Making the Syrup

1. In a saucepan, combine the agar-agar powder, water, and the additional 150g sugar.

2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously, until it begins to boil. Allow it to simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Combining the Components

1. Gradually pour the hot agar-agar syrup into the whipped apple mixture while continuing to mix.

2. Beat the mixture for another 3–5 minutes until well combined.

Step 5: Piping the Zefir

1. Transfer the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star tip.

2. Pipe small swirls of zefir onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each.

Step 6: Letting It Set

1. Allow the zefir to set at room temperature for 5–6 hours, or overnight, until firm to the touch.

2. Dust the zefir with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

Enjoy Your Homemade Zefir

Once set, your zefir is ready to enjoy. It pairs wonderfully with tea or as a light dessert after a meal. Stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for up to a week.