A common problem with meringue pie toppings is that they weep syrup onto the base and don’t adhere properly. This can be caused both by relative undercooking of the foam bottom when the pie base is cold and the oven hot, or by relative overcooking on a hot pie base in a moderate oven. Preventive measures include covering the pie base with a syrup-absorbing layer of crumbs before adding the meringue topping, and including starch or gelatin in the foam to help it retain moisture.