Pin It A festive winter dessert featuring tart cranberries and sweet pears baked beneath a fluffy meringue, evoking a snowy landscape with bright, seasonal flavors.
This dessert always reminds me of cozy winter holidays spent with family.
Ingredients
- Fruit Filling: 3 ripe pears peeled cored and diced, 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 tbsp orange juice, 1 tsp orange zest, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Meringue Topping: 3 large egg whites room temperature, ¼ tsp cream of tartar, ¼ tsp salt, ½ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round baking dish or similar casserole dish.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl combine the diced pears cranberries sugar orange juice orange zest vanilla extract and cornstarch. Mix gently until the fruit is well coated.
- Step 3:
- Pour the fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish spreading it into an even layer.
- Step 4:
- Bake the fruit filling for 20 minutes until the fruit starts to soften and release juices. Remove from oven.
- Step 5:
- While the fruit bakes prepare the meringue In a clean dry bowl beat the egg whites with cream of tartar and salt using an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Step 6:
- Gradually add the sugar a tablespoon at a time while continuing to beat on high speed until stiff glossy peaks form.
- Step 7:
- Spoon or pipe the meringue over the hot fruit creating decorative peaks to resemble a snowy landscape.
- Step 8:
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the meringue is lightly golden.
- Step 9:
- Let cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Pin It Sharing this recipe creates warm moments and sweet memories with loved ones.
Notes
For extra flavor add a pinch of ground cinnamon or ginger to the fruit filling. Substitute apples for pears if desired. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent touch. For a vegan version use aquafaba (chickpea brine) in place of egg whites.
Required Tools
9-inch baking dish Electric mixer Mixing bowls Rubber spatula Zester or grater
Nutritional Information
Calories 180 Total Fat 0.5 g Carbohydrates 44 g Protein 2 g per serving
Pin It Enjoy this delightful dessert as a perfect end to your festive meals.
Recipe FAQs
- → What fruits are used in this dessert?
Diced ripe pears and fresh or frozen cranberries form the base, combining sweet and tart flavors.
- → How is the meringue prepared?
Egg whites are beaten with cream of tartar and salt until soft peaks form, then sugar is added gradually until stiff, glossy peaks develop.
- → Can substitutions be made for pears?
Yes, apples can be used instead of pears for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- → What baking dish size is recommended?
A 9-inch round baking dish or similar casserole dish works best for even cooking and presentation.
- → Are there tips for adding extra flavor?
Ground cinnamon or ginger can be added to the fruit filling to provide warm, spicy notes.
- → Is there a vegan alternative for the topping?
Yes, aquafaba (chickpea brine) can replace egg whites to create a similar meringue texture for a vegan-friendly option.