Save A festive winter dessert featuring tart cranberries and sweet pears baked beneath a fluffy meringue, evoking a snowy landscape with bright, seasonal flavors.
I first made this dessert during the holidays and was amazed at how the bright flavors and light topping brought my family together around the table.
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
- Preheat:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round baking dish or similar casserole dish.
- Mix Fruit:
- In a large bowl, combine diced pears, cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and cornstarch. Mix gently until fruit is well coated.
- Pour Filling:
- Pour fruit mixture into prepared baking dish, spreading into an even layer.
- Bake Fruit:
- Bake fruit filling for 20 minutes until fruit softens and releases juices. Remove from oven.
- Prepare Meringue:
- Beat egg whites with cream of tartar and salt using electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Add Sugar:
- Gradually add sugar a tablespoon at a time while beating on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Top Fruit:
- Spoon or pipe meringue over hot fruit, creating decorative peaks to resemble a snowy landscape.
- Bake Meringue:
- Return dish to oven and bake an additional 15 minutes or until meringue is lightly golden.
- Serve:
- Let cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Save This dessert has become a family tradition, often enjoyed together during winter celebrations and holiday dinners.
Required Tools
9-inch baking dish, electric mixer, mixing bowls, rubber spatula, zester or grater
Allergen Information
Contains eggs. Check cornstarch and vanilla extract labels for gluten or other allergens if sensitive.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 180 calories, 0.5 g total fat, 44 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein
Save This dessert offers a perfect balance of tart and sweet with a festive appearance, making it a wonderful ending to any winter meal.
Recipe FAQ
- → What fruits are used in this dish?
Ripe pears and fresh or frozen cranberries combine to create a tart-sweet fruit base that complements the fluffy meringue topping.
- → How is the meringue prepared?
Egg whites are whipped with cream of tartar and salt to soft peaks, then sugar is added gradually until stiff, glossy peaks form, perfect for baking.
- → Can flavors be adjusted?
Yes, adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or ginger enhances warmth, while substituting apples for pears offers a different fruit profile.
- → What baking equipment is recommended?
A 9-inch round baking dish and an electric mixer are essential to ensure even baking and properly whipped meringue.
- → Is there a vegan alternative for the topping?
Aquafaba, the liquid from chickpeas, can replace egg whites to create a vegan meringue with similar texture and volume.