Save 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 brings warmth to chilly evenings and has become a holiday favorite in my 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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) Lightly grease a 9-inch round baking dish or similar casserole dish
- Prepare Fruit Filling:
- 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
- Assemble Filling:
- Pour the fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish spreading it into an even layer
- Bake Fruit:
- Bake the fruit filling for 20 minutes until the fruit starts to soften and release juices Remove from oven
- Prepare Meringue:
- 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
- Add Sugar:
- Gradually add the sugar a tablespoon at a time while continuing to beat on high speed until stiff glossy peaks form
- Top Fruit:
- Spoon or pipe the meringue over the hot fruit creating decorative peaks to resemble a snowy landscape
- Bake Meringue:
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the meringue is lightly golden
- Cool and Serve:
- Let cool slightly Serve warm or at room temperature
Save Sharing this dessert at holidays always brings smiles and cherished memories.
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
Allergen Information
Contains eggs Check cornstarch and vanilla extract labels for gluten or other allergens if sensitive
Save This dessert is sure to delight your guests with its bright flavors and snowy appearance.