Save 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 reminds me of cozy winter gatherings where the warm fruit filling and light meringue never fail to impress family and friends.
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
- Mix Fruit:
- 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
- Layer Fruit:
- Pour the fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish spreading it into an even layer
- Bake Fruit Filling:
- 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 with Meringue:
- 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
- Serve:
- Let cool slightly Serve warm or at room temperature
Save It This dessert brings my family together every winter creating warm memories and smiles around the table.
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
Calories 180, Total Fat 0.5 g, Carbohydrates 44 g, Protein 2 g per serving
Save It This cranberry and pear snowscape is the perfect festive dessert to warm up your winter nights and delight your guests.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure the meringue forms stiff peaks?
Use room temperature egg whites and beat them with cream of tartar and salt on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar while beating on high speed until glossy, stiff peaks appear.
- → Can I substitute pears with another fruit?
Yes, apples can be used as a substitute, providing a similar texture and sweetness to complement the cranberries.
- → What adds the snowy effect to the dish?
The decorative peaks of the fluffy meringue topping create a snowy, picturesque appearance resembling a winter landscape.
- → Is there a vegan alternative for the meringue?
Chickpea brine, also known as aquafaba, can be used instead of egg whites to create a vegan meringue with similar texture and volume.
- → What flavors enhance the fruit filling?
Orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract add bright, fragrant notes that balance the tartness of cranberries and sweetness of pears.
- → Can this dish be served warm or cold?
It is versatile and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, allowing the meringue to maintain its fluffy texture.