Save to Pinterest 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 brings a cozy, festive atmosphere to our holiday table and has become a family favorite over the years.
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.
Save to Pinterest Sharing this dessert is a warm family tradition we look forward to every winter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent touch.
Alternative Versions
For a vegan version, use aquafaba (chickpea brine) in place of egg whites.
Allergen Information
Contains eggs. Check cornstarch and vanilla extract labels for gluten or other allergens if sensitive.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this snowy dessert warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve stiff peaks for the meringue?
Beat egg whites with cream of tartar and salt at medium speed until soft peaks form, then gradually add sugar while increasing speed until stiff, glossy peaks appear.
- → Can I substitute pears with other fruits?
Yes, apples can be used instead of pears to provide a similar texture and sweetness in the fruit filling.
- → What is the purpose of orange juice and zest in the filling?
They add bright, citrus notes that balance the tartness of the cranberries and complement the pear sweetness.
- → How do I get the meringue to have a golden hue?
Bake the dish with meringue topping in the oven for about 15 minutes until the peaks turn lightly golden and slightly crisp.
- → Is there a way to make this dish vegan-friendly?
Replace egg whites with aquafaba (chickpea brine) for the meringue to create a vegan alternative with similar texture.
- → What serving suggestions enhance this dessert?
Serve warm or at room temperature accompanied by vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.