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 always reminds me of cozy winter evenings spent with family, enjoying the warmth and festive flavors together.
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 This recipe has become a holiday tradition in our family especially when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Variations
Try adding ground cinnamon or ginger for a warm spicy note or using apples instead of pears for a different fruity twist.
Dietary Tips
For a vegan version use aquafaba (chickpea brine) in place of egg whites to make the meringue.
Additional Information
Contains eggs. Check cornstarch and vanilla extract labels for gluten or other allergens if sensitive.
Save Serve this dessert warm or at room temperature to enjoy the full depth of flavors and textures.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the pears with another fruit?
Yes, apples work well as a substitute, providing a slightly different texture and sweetness that complements the cranberries.
- → How do I achieve stiff peaks for the meringue?
Beat egg whites with cream of tartar and salt on medium speed until soft peaks form, then gradually add sugar while beating on high until stiff, glossy peaks appear.
- → What is the best way to serve this dessert?
Serve it warm or at room temperature, optionally paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.
- → Can I prepare this dessert vegan-friendly?
Yes, replace egg whites with aquafaba (chickpea brine) to create a vegan meringue alternative.
- → What flavor additions complement the fruit filling?
Adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or ginger enhances the warmth and depth of the filling’s flavors.