Cherry Meringue Dessert
A delightful cherry meringue dessert featuring a crisp cookie crust, fluffy meringue, and sweet cherry filling, perfect for special occasions or a fruity treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Blend shortening with sugar, creaming well. Mix in egg yolks and milk; beat until smooth. Add dry ingredients all at once and stir until a dough forms.
- Press the dough into the bottom of a well-greased 9-inch round layer pan.
- Chop pecans; reserve 2 tablespoons for the meringue. Sprinkle the remaining pecans over the dough. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12 to 15 minutes. Cool.
- Heat cherry pie filling and add almond extract. Cool.
- Transfer the cookie crust to a baking sheet. Beat egg whites until soft mounds form. Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Drop meringue by tablespoonfuls around the edge of the crust. Sprinkle with reserved pecans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until meringue is golden. Fill the center with cherry filling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter meringue, ensure your bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of grease. If you don't have almond extract, vanilla extract can be a good substitute. For a nut-free version, you can omit the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch. This dessert can also be enjoyed as a part of American recipes for gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cherry Meringue Dessert chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor. It pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the tartness of the cherries. For a delightful twist, consider serving it alongside a slice of Rich Chilled Banana Pudding for a dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The meringue may start to weep over time, but it will still taste delicious. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Avoid reheating the entire dessert as it may affect the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Meringue Dessert contains roughly 131 calories, with 3g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value), calcium (15% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1149mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Simply pit and slice them, then cook them with a bit of sugar and cornstarch until thickened. This will create a fresh cherry filling that adds a vibrant flavor to the dessert.
What can I substitute for shortening?
You can substitute butter or margarine for shortening in this recipe. Keep in mind that butter will add a richer flavor and may slightly alter the texture of the crust, but it will still work well.
How do I know when the meringue is done baking?
The meringue is done baking when it has turned a light golden color and feels firm to the touch. If it's still soft and sticky, it needs more time in the oven. Avoid overbaking, as it can become dry.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).