No Peeking Dessert
A light, airy meringue dessert layered with sweet cherry pie filling, perfect for a no-fuss, overnight treat that impresses with minimal effort and delightful flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Combine egg whites, cream of tartar, vanilla, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Whip the mixture until stiff peaks form.
- Pour the meringue into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for a short time.
- Turn off the oven after baking.
- Leave the dessert in the oven overnight without peeking.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of grease to achieve maximum volume in the egg whites. If you don't have cream of tartar, you can substitute with white vinegar or lemon juice, using about 1 teaspoon for each 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar. Be patient while whipping the egg whites until stiff peaks form; this is crucial for the meringue's structure.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert is delightful when served chilled, with a layer of cherry pie filling on top. For added flavor, consider pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also pairs beautifully with Grandma Griffin'S Egg Custard for a comforting dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To serve, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly before enjoying. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the meringue may become compromised.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of No Peeking Dessert contains roughly 166 calories, with 14g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value) and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1944mg per serving (85% 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 a different fruit filling instead of cherry?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cherry pie filling with other fruit varieties like blueberry, apple, or even peach. Just ensure that the filling is not too runny, as this could affect the meringue's texture.
What should I do if my meringue doesn't form stiff peaks?
If your meringue isn't forming stiff peaks, it may be due to residual fat or moisture in your bowl or beaters. Make sure everything is clean and dry, and try adding a bit more cream of tartar to help stabilize the egg whites.
Is it necessary to bake the meringue at such a high temperature?
Baking at a high temperature helps to create a crisp outer shell while keeping the inside soft. However, if you're concerned about over-browning, you can lower the temperature slightly, but be mindful that it may affect the final texture.
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).