Strawberry Mile High Dessert
A luscious layered dessert featuring strawberries, nuts, and whipped cream, with a crunchy topping. Perfect for summer gatherings and satisfying sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix brown sugar, butter, flour, and nuts together.
- Spread the mixture in a 9x13 inch pan and bake for 8 minutes at 325°F.
- Allow to cool, then crumble the baked mixture and set aside.
- Reserve a small amount of the crumble for topping.
- Layer barely thawed strawberries over the crumble.
- Whip egg whites with sugar and lemon juice until stiff peaks form.
- Spread or pipe the whipped meringue over the strawberries.
- Top with whipped cream and the reserved crumble before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using light brown sugar instead of regular brown sugar. If you want to add a hint of nuttiness, substitute part of the flour with almond flour. Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature for better volume when whipping. This dessert can be made ahead and stored in the fridge, making it a great choice for gatherings or a sweet ending to a dinner featuring dishes like Pumpkin Raisin Nut Bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dessert chilled for the best flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added indulgence. Consider serving alongside fresh fruit or a light salad to balance the sweetness. For a cohesive meal, enjoy it after a comforting dish like Brussels Sprouts In Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing the dessert, as the meringue can become watery. If you need to reheat, do so gently in the microwave for a few seconds, but it's best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry Mile High Dessert contains roughly 233 calories, with 9g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (13% 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 strawberries instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh strawberries can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to slice them and toss them with a bit of sugar to enhance their sweetness. Using fresh strawberries will give the dessert a brighter flavor, but you may need to adjust the layering time to ensure they don't release too much juice.
What can I use instead of nuts for a nut-free version?
If you need a nut-free option, you can substitute the nuts with seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Alternatively, you can simply omit them entirely and use an extra tablespoon of flour to maintain the texture of the crumble. This will still yield a delicious dessert without compromising on flavor.
How do I know when the meringue is done?
The meringue is done when it forms stiff peaks and holds its shape. You should be able to turn the bowl upside down without it sliding out. Be sure to whip until the sugar is fully dissolved; this can take several minutes. If you have a stand mixer, it can make this process easier and more consistent.
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).