Sunshine In A Cloud
A light and airy dessert featuring crispy meringue layers, crunchy pecans, saltines, and creamy chocolate pudding, perfect for gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff.
- Gradually add sugar in 1/2 cup increments, continuing to beat until glossy and firm.
- Fold in crushed saltines and chopped pecans gently.
- Spread mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Layer the cooled meringue with prepared chocolate pudding and top with whipped cream or Cool Whip.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your mixing bowl is completely clean and free of grease when beating egg whites, as any residue can prevent them from whipping properly. If you don't have cream of tartar, lemon juice can be used as a substitute. You can also customize this dessert by adding different nuts or using graham cracker crumbs instead of saltines for a different texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful dessert chilled, and consider pairing it with fresh berries for a burst of flavor. It can also be enjoyed alongside a light salad, like Seelbach Hotel's Grilled Heartland Vegetable Salad, to balance the sweetness. This dessert is perfect for gatherings and can be cut into individual portions for easy serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The meringue may soften over time, so it's best enjoyed fresh. If you want to reheat the meringue, do so in a low oven for a few minutes to restore some crispness, but note that it may not return to its original texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sunshine In A Cloud contains roughly 1748 calories, with 33g protein, 130g carbohydrates, and 97g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (65% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), and iron (48% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 785mg per serving (34% 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 type of nut in this recipe?
Yes, feel free to substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds, depending on your preference. Just ensure that the nuts are chopped into similar sizes for even distribution in the dessert.
What can I use instead of instant chocolate pudding?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can use instant vanilla or butterscotch pudding as a delicious alternative. Just prepare it according to the package instructions before layering it with the meringue.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meringue and pudding a day in advance. Just layer them the day you plan to serve to ensure the meringue stays crisp. Keep it refrigerated until serving.
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).