This Apple Cranberry Meringue Cake is a beautifully layered dessert combining tart fruit with a graham cracker crust and a golden, fluffy meringue topping. With a foundation of stewed apples and sweetened cranberries nestled atop a buttery graham base, the crowning layer of baked meringue adds both texture and elegance. Its vibrant contrast of sweet, tart, and toasty flavors makes it an ideal showstopper for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, or any time you want to elevate a humble fruit dessert.
Ingredients
Base & Filling:
- ¾ cup graham cracker (crushed crumbs)
- 1-2 tbsp margarine (melted (to spread in bottom of pan))
- 1 cup dried apples
- ½ cup whole cranberries
- 1 dash lemon juice
- Water (enough to cover fruit for cooking)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup white sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 pinch clove
- 1 tbsp flour
Meringue:
- 3 egg whites
- ⅛ tsp cream of tartar
- 6 tbsp sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Crust
- Spread melted margarine across the bottom of a 9-inch cake pan.
- Sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs to form a base.
Step 2: Cook Apple Mixture
- In a pan, combine dried apples, lemon juice, and enough water to cover.
- Cook over medium heat until fruit softens.
- Add brown sugar, white sugar, spices, and flour. Stir well and simmer 5–10 minutes.
Step 3: Cook Cranberry Topping
- In another pan, cook cranberries with ¼ cup sugar for 5–10 minutes until they begin to pop and soften.
Step 4: Assemble
- Pour apple mixture evenly over the graham crust.
- Spoon cranberry mixture over apples in an even layer.
Step 5: Make Meringue
- In a bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Spread meringue over the fruit layers, sealing to the pan edges.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes or until meringue is golden brown.
Tips
- Substitute fresh apples if dried are unavailable—adjust sugar accordingly.
- Add orange zest for a citrusy twist in the cranberry topping.
- Use a pre-made graham crust for convenience.
- Top with chopped nuts before baking for added crunch.
- Serve chilled or slightly warm with whipped cream.
Nutrition
Calories: 269kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 2gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 965mgPotassium: 116mgFiber: 2gSugar: 36gVitamin A: 71IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!