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Apple Cranberry Meringue Cake
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.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 269 kcal

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

  • Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to intensify warm fall flavors.
  • Substitute pears for apples for a softer, more delicate filling.
  • Add orange zest to brighten the cranberry topping.
  • Use butter instead of margarine for a richer crust.
  • Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
  • Replace cranberries with raspberries for a sweeter profile.
  • Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
  • Use gluten-free graham crumbs if needed.
  • Add ½ tsp vanilla to the meringue for enhanced flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 269kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 2gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 965mgPotassium: 116mgFiber: 2gSugar: 36gVitamin A: 71IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1mg
Keyword apple dessert, cranberry dessert, fruit cake, heirloom recipe, holiday dessert, meringue, vintage recipe