Cherry Meringue Dessert combines layers of a crispy tender meringue with a smooth cream cheese mixture that’s slathered with a sweet-tart cherry topping. It’s an easy cherry dessert that’s just as pretty to look at as it is delicious.
NOTE: The meringue layer should be made 12 hours or the day before it’s needed.
This post has been updated from 2016 to improve readers’ experience.
Very Cherry Meringue Dessert combines layers of flavors and textures. This beautiful cherry dessert will be a hit on any table.
One look at this Meringue dessert will have friends and family doing a double-take.
This is truly a unique layered Cherry Meringue dessert that was handed down from my Grandmother.
Meringue can be intimidating but it doesn’t have to be. I’m sharing tips with you to guarantee your cherry dessert is a success.
Cherry Meringue Dessert Recipe Ingredients.
- Egg whites – Do not substitute with packaged egg whites.
- The pasteurization process of packaged egg whites can prevent egg whites from forming a stable meringue.
- Cream of tartar – acts as a stabilizer in the meringue.
- Salt – brings out the sweetness of the sugar.
- Sugar – white granulated sugar
- Cream cheese – we used a full-fat version.
- You can also use a light version. We haven’t experimented with the fat-free version.
- Vanilla extract – we used pure vanilla and not an imitation.
- Whipped topping – We purchased the whipped topping.
- You can substitute by making your own using 1-1/2 cups of heavy whipping cream.
- Miniature marshmallows
- Cherry Pie Filling – we like the “more fruit” version but use what you have available.
- Frozen, unsweetened raspberries – The unsweetened version adds a tartness that balances out the sweetness of the cherry pie filling.
How to make Cherry Meringue Dessert in 3 steps
This Meringue Dessert is best if made about 12 hours before you want to serve it. That gives the creamy level a chance to blend with the meringue layer. You can make the cherry topping ahead of time and add it right before serving it. The flavors and textures of this cherry dessert are amazing.
Meringue
- In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, beat egg whites on medium-low until foamy.
- Add cream of tartar and beat on medium until peaks start to form.
- Add sugar and salt and beat on medium-high to high until stiff and glossy.
- Pour into a well-greased 9×13 pan.
- Bake for 60 minutes. Turn the oven off and leave the pan in the oven to cool for 12 hours or overnight with the door closed. To be honest, my meringue was in the oven for probably closer to 15 hours.
If the eggs are beaten too quickly in the beginning the structure of the foam will not be as strong and later the egg whites will not whip up as high.
Creamy layer
- Beat cream cheese, vanilla, and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the whipped topping and marshmallows. We did this by hand with a spatula.
- Spread the mixture over the Meringue layer.
- Refrigerate for 3 hours or longer.
Cherry topping
- Stir the cherry pie filling and the frozen raspberries together.
- Refrigerate until serving.
Assembly
- Cut dessert into squares.
- Top with cherry mixture.
Tips for the perfect Meringue dessert with cherries
Meringue
- Use fresh eggs. Old eggs can collapse when other ingredients are folded in.
- Bring egg whites to room temperature. Cold egg whites can reduce the volume you get when whipping.
- You can put the eggs into a bowl of room temperature water for 5 minutes to bring them to room temperature instead of leaving them out for an extended period of time. That’s my prefered method.
- Don’t let the egg yolk get into the egg whites. If they do, spoon them out before whipping.
- Don’t overbeat the egg whites. Overbeaten egg whites can look lumpy or dry. It can also cause the meringue to collapse.
- Meringue is baked at a low temperature because they tend to burn.
- Meringue is left in the oven to cool slowly which will prevent or reduce cracking. (Source)
Creamy layer
- Make sure cream cheese is at room temperature before beating. This will make blending easier and creamier when other ingredients are added.
Cherry topping
- Use frozen, unsweetened raspberries that aren’t packed in juice. The juice will thin the topping causing it to bleed on the plate.
- Using unsweetened raspberries adds a tartness to the sweet cherry pie filling.
How to store Cherry Meringue Dessert
This meringue dessert should be refrigerated.
I also suggest that the topping be added right before serving and not to the top of the uncut meringue-cream layer.
When the meringue comes out of the oven you may see a few cracks, but it will still tender in the center.
The creamy layer and beautiful topping will cover them up so it doesn’t matter if there are a couple of cracks. They’ll be covered in yumminess!
Yes! Meringue can be baked two or three days in advance and stored at room temperature in an airtight container.
Add the cream layer at least 3 hours before you need it so it has a chance to meld together and then store it in the refrigerator.
Top individual pieces with the cherry topping right before serving.
Our favorite kitchen gadgets
A great mixer makes this recipe easier to put together. The only other thing you will need is a 9×13 pan and our favorite silicone spatulas.
If you’re still looking for creamy desserts, here are some you may enjoy
Doesn’t this dessert look like it’s ready for Valentine’s Day, the 4th of July, or a Black Tie party?
I hope you enjoyed this delicious recipe as much as we do. Drop me a comment below, and don’t forget to give it a star rating. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Your comments and ratings help others decide if this recipe is for them too.
Did you enjoy this recipe? Don’t forget to pin it for later and follow me on Pinterest for more delicious recipes like this one!
We can’t get enough cherry recipes. Our Frozen Cherry Muffin or our gluten-free Almond Flour Cherry Muffins are amazing!
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[…] Dieses Kirsch-Baiser-Dessert ist ebenso hübsch wie köstlich. Es ist weich und knusprig, cremig und verträumt und passt zu jedem Anlass. Holen Sie sich das Rezept hier […]
Irene
Wednesday 8th of February 2023
Cudos, INSTRUCTIONS were EASY TO FOLLOW.
Fair Square, you did WARN US regarding CRACKS IN THE MERINGUE. Though, my entire Meringue had a massive 20-point earthquake. Though your suggestion to place tons of the Cream Layer to PATCH the holes (think would be a good idea to double the CREAM LAYER FOR PATCHWORK. The MERINGUE is the STAR OF THIS DESSERT.
No, I would not make this again as there are better recipes.
Irene Rodriguez
Julie Menghini
Saturday 11th of February 2023
Thank you, Irene.
Becky
Saturday 12th of February 2022
When is the salt added to merengue?
Julie Menghini
Sunday 13th of February 2022
Thanks for catching that, Becky! I add the salt when I add the sugar. I've fixed the recipe.
Michaela Kenkel
Thursday 28th of January 2021
Julie -- this is hands down the BEST cherry dessert EVER. My oldest son turns his nose up to all things dessert, with the exception of cherry pie - and I thought I would take this recipe for a spin and see if I could raise his eyebrows. It was like those cartoon eyeballs! LOL!! He had TWO pieces and took one home!
Julie Menghini
Thursday 28th of January 2021
I love that, Michaela! It's fun to get those cartoon eyeballs when you share!
Erin
Tuesday 26th of January 2021
I stumbled upon this meringue dessert when brainstorming Valentine's Day desserts and had to do a test to see how it was. And WOW! Just wow! This recipe is excellent, and your tips and tricks to making it right made it so much easier! Thank you--I can't wait to make this for Valentine's!
Julie Menghini
Thursday 28th of January 2021
Thank you, Erin. It's perfect for Valentine's Day!