The Pull Apart Pavlova Wreath is a delightful treat for festive gatherings. I remember the first time I made this with my daughter, Lily; we had flour everywhere, but the laughter made it all worth it. This holiday pavlova wreath is not only beautiful but also a fun dessert that everyone can enjoy together.
Table of Contents
Why Youโll Love It
- It’s a show-stopper dessert that impresses guests.
- You can customize it with your favorite fruits and toppings.
- It’s light and airy, perfect after a heavy meal.
- Everyone can pull apart their own piece, making it interactive.
Pure Comfort
This dessert brings the joy of the holidays right to your table, combining sweetness with a touch of nostalgia. Each bite is like a fluffy cloud topped with vibrant berries, making it a perfect addition to any Christmas gathering.
What You Need
- 4 large egg whites – Make sure they are at room temperature for better volume.
- 1 cup 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g) – This sweetens the meringue beautifully.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds a lovely flavor.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp white vinegar – Helps stabilize the meringue.
- 2 cups 2 cups heavy cream (480 ml) – For whipping; can substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp powdered sugar – Sweetens the whipped cream.
- 1 cup 1 cup mixed berries – Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries work well.
- for garnish mint leaves – Optional, for a fresh touch.
Time to Cook
Prep: 30 minutes | Cook: 1 hour | Total: 1 hour 30 minutes | Difficulty: easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prepare the meringue a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 225ยฐF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw a large circle on it to guide your meringue. This will help shape your pull apart pavlova wreath.
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. This should take about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the whites look fluffy and hold their shape slightly.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat on high speed. Beat until the mixture is glossy and stiff peaks form, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The sugar should be fully dissolved for a smooth texture.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and vinegar gently. This will add flavor and stability to your meringue. The mixture should be shiny and hold its shape well.
- Spoon the meringue onto the prepared circle, shaping it into a wreath. Use a spatula to create peaks and swirls for a festive look. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour until itโs dry to the touch and lightly golden.
- Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the meringue inside with the door slightly ajar for about 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking as it cools. It should feel light and airy when done.
- While the meringue cools, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. It should be fluffy and hold its shape, perfect for topping your wreath.
- Once the meringue is completely cool, spread the whipped cream over the top. Arrange the mixed berries on top for a colorful finish. Garnish with mint leaves if desired.
- Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before serving. This dessert is best enjoyed fresh but can be made ahead of time.
Make It Perfect
- Make sure your mixing bowl is completely clean and dry for the best meringue.
- Use room temperature egg whites for better volume.
- Donโt rush the sugar addition; it helps create a stable meringue.
- If you want a berry sauce, just mash some berries with a little sugar and drizzle it over the top.
Mix It Up
- Try adding lemon zest to the whipped cream for a citrusy twist.
- Use chocolate shavings instead of berries for a different flavor.
- For a tropical version, top with mango and passion fruit.
Perfect Partners
- Pair with a light dessert wine for a festive touch.
- Serve alongside coffee or tea for a cozy gathering.
๐ก For more recipes, follow me on Facebook and Pinterest.
FAQs
Can I make the meringue ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meringue a day in advance and store it in an airtight container.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours. The meringue may soften over time.
Can I freeze the pavlova?
It’s best not to freeze the pavlova as it can lose its texture. Make it fresh for the best results.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Coconut cream is a great dairy-free alternative.
What if my meringue cracks?
Cracking can happen; just cover it with whipped cream and berries for a beautiful presentation.
Conclusion
This Pull Apart Pavlova Wreath is a delightful addition to your holiday table. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a fun experience for family and friends. Enjoy creating this festive treat and watch it disappear faster than you can say Merry Christmas!
Pull Apart Pavlova Wreath for Festive Gatherings
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Whisk
Ingredients
Main
- 4 large egg whites room temperature for better volume
- 1 cup granulated sugar sweetens the meringue beautifully
- 1 tsp vanilla extract adds a lovely flavor
- 1 tsp white vinegar helps stabilize the meringue
- 2 cups heavy cream for whipping; can substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free option
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar sweetens the whipped cream
- 1 cup mixed berries strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries
- for garnish mint leaves optional, for a fresh touch
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 225ยฐF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper; draw a large circle to guide your meringue.
- Beat the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time while beating on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 5-7 minutes.
- Gently mix in vanilla extract and white vinegar until the mixture is shiny and holds its shape well.
- Spoon the meringue onto the prepared circle shaping it into a wreath; create peaks and swirls using a spatula.
- Bake for about 1 hour until dry to the touch and lightly golden, then turn off the oven and leave meringue inside with door slightly ajar for 1 hour to cool.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Spread whipped cream over the cooled meringue wreath and arrange mixed berries on top; garnish with mint leaves if desired.
- Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before serving.