The Pull Apart Pavlova Wreath is a delightful treat perfect 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 dessert is not only beautiful but also a fun way to bring everyone together during the holidays.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s a show-stopping centerpiece for any holiday table.
- You can customize it with your favorite berries and toppings.
- It’s light and airy, making it a perfect end to a hearty meal.
Pure Comfort
This dessert brings a sense of joy and togetherness, making it ideal for family celebrations. Each bite is a fluffy cloud of sweetness, topped with vibrant berries that burst with flavor.
What You Need
- 4 large egg whites – Make sure they are at room temperature for better whipping.
- 1 cup 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g) – This will help create that lovely meringue texture.
- 1 tsp 1 teaspoon white vinegar – This stabilizes the meringue.
- 1 tsp 1 teaspoon cornstarch – Helps to create a soft center.
- 1 cup 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml) – Whipped for topping.
- 2 tbsp 2 tablespoons powdered sugar – For sweetening the whipped cream.
- 1 tsp 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a lovely flavor to the cream.
- 2 cups assorted berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) – Fresh or frozen, depending on availability.
- for garnish mint leaves – Optional, for a pop of color.
Time to Cook
Prep: 30 minutes | Cook: 1 hour | Total: 1 hour 30 minutes | Difficulty: medium | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can make the meringue a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 250°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help your pavlova bake evenly and not stick.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. You want them to be fluffy and hold their shape but still glossy.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat on high speed. Keep beating until the mixture is thick and shiny, and the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Gently fold in the vinegar and cornstarch using a spatula. This will help stabilize your meringue and give it that perfect texture.
- Spoon the meringue mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping it into a wreath. Use the back of a spoon to create peaks and swirls for a festive look.
- Bake the meringue in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until it is dry to the touch and has a pale color. Turn off the oven and let it cool completely inside with the door slightly ajar.
- Once cool, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the cooled meringue.
- Top with assorted berries, arranging them beautifully. Add mint leaves for a lovely touch. This will make your wreath pop with color!
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving. Enjoy the smiles as everyone pulls apart this delicious wreath.
Make It Perfect
- Make sure your mixing bowl is clean and free of grease for the egg whites to whip properly.
- If you want to make it ahead, store the meringue in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to serve.
- Feel free to mix and match berries based on what you love or have on hand.
Mix It Up
- Try adding a layer of lemon curd under the whipped cream for a zesty twist.
- Swap out the berries for seasonal fruits like peaches or figs for a different flavor.
Perfect Partners
- This dessert pairs beautifully with a light sparkling wine or a cup of herbal tea.
- Consider serving it alongside a cheese platter for a delightful contrast.
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FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meringue a day in advance and store it in an airtight container.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, but it’s best eaten the same day.
Can I freeze the pavlova?
Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the meringue.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
What if my meringue cracks?
Don’t worry! Cracks are normal and can be covered with whipped cream and berries.
Conclusion
The Pull Apart Pavlova Wreath is truly a festive delight that brings joy to any gathering. With its light texture and vibrant toppings, it’s sure to be a hit. So gather your loved ones and enjoy this beautiful dessert together!
Pull Apart Pavlova Wreath for Festive Gatherings
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- electric mixer
- Spatula
Ingredients
Main
- 4 large egg whites at room temperature for better whipping
- 1 cup granulated sugar 200 g
- 1 tsp white vinegar stabilizes the meringue
- 1 tsp cornstarch helps create a soft center
- 1 cup heavy cream 240 ml, whipped for topping
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar for sweetening whipped cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract adds flavor to the cream
- 2 cups assorted berries strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, fresh or frozen
- mint leaves for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed until mixture is thick, shiny, and sugar is dissolved.
- Gently fold in white vinegar and cornstarch using a spatula to stabilize the meringue.
- Spoon the meringue mixture onto the baking sheet, shaping it into a wreath and creating peaks and swirls with the back of a spoon.
- Bake meringue for about 1 hour until dry to the touch and pale in color, then cool completely in oven with door slightly ajar.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form and spread over cooled meringue.
- Top the wreath with assorted berries and mint leaves for color.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to one hour before serving.