The Christmas Pavlova Wreath is a delightful pavlova dessert that brings joy to any holiday table. I remember the first time my son, Alex, helped me make this festive treat. He was so excited to whip the egg whites that we ended up with meringue all over the kitchen! This dessert is not only fun to make but also a showstopper for your Christmas gatherings.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s light and airy, perfect after a hearty holiday meal.
- You can customize it with your favorite seasonal fruits.
- It’s gluten-free, making it a great option for various diets.
Pure Comfort
This pavlova dessert is pure comfort, combining the sweetness of meringue with the tartness of fresh fruit. Every bite feels like a hug on a plate, making it a must-have for Christmas food desserts.
What You Need
- 4 large egg whites – Make sure they are at room temperature for better whipping.
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar – Use superfine sugar for a smoother texture.
- 1 tsp cornstarch – This helps create a chewy center.
- 1 tsp white vinegar – You can substitute with lemon juice.
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream – Whipped cream can be sweetened to taste.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – For added flavor.
- 2 cups fresh fruit (kiwi, strawberries, pomegranate) – Feel free to mix and match your favorites.
- for garnish mint leaves – Optional, but adds a nice touch.
Time to Cook
Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 1 hour | Total: 1 hour 20 minutes | Difficulty: easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can make the meringue a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw a large circle on it to guide your pavlova shape.
- In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat on high speed. The mixture should become glossy and stiff peaks should form after about 5 minutes.
- Gently fold in the cornstarch, vinegar, and vanilla extract using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the mixture; it should remain light and airy.
- Spoon the meringue onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping it into a wreath. Use the back of a spoon to create peaks for a beautiful texture.
- Bake the meringue in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until it is dry to the touch and slightly golden. Turn off the oven and leave the door ajar to cool completely.
- Once cooled, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Spread it generously over the meringue wreath.
- Top the whipped cream with your choice of fresh fruit, arranging it beautifully. Add mint leaves for a festive touch.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy. This dessert is best served fresh.
Make It Perfect
- Make sure your mixing bowl is completely clean and dry for the best results when whipping egg whites.
- If you want to add a little color, consider adding a few drops of food coloring to the meringue before baking.
Mix It Up
- Try adding different fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a burst of color.
- For a chocolate twist, drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the top before serving.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with a glass of sparkling wine for a festive touch.
- Pair with a warm cup of spiced cider for a cozy holiday experience.
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FAQs
Can I make the meringue ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the meringue a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can I freeze the pavlova?
It’s best not to freeze the pavlova as it may lose its texture. However, the meringue can be frozen for up to a month.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use coconut cream or a dairy-free whipped topping if needed.
What fruits work best on a pavlova?
Fruits like kiwi, strawberries, and pomegranate are great, but feel free to use any seasonal fruits you love.
Conclusion
This Christmas Pavlova Wreath is a delightful pavlova dessert that will surely impress your family and friends. With its light texture and vibrant toppings, it’s a showstopper for any holiday gathering. Don’t forget to share your creations and enjoy the festive spirit!
Christmas Pavlova Wreath
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- electric mixer
- Spatula
Ingredients
Main
- 4 large egg whites room temperature
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar use superfine sugar for smoother texture
- 1 tsp cornstarch helps create a chewy center
- 1 tsp white vinegar can substitute with lemon juice
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream whipped cream can be sweetened to taste
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh fruit kiwi, strawberries, pomegranate or other seasonal fruits
- mint leaves for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw a large circle to guide the pavlova shape.
- Beat egg whites in a clean bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.
- Gradually add granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time while beating on high speed until mixture is glossy and stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes.
- Gently fold in cornstarch, vinegar, and vanilla extract with a spatula without deflating the mixture.
- Spoon meringue onto prepared baking sheet shaping it into a wreath and create peaks with the back of a spoon for texture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour until dry to the touch and slightly golden. Turn off oven and leave the door ajar to cool completely.
- Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form and spread generously over the cooled meringue wreath.
- Arrange fresh fruit on top of the whipped cream and garnish with mint leaves if desired.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy; best served fresh.