Christmas Pavlova Wreath

Oh wow, Christmas feels extra special with pretty treats, right? The first time I made a pavlova wreath, I couldn’t stop staring at it. It looked so fancy but felt so fun to make.

I love how the meringue turns so light and crisp on the outside. Then, oh my, the inside is soft and fluffy like a cloud. And with berries and cream on top, it looks like Christmas magic on a plate.

Everyone at my table kept saying “wow” before even taking a bite. It feels like a big holiday centerpiece, but it’s sweet and yummy too. Honestly, I think it makes Christmas dinner feel more joyful.

So, let’s do it together! Grab some eggs, sugar, and cream, and we’ll make this wreath shine. Trust me, it’s easier than it looks, and it makes the holiday feel so bright.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Pavlova Wreath Recipe

• A Showstopper Dessert: The pavlova wreath looks absolutely stunning, making it a perfect dessert to impress your holiday guests.
• Customizable and Festive: You can decorate the wreath with your choice of fresh berries, dried fruit, and mint leaves, making it a versatile and customizable dessert for your Christmas spread.
• Easy to Make: Despite its grandeur, making a pavlova is straightforward and doesn’t require any special skills or equipment.
• Light and Refreshing: With its meringue base and fresh fruit topping, this dessert is light enough to enjoy even after a heavy holiday meal.
• Perfect for Make-Ahead: You can prepare the meringue ahead of time, making this dessert great for reducing stress on the day of your celebration.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you get started with this festive pavlova wreath, you’ll need a few essential tools:

• Electric Mixer: To beat the egg whites to stiff peaks.
• Baking Sheet: For shaping the meringue wreath.
• Parchment Paper: To prevent the meringue from sticking to the baking sheet.
• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining ingredients.
• Spatula: For spreading the meringue into shape and decorating.
• Whisk: For whipping the cream and sugar together.

Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for the meringue base and filling:

For the Meringue:

• 6 Medium Egg Whites (or 5 large eggs): Fresh eggs work best for achieving stiff peaks when beaten.
• 300 g White Caster Sugar: Fine sugar dissolves easily and helps achieve a smooth, glossy meringue.
• 1 tsp White Wine Vinegar: This helps stabilize the egg whites and gives the meringue a light texture.
• 1 tsp Cornflour (Cornstarch): This helps to prevent the meringue from becoming too sticky and gives it structure.
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla adds a subtle, aromatic flavor to the meringue.

For the Filling:

• 450 ml Double Cream: Heavy cream is perfect for whipping and provides a rich, velvety filling.
• 2 tbsp Icing Sugar: Powdered sugar is used to sweeten the whipped cream.
• Fresh Fruit: Use a mix of vibrant, colorful fruits to decorate the wreath. I recommend blackberries, raspberries, pomegranate seeds, blueberries, and strawberries.
• Freeze-Dried Raspberries: These give an extra burst of flavor and a lovely pop of color on top of the pavlova.
• Raspberry Coulis: A drizzle of raspberry coulis adds a touch of tartness to balance the sweetness of the meringue.
• Mint Leaves: Fresh mint adds a hint of freshness and a pop of green to complement the berries.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Christmas Pavlova Wreath

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 120°C (250°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and draw a large circle (about 8 inches in diameter) in the center. This will be your guide to shape the meringue into a wreath shape. You can use a pencil or pen, but just be sure to have the parchment paper on the reverse side so the marks don’t touch the meringue.

2. Whisk the Egg Whites

In a clean, dry mixing bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks, being careful not to get any yolk in the whites. Even the smallest amount of fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping up properly.

Using an electric mixer, start whisking the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Once the soft peaks have formed, gradually add the caster sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to whisk on high speed. This process should take about 8-10 minutes. You’ll know the meringue is ready when it’s thick, glossy, and forms stiff peaks that stand up when you lift the whisk.

3. Add the Cornflour, Vinegar, and Vanilla

Once the meringue is stiff and glossy, gently fold in the cornflour, white wine vinegar, and vanilla extract using a spatula. This will help stabilize the meringue and add a subtle flavor.

4. Shape the Meringue Wreath

Carefully spoon the meringue onto the parchment paper within the circle you drew. Use a spatula to spread the meringue evenly and create a wreath shape with slightly raised edges. This will form the base for your whipped cream and fruit filling.

5. Bake the Meringue

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. The meringue should be crisp and pale, with a slight golden hue. Avoid opening the oven door during baking, as this can cause the meringue to crack. Once baked, turn off the oven and allow the meringue to cool completely in the oven with the door slightly ajar. This helps prevent cracks and ensures a soft, chewy center.

6. Prepare the Filling

While the meringue is cooling, you can prepare the whipped cream filling. In a large mixing bowl, whip the double cream with the icing sugar until it forms soft peaks. Be careful not to over-whip the cream, as it can turn into butter.

7. Assemble the Christmas Pavlova Wreath

Once the meringue has cooled, carefully transfer it to a serving platter. Gently spoon the whipped cream onto the center of the meringue wreath, spreading it evenly to the edges. Be generous with the cream, as it balances the sweetness of the meringue.

8. Decorate the Wreath

Now comes the fun part—decorating the pavlova! Arrange your fresh berries, such as blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and pomegranate seeds, on top of the whipped cream. Sprinkle some freeze-dried raspberries for extra flavor and color. Drizzle the raspberry coulis around the edges of the wreath, creating a festive swirl of tangy sweetness. Finally, add a few sprigs of fresh mint leaves for a pop of green and a fresh touch.

9. Serve and Enjoy!

Your Christmas Pavlova Wreath is now ready to serve! It’s best enjoyed on the same day, but it can be kept in the fridge for a few hours before serving. Just be aware that the meringue may soften over time, so it’s best served shortly after assembly to retain its crunchy texture.

Variations for Christmas Pavlova Wreath

• Tropical Twist: For a more exotic twist, top the pavlova with kiwi slices, mango cubes, and passion fruit.
• Chocolate Lovers: Add a drizzle of dark chocolate ganache over the whipped cream for a richer flavor.
• Nuts and Seeds: Garnish with toasted almonds or pistachios for added texture and flavor.
• Festive Spice: Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the whipped cream for a warm holiday spice.

Storing Christmas Pavlova Wreath

While pavlova is best enjoyed fresh, you can store the meringue base in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. Once assembled with whipped cream and fruit, it’s best to serve the pavlova within a few hours, as the meringue will soften over time due to the moisture from the cream and fruit.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	250 kcal
Protein	2g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fat	12g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	30g

Conclusion

The Christmas Pavlova Wreath is a delightful dessert that combines the crisp meringue base with a luscious whipped cream filling and a burst of fresh fruit. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or simply looking for a festive dessert to enjoy with family, this pavlova wreath is sure to be a hit. It’s light, refreshing, and absolutely delicious!