Description
A festive Christmas Pavlova Wreath featuring a crisp meringue ring topped with fluffy whipped cream and an assortment of fresh berries, freeze-dried raspberries, raspberry coulis, and mint leaves, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Meringue
- 6 medium egg whites (or 5 large)
- 300 g white caster sugar
- 1 tsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp cornflour
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- 450 ml double cream
- 2 tbsp icing sugar
- Fresh fruit (blackberries, pomegranate seeds, raspberries, blueberries, etc.)
- Freeze dried raspberries
- Raspberry coulis
- Mint leaves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Tray: Preheat your oven to 150°C (130°C fan). Line a large baking tray with baking parchment to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of the meringue wreath.
- Whisk Egg Whites: Using a stand mixer such as a KitchenAid, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This provides the structure needed for the meringue to be light and airy.
- Add Sugar Gradually: Gradually add the caster sugar, one teaspoon at a time, while continuing to whisk. Once all sugar is incorporated, the mixture will become glossy and smooth, indicating it’s ready for the next step.
- Incorporate Vinegar, Cornflour, and Vanilla: Whisk in the white wine vinegar, then the cornflour, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until completely smooth. These ingredients stabilize the meringue and add flavor.
- Shape the Wreath: Place a small bowl in the center of the parchment paper as a guide. Using a tablespoon, dollop large spoonfuls of the meringue mixture around the bowl, creating a ring shape like a wreath. Use a fork to spike the dollops slightly to add texture.
- Remove Guide and Bake: Carefully lift out the bowl, leaving the meringue wreath on the parchment. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, then turn off the oven heat and leave the meringue inside to cool completely without opening the door. This slow cooling process prevents cracks and ensures a crisp texture. Leaving it overnight is recommended for best results.
- Prepare Fruit and Whipped Cream: Chop larger fruits such as strawberries and clean all berries thoroughly. Whip the double cream with the icing sugar until soft peaks form.
- Assemble the Wreath: Spread, dollop, or pipe the whipped cream onto the cooled meringue wreath. Arrange the fresh fruit on top, sprinkle with freeze-dried raspberries, add a few fresh mint leaves for color, and dust lightly with icing sugar. Optionally, decorate with edible glitter for a festive touch.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your beautiful Christmas Pavlova Wreath immediately for a delightful holiday dessert.
Notes
- This Christmas Pavlova Wreath is perfect for the festive season, showcasing your favorite berries combined with raspberry coulis, fresh mint, and decadent whipped cream.
- For best results, allow the meringue to cool completely inside the oven overnight to achieve a crisp exterior and soft interior.
- You can customize the fruits based on seasonal availability or personal preference.
- Using fresh and freeze-dried raspberries adds varied textures and bursts of flavor.
- Handle the meringue gently after baking as it is delicate and can easily break.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 287 kcal
- Sugar: 31 g
- Sodium: 44 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 61 mg
