Pavlova Christmas Tree
The Pavlova Christmas Tree is a stunning and delicious dessert that looks festive and can be the highlight of your holiday table. Made from light and airy meringue, sweet whipped cream, and fresh fruits, this dessert not only tastes great but also adds a touch of elegance to your celebrations. It’s perfect for gatherings with family and friends, ensuring that everyone leaves with a smile.
Why Make This Recipe
This Pavlova Christmas Tree is a great way to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Its vibrant colors and beautiful presentation make it an eye-catching centerpiece. Plus, it’s a delightful alternative to traditional Christmas desserts like cakes or pies. With its light texture and fruity flavors, it’s a treat that everyone can enjoy, including those who may be gluten-free.
How to Make Pavlova Christmas Tree
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup egg whites (from 5 – 6 large eggs, at room temperature)
- 1 1/4 cups caster sugar (superfine white sugar)
- 2 1/2 tsp cornflour/cornstarch
- 1 1/4 tsp white vinegar
- 250g / 8oz frozen or fresh raspberries (no need to thaw)
- 2 tbsp caster sugar (superfine white sugar)
- 2 cups thickened/heavy cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp caster sugar (superfine white sugar)
- 28cm/ 11" bamboo skewer – or 2 shorter skewers
- 10 strawberries, medium, cut into 1.75cm / 3/4" rounds ("Strawberry Pillars")
- 12 strawberries cut into 1cm dices (for scattering between layers)
- Christmas tree star topper (edible or not, sticky taped to a toothpick)
- 125g/ 4oz raspberries
- 16 small sprigs of rosemary
- 2 tbsp icing sugar/powdered sugar (for dusting)
- More strawberries (diced), raspberries, blueberries, and any other fruit you fancy!
Directions:
- Preparation: Preheat your oven and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Meringue for Pavlova: Beat egg whites until soft peaks form, slowly add caster sugar, cornflour, and vinegar until you get stiff peaks.
- Piping Pavlova Rounds: Pipe meringue into round shapes on the baking sheets to form the base of the tree.
- Bake: Bake your meringue rounds until they are crispy on the outside and soft inside.
- Raspberry Coulis (make at least 2 hours ahead): Blend raspberries and sugar until smooth.
- Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, whip thickened cream with vanilla and sugar until soft peaks form.
- Construction (watch video!): Layer the meringue rounds with whipped cream, adding strawberry pillars and diced strawberries in between.
- Decorate!: Top the tree with decorations like berries, rosemary sprigs, and your star topper.
- Serving: Serve right away for the best texture!
How to Serve Pavlova Christmas Tree
Serve the Pavlova Christmas Tree on a large platter. Allow your guests to take a piece from the tree, and enjoy the combination of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures in every bite. It’s a fun dessert that encourages sharing!
How to Store Pavlova Christmas Tree
The meringue can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. However, once you’ve assembled the Pavlova with cream and fruit, it’s best enjoyed immediately, as the meringue may soften when combined with the cream.
Tips to Make Pavlova Christmas Tree
- Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean before whipping egg whites, as any grease can prevent them from whipping properly.
- Be gentle when layering the meringue with cream and fruit to avoid breaking the delicate meringue.
- Feel free to choose your favorite fruits for decoration – anything goes!
Variation
You can change the fruit toppings based on your preference or what’s in season. Kiwi, passionfruit, or orange segments can also make a lovely addition to the tree.
FAQs
1. Can I make the meringue in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the meringue a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container.
2. How do I know when the meringue is done baking?
The meringue should be dry to the touch and easily peel away from the parchment paper.
3. What can I do with leftover egg yolks?
Leftover egg yolks can be used in custards, sauces, or even ice cream!
Enjoy creating your Pavlova Christmas Tree and delight your guests with this festive masterpiece!
Pavlova Christmas Tree
Ingredients
Meringue Ingredients
- ⅔ cup egg whites (from 5 - 6 large eggs, at room temperature)
- 1 ¼ cups caster sugar (superfine white sugar)
- 2 ½ tsp cornflour/cornstarch
- 1 ¼ tsp white vinegar
Fruit and Toppings
- 250 g frozen or fresh raspberries (no need to thaw)
- 2 tbsp caster sugar (superfine white sugar) for the raspberries
- 2 cups thickened/heavy cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp caster sugar (superfine white sugar) for whipping cream
- 10 pieces medium strawberries, cut into 1.75cm / 3/4" rounds These serve as 'Strawberry Pillars'.
- 12 pieces strawberries cut into 1cm dices For scattering between layers.
- 125 g raspberries for decoration
- 16 sprigs small sprigs of rosemary
- 2 tbsp icing sugar/powdered sugar (for dusting)
- More strawberries (diced), raspberries, blueberries, and any other fruit you fancy! Optional.
Other
- 1 28cm/11" bamboo skewer – or 2 shorter skewers
- 1 Christmas tree star topper (edible or not, sticky taped to a toothpick)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Meringue for Pavlova
- Beat egg whites until soft peaks form, slowly add caster sugar, cornflour, and vinegar until you get stiff peaks.
Piping Pavlova Rounds
- Pipe meringue into round shapes on the baking sheets to form the base of the tree.
Bake
- Bake your meringue rounds until they are crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Raspberry Coulis
- Blend raspberries and sugar until smooth (make at least 2 hours ahead).
Whip Cream
- In a separate bowl, whip thickened cream with vanilla and sugar until soft peaks form.
Construction
- Layer the meringue rounds with whipped cream, adding strawberry pillars and diced strawberries in between.
Decorate
- Top the tree with decorations like berries, rosemary sprigs, and your star topper.
Serving
- Serve right away for the best texture!
