Name: Delicious Pavlova Christmas Tree
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Ingredients: 6 large egg whites, room temperature; 1 ½ cups (300g) caster sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups heavy cream, chilled; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup raspberries; 1 cup strawberries, halved; 2 passion fruits, pulp only; ½ cup chocolate-dipped strawberries (optional); Powdered sugar, for dusting; Chocolate star or festive topper

There’s something truly enchanting about a Pavlova Christmas Tree that elevates any holiday gathering. With its crispy meringue exterior that gives way to a soft, luscious interior, and topped with an array of vibrant fruits, this dessert not only pleases the palate but also brings a festive flair to your table. Imagine a masterpiece that looks as stunning as it tastes—this Pavlova is sure to be the centerpiece of your holiday feast!

The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its taste but also in its simplicity. The Pavlova base is made from just a handful of ingredients—egg whites, sugar, cornstarch, vinegar, and vanilla—making it accessible even for novice bakers. Once the meringue is baked to perfection, the real fun begins: layering on whipped cream and a variety of fresh fruits, creating a delightful tree structure that’s as enjoyable to assemble as it is to eat. With flavors of sweet meringue, rich cream, and tart fruits, this dessert balances textures and tastes to create a harmonious festive treat.

Why You’ll Love This Pavlova Christmas Tree

Visual Delight: The Pavlova Christmas Tree looks stunning, impressing guests and making it the star of the dessert table.
Customizable Toppings: Feel free to mix and match your favorite fruits, making it suitable for any taste preference.
Light and Airy: The meringue is light and crispy, providing a wonderful contrast to the fluffy whipped cream and juicy fruits.
Perfect for Celebrations: This dessert is not only festive but also perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions.
Easy to Make: With a few simple steps and ingredients, it’s easy to create this beautiful dessert.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you get started on your Pavlova Christmas Tree, ensure that your kitchen is ready for the task! Begin by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature is key to achieving the crisp outside of the Pavlova while keeping the inside soft. You’ll need three baking sheets lined with parchment paper; it’s best to draw circles on the parchment to serve as a guide for shaping your meringue layers. Aim for circles of approximately 10, 8, and 6 inches in diameter.

Gather the necessary tools: an electric mixer, which is essential for whipping the egg whites to the right consistency; a large mixing bowl; and a spatula for folding ingredients smoothly. Having all your ingredients measured out and at room temperature will also streamline the process, especially for the egg whites, which whip better when warmed slightly. Additionally, prepare your serving platter, as a beautiful presentation is part of the charm of this dessert.

Ingredients

6 large egg whites, room temperature
1 ½ cups (300g) caster sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups heavy cream, chilled
2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup raspberries
1 cup strawberries, halved
2 passion fruits, pulp only
½ cup chocolate-dipped strawberries (optional)
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Chocolate star or festive topper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). While the oven warms up, take three baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. Draw circles on the parchment for guidance: a 10-inch circle on one, an 8-inch on another, and a 6-inch on the third. This will help you ensure uniformity in your meringue layers when baking.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites

In a clean, dry mixing bowl, add your room temperature egg whites. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks begin to form. At this point, gradually introduce the caster sugar, adding it slowly to allow for complete incorporation. Increase the speed to high and continue beating the mixture until you achieve stiff and glossy peaks. This process is crucial as it provides the structure to hold your Pavlova together.

Step 3: Fold in the Additional Ingredients

Once your egg white mixture reaches the right consistency, gently fold in the cornstarch, white vinegar, and vanilla extract using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the meringue too much; the goal is to keep the air you’ve incorporated for a light and airy finish. This addition of cornstarch will help stabilize your meringue, ensuring it stays crispy on the outside and soft on the inside after baking.

Step 4: Shape the Meringue and Bake

Using your spatula, divide the meringue into three portions. Carefully spread each portion within the guideline circles. Create a slight dome in the center of each layer to mimic the tree shape. Once you have shaped the meringue, place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes without opening the oven door. After cooking, turn off the oven and allow the meringue to cool completely inside. This step is essential as it helps prevent cracking.

Step 5: Prepare the Whipped Cream

While the meringue cools, take your chilled heavy cream and combine it with the powdered sugar (if using) and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Using the electric mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Once achieved, set the whipped cream aside in the refrigerator to stay cold until you’re ready to assemble your Pavlova Christmas Tree.

Step 6: Assemble Your Christmas Tree

Once the meringue layers are completely cool, it’s time to assemble your dessert. Start with the largest layer as your base, and spread a generous amount of whipped cream over it. Layer a mix of fresh fruits—raspberries, halved strawberries, and passion fruit pulp—on top of the cream. Next, place the middle layer on top, repeating the process of cream and fruit. Finally, top it with the smallest layer, adding a bit more cream and fruit on top for a beautiful finish. If desired, top off your creation with a chocolate star or festive topper.

Step 7: Dust and Serve

Before serving, lightly dust the entire tree with powdered sugar to give it that wintry, snowy effect. This is where the real magic happens! Present your Pavlova Christmas Tree immediately for the best texture and flavor. Enjoy this festive dessert with family and friends, making sure to capture the joyful moment on camera before the sweet tower is devoured!

Variations

Protein: If you prefer a nuttier flavor, try folding in finely chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds into the meringue.
Vegetables: For a unique twist, you can create a savory version using herbs and cheese with a meringue base.
Spices: Experiment with flavors by adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the meringue for a warm, spiced flavor during the colder months.

Cooking Notes

Ensure your mixing bowl and whisk are completely clean and dry, as any fat residue can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.
Humidity can affect meringue; try to make this on a dry day for the best results.
For equally sized meringue layers, use a kitchen scale to weigh out your portions before baking.
Cooling the Pavlova in the oven prevents cracks and helps achieve a better texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, but keep it in a single layer to maintain the meringue’s crispy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Pavlova Christmas Tree with a festive punch or hot chocolate for a cozy gathering.
Complement with additional whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent treat.

Tips

Don’t rush the whipping process; take your time to achieve stiff peaks for the meringue.
Feel free to mix and match fruits according to the season; kiwi, mango, or blueberries could be delicious additions!
Keep an eye on the oven while baking to ensure your meringue doesn’t brown too much; a pale color is ideal.
Let your assembled Pavlova sit for no more than a few hours before serving to ensure the cream doesn’t weep into the meringue.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 300 per serving
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 45mg

FAQs

What is Pavlova?

Pavlova is a light, crisp meringue dessert named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. It’s typically made with egg whites and sugar and has a soft, marshmallow-like interior.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the meringue layers in advance and store them in an airtight container. Assemble the dessert on the day you plan to serve it.

Can I use frozen fruits for the toppings?

It’s best to use fresh fruits for the best texture and flavor, but if you use frozen fruits, make sure they’re well-drained and thawed before topping.

How long will the Pavlova keep after assembly?

The assembled Pavlova is best eaten within a few hours to prevent the meringue from becoming soggy; however, you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to one day.

Conclusion

In summary, the Pavlova Christmas Tree is not only a visually stunning dessert that will dazzle your holiday guests, but it also provides a delightful balance of textures and flavors, making it an instant classic at any festive gathering. The combination of airy meringue, rich whipped cream, and fresh, colorful fruits creates a delicious experience that everyone will love. Be sure to give this recipe a try and don’t hesitate to explore various toppings or variations to make it your own! We would love to hear how your Pavlova turned out, so feel free to leave a comment or share your creations with us. May your holidays be sweet and full of joy!