Pavlova Christmas Tree with Strawberries and Passionfruit is not just a dessert; it is a beautiful centerpiece that lights up any festive table. With its crisp meringue exterior and soft whipped cream interior, this dessert encapsulates the joy of Christmas in every single bite. Utilizing fresh strawberries and tangy passionfruit for a vibrant topping, this pavlova tree is as delightful to look at as it is to consume. Each slice delivers a perfect balance of textures: the crunch of meringue, the creaminess of whipped cream, and the juiciness of the fruits. It’s an eye-catching way to impress your family and friends during the holiday season, and it’s simply indulgent!
The combination of flavors is also a big win. The light sweetness of the meringue pairs beautifully with the richness of the whipped cream and the refreshing tartness of strawberries and passionfruit. This Pavlova not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also adds a festive flair to your holiday celebrations. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead option, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved ones instead of being stuck in the kitchen right before the meal. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner or attending a family gathering, this stunning Pavlova Christmas Tree is sure to be the talk of the table!
Why You’ll Love This Pavlova Christmas Tree
- Stunning Presentation: The intricate tree design and colorful toppings make it a showstopper for any holiday gathering.
- Light and Airy Texture: The crisp meringue and soft whipped cream create a delightful contrast that melts in your mouth.
- Customizable Toppings: You can easily switch up the fruits based on what’s available or your personal preferences.
- Easy to Prepare: While it looks complex, the recipe is straightforward and manageable for bakers of all levels.
- Make Ahead: The meringue can be prepared in advance, making it a practical choice for busy holiday schedules.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you embark on creating this festive Pavlova Christmas Tree, ensure you have a clear workspace to facilitate the preparation process. Start by gathering all your ingredients and having them measured out. This helps minimize stress and confusion while you’re creating your masterpiece. You’ll need a mixer for whipping the egg whites, preferably an electric mixer for best results. Prepare your baking trays by lining them with parchment paper, using the tree outline template underneath for accurate piping.
Additionally, a piping bag fitted with a wide round tip is essential for shaping the meringue into a Christmas tree. For the chocolate stars, a small piping bag can also be utilized. A digital thermometer can help ensure your oven is at the right temperature, and it’s a good idea to have a rubber spatula on hand for folding ingredients. As an extra tip, make sure your mixing bowls and utensils are completely clean and dry to help the egg whites whip up perfectly.
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups caster sugar
- 5 egg whites, at room temperature
- 2 tsp white vinegar
- 600 ml thickened cream, whipped to soft peaks
- 1 cup white chocolate melts, melted
- ¼ tsp cream of tartar
- 2 tbsp cornflour
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Sliced strawberries, for topping
- Passionfruit pulp, for topping
- Icing sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 120°C fan-forced (or 140°C conventional). Next, take a piece of parchment paper and draw a 35 cm x 25 cm outline of a Christmas tree. This will guide you in shaping the meringue. Place this drawing under another piece of baking paper on a tray, ensuring the drawn side is facing down so it does not come into contact with the meringue mixture.
Step 2: Create Chocolate Stars
To make the decorative stars, pipe the melted white chocolate onto a separate piece of baking paper, forming star shapes. Allow these to set completely, ideally at room temperature, which should take around 30 minutes and give you beautiful chocolate decorations for your pavlova.
Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites
In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites using an electric mixer on medium speed. Add the cream of tartar and continue mixing until soft peaks form. This may take several minutes; be patient and ensure not to overbeat. Once soft peaks are reached, gradually incorporate the caster sugar one spoon at a time, mixing well each time until all the sugar is dissolved and the mixture turns thick and glossy.
Step 4: Incorporate Remaining Ingredients
After your meringue is beautifully glossy, carefully fold in the white vinegar, vanilla extract, and cornflour. This step is crucial as it stabilizes the meringue. Use a spatula for gentle folding to avoid deflating the egg whites that you’ve worked hard to whip up.
Step 5: Pipe the Meringue
Transfer the well-mixed meringue into your prepared piping bag. Following the Christmas tree outline, carefully pipe the meringue onto the baking paper. Begin building up the edges for added structure and create a cavity in the center that you will fill later with whipped cream.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 1 hour. After the time is up, turn off the oven but leave the pavlova inside with the door slightly ajar. This allows the meringue to cool gradually, minimizing the risk of cracks or collapses.
Step 7: Fill the Meringue
Once the meringue has completely cooled, gently peel it off the baking paper and place it on a serving platter. Fill the center cavity with the softly whipped cream, spreading it evenly.
Step 8: Add Toppings
Finally, top your pavlova generously with the sliced strawberries and spoonfuls of fresh passionfruit pulp, enhancing the visual appeal. To elevate its beauty even further, arrange the chocolate stars around the top edge. A light dusting of icing sugar over the whole dessert will add a finishing touch!
Variations
- Protein: For a more decadent flavor, consider adding some finely chopped nuts to the meringue mixture for crunch.
- Vegetables: While not traditional, a twist of roasted beets could add a unique color contrast under the cream.
- Spices: Enhance flavor profiles by incorporating spices such as ground cardamom or cinnamon to the cream for added warmth.
Cooking Notes
- Always make sure your bowl and whisk are completely grease-free while whipping egg whites.
- If you live in a humid climate, consider moving quickly through the meringue process to reduce moisture absorption, which can affect texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Slice the pavlova into wedges and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious pairing.
- Consider serving with a drizzle of raspberry coulis for an added fruity kick that is visually appealing.
Tips
- Use room temperature eggs for better volume when whipping the whites.
- Don’t open the oven door while baking; this will ensure your pavlova maintains a steady temperature and prevents collapse.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 3 hours (including cooling)
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 30mg
FAQs
What is the best way to store leftover Pavlova?
Store any leftover pavlova in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid refrigeration as it may cause the meringue to become sticky.
Can I make the meringue ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meringue a day in advance. Ensure it’s cooled completely and then store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble.
What fruits can I use for topping?
Feel free to use a variety of fruits such as kiwi, blueberries, or cherries, depending on what’s in season and to your taste.
How do I get the perfect whipped cream?
Whip your cream until soft peaks form, making sure not to overwhip to avoid it turning buttery. Adding a bit of powdered sugar or vanilla will enhance the flavor.
Conclusion
The Pavlova Christmas Tree with Strawberries and Passionfruit is truly a stunning addition to your holiday festivities that everyone will adore. Its unique presentation and delicious flavors are sure to impress your guests at any gathering. You can enjoy this delightful dessert knowing that it is not only a feast for the eyes but a treat for the taste buds as well. Don’t hesitate to play with the toppings or even make mini pavlovas for individual servings! We invite you to share your own variations, tips, or experiences with this recipe in the comments below. Happy baking and have a wonderful holiday season!
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Pavlova Christmas Tree with Strawberries and Passionfruit
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Pavlova Christmas Tree with Strawberries and Passionfruit is a beautiful centerpiece that lights up any festive table.
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups caster sugar
- 5 egg whites, at room temperature
- 2 tsp white vinegar
- 600 ml thickened cream, whipped to soft peaks
- 1 cup white chocolate melts, melted
- ¼ tsp cream of tartar
- 2 tbsp cornflour
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Sliced strawberries, for topping
- Passionfruit pulp, for topping
- Icing sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 120°C fan-forced (or 140°C conventional) and prepare a parchment paper with a Christmas tree outline.
- Pipe melted white chocolate onto baking paper to create star shapes and let them set.
- Whip egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form, then gradually add caster sugar until thick and glossy.
- Fold in white vinegar, vanilla extract, and cornflour.
- Pipe meringue following the tree outline and create a cavity in the center.
- Bake for 1 hour and allow cooling in the oven.
- Once cooled, fill the center with whipped cream.
- Top with sliced strawberries, passionfruit pulp, and chocolate stars, dusting with icing sugar.
Notes
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Protein: 3 g