Christmas Pavlova Wreath

A beautiful and festive dessert with a light, crispy meringue base, fluffy whipped cream, and colorful fruits. This dessert is a showstopper for any holiday table!

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Did You Know?
The vinegar in the pavlova recipe helps create that perfect texture by making the meringue crispy on the outside and soft and marshmallow-like on the inside. The acid in the vinegar stabilizes the egg whites and prevents them from collapsing, ensuring a light, airy structure. Combined with cornstarch, it helps maintain the meringue’s chewy center while keeping the outer shell crisp.

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Yield
Serves 8-10

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Ingredients

For the Meringue
4 large egg whites, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

For the Topping
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup fresh strawberries, halved
1/2 cup fresh raspberries
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Draw a 10-inch circle on the parchment paper and lightly dust with cornstarch to prevent sticking.

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Make the Meringue
In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating until the mixture is glossy and forms stiff peaks. The sugar should be completely dissolved. Add the cornstarch, vinegar, and vanilla extract, and gently fold to combine.

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Shape the Wreath
Spoon the meringue onto the prepared parchment paper, following the outline of the circle to form a ring shape. Use the back of a spoon to create small indentations around the wreath to hold the toppings.

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Bake the Meringue
Place the meringue in the oven and bake for 1.5 hours. Turn off the oven and let the meringue cool completely inside the oven with the door slightly ajar. This helps prevent cracking.

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Prepare the Whipped Cream
In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

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Assemble the Wreath
Once the meringue is completely cool, spoon the whipped cream over the top of the wreath. Arrange the strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and kiwi slices on top. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

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Serve
Slice and serve immediately. The contrast between the crispy meringue, soft whipped cream, and fresh fruits makes for a delightful bite!

Yes, you can absolutely prepare the meringue a day ahead! Here's how to do it while keeping it fresh and maintaining the perfect texture.

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Make-Ahead Meringue Tips

1. Bake in Advance
   Bake the meringue according to the recipe and allow it to cool completely in the oven with the door slightly ajar. This helps prevent cracking and ensures it sets properly.

2. Store in an Airtight Container
   Once completely cooled, carefully transfer the meringue to an airtight container. You can also loosely wrap it in plastic wrap if a container isn’t available. Make sure it’s protected from moisture to prevent it from becoming soft or sticky.

3. Keep it Dry
   Store the meringue at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing it in the refrigerator, as humidity can cause it to lose its crisp texture.

4. Assemble Just Before Serving
   Add the whipped cream and fruit toppings right before serving. This prevents the meringue from absorbing moisture and becoming soggy.

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Storage Duration

• Room Temperature: The meringue can be stored for up to 24 hours ahead of time.
• Avoid Freezing: Freezing can alter the texture and cause the meringue to lose its crispness.

This way, you can enjoy a stress-free dessert preparation while ensuring your Christmas Pavlova Wreath remains light, crispy, and delicious!

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 180, Protein: 2g, Carbohydrates: 25g, Fat: 8g, Sugar: 22g, Fiber: 2g, Sodium: 30mg

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10 Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money

1. Room Temperature Eggs: Use egg whites at room temperature for better volume.
2. Gradual Sugar Addition: Adding sugar slowly helps achieve a smooth, glossy meringue.
3. Cornstarch and Vinegar: These help create a marshmallow-like interior.
4. Avoid Humidity: Meringue sets best in dry conditions; avoid making it on a humid day.
5. Make Ahead: Bake the meringue the day before and store in an airtight container.
6. Fruit Variations: Use pomegranate seeds, cherries, or cranberries for more festive color.
7. Whipped Cream Stability: Add a teaspoon of cornstarch to the whipped cream to help it hold longer.
8. Gentle Cooling: Let the meringue cool in the oven to prevent cracks.
9. Decorative Touch: Add edible gold leaf or silver sprinkles for an extra festive look.
10. Budget-Friendly: Use seasonal fruits or frozen berries to save money.

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This Christmas Pavlova Wreath is light, colorful, and perfect for celebrating the holiday season

Final Tip:
Use whatever fresh fruit is available to you! While strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and kiwi are traditional for a festive look, you can swap them out based on what’s in season or easily accessible. Try pomegranate seeds, cherries, mandarin orange slices, or even frozen berries if fresh ones aren't available. This keeps your dessert budget-friendly, adaptable, and always delicious.