Christmas Pavlova 🍓❄️🎄
A crisp, cloud-like meringue with a soft marshmallow center—topped with whipped cream and festive berries. A truly magical holiday dessert!
Ingredients (Serves 8)
Pavlova Base:
4 large egg whites, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp white vinegar or lemon juice
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional but delicious)
Topping:
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
2–3 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
Optional decorations: mint leaves, pomegranate seeds, a dusting of powdered sugar
Instructions
- Make the Meringue
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed until the mixture becomes glossy and forms stiff peaks (about 7–10 minutes).
- Gently fold in the vinegar (or lemon juice), cornstarch, and vanilla using a spatula.
- Shape the Pavlova
- Spoon the meringue onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Shape it into a circle (about 8–9 inches wide), with slightly raised sides and a shallow center to hold the toppings.
- Bake
- Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Turn off the oven and let the Pavlova cool inside the oven for another hour—this prevents cracking.
- Once cooled, transfer gently to a serving plate.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream
- Beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft, fluffy peaks form.
- Do not overbeat—stop when the cream is silky and spreadable.
- Assemble
- Spread the whipped cream over the center of the Pavlova.
- Top with fresh berries, pomegranate seeds, and mint leaves.
- Add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy Christmas look ❄️✨
Serve & Enjoy
Slice gently using a serrated knife. Serve immediately for the perfect crisp-outside, soft-inside texture!