Festive Christmas Pavlova with Berries Recipe
This festive Christmas Pavlova is a light and airy dessert featuring a crisp meringue shell with a chewy interior, topped with fluffy whipped cream and an assortment of fresh mixed berries. Perfect for holiday celebrations, this elegant and irresistible dessert combines sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors in a visually stunning presentation.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western, Christmas
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Meringue
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw a 9-inch circle on the paper as a guide to shape the meringue.
- Prepare the Meringue: In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, continuing to beat until the mixture becomes glossy and stiff peaks form.
- Add Cornstarch and Vinegar: Carefully fold in the cornstarch and white vinegar using a spatula. This step helps to stabilize the meringue and ensures a chewy texture inside.
- Shape the Meringue: Spoon the meringue onto the prepared baking sheet, using the drawn circle as a guide. Create a slight indentation in the center to hold the cream and berries once assembled.
- Bake: Place the meringue into the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. After baking, turn off the oven and leave the meringue inside to cool completely, preferably for at least an hour; this helps to prevent cracking.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat to avoid turning the cream into butter.
- Assemble the Pavlova: Once the meringue is completely cool, carefully transfer it to a serving platter. Fill the center with the whipped cream and top evenly with mixed berries. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired for added color and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the bowl and beaters are clean and free of any grease to achieve perfect meringue peaks.
- Adding cornstarch and vinegar stabilizes the meringue and prevents cracking.
- Do not open the oven door while the meringue bakes to avoid sudden temperature changes that can cause cracks.
- Use fresh, room temperature egg whites for better volume in the meringue.
- The pavlova is best served the same day to maintain its crispiness but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
- Fresh mint leaves are optional but add a delightful aroma and visual appeal.
Keywords: Christmas Pavlova, Meringue dessert, Festive dessert, Berry pavlova, Whipped cream dessert, Holiday dessert
