Festive Pavlova Tree: Strawberries & Passionfruit Magic
Create a stunningPavlova Christmas Treewith crisp meringue, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries and passionfruit. Perfect for holiday celebrations!
Ingredients
Scale
- 5egg whites, at room temperature
- ¼ teaspooncream of tartar
- 1¼ cupsfine sugar
- 2 teaspoonsvanilla extract
- 2 teaspoonswhite vinegar
- 2 tablespoonscornflour
- 600ml thickened cream, whipped to soft peaks
- Sliced strawberries, passionfruit pulp, and icing sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Template
- Preheat your oven to 120°C (fan-forced) or 140°C (conventional). Draw a Christmas tree outline (35cm tall, 25cm wide at the base) on paper, then transfer the outline onto a sheet of baking paper. Place the baking paper on a baking tray with the outline facing down.
- Whip the Meringue
- Place the egg whites and cream of tartar in a large mixing bowl. Using a stand mixer or hand whisk, beat until soft peaks form.
- With the mixer running, gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time. Beat thoroughly after each addition until the mixture is thick, glossy, and the sugar is fully dissolved. Add the vanilla extract, white vinegar, and cornflour, and gently mix until just combined.
- Pipe the Meringue Tree
- Scoop the meringue mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large plain nozzle. Pipe the meringue onto the prepared baking paper, following the tree outline. Smooth the surface with an offset spatula for a polished look.
- For added depth, pipe two to three additional outlines along the edges to create a cavity in the middle for the cream.
- Bake and Cool
- Place the tray in the oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the meringue is firm and crisp to the touch. Turn off the oven and leave the meringue inside to cool completely with the door slightly open for about 2 hours. This slow cooling process prevents cracks from forming.
- Assemble the Pavlova Tree
- Once the meringue has cooled, spoon the whipped cream into the tree cavity. Decorate the tree with sliced strawberries, passionfruit pulp . Finally, dust the entire tree lightly with icing sugar for a snowy effect.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this festive centerpiece!
- Tip: Assemble the pavlova just before serving to maintain its crisp texture. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, but the meringue may soften over time.