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Pavlova Christmas Trees
DessertsMedium

Pavlova Christmas Trees

Recipe by Recipes2Gather

From the Blog Author

This Pavlova Christmas Trees is one of my favorites because it turns a simple meringue into a festive centerpiece that feels like home every holiday season. When I first tried the recipe, the way the airy meringue caught the light and the sweet snap of the edges made every bite feel like a holiday hug. What I love most is how the light, crisp crust gives way to a soft, cloud‑like inside that’s just begging for a splash of fresh fruit. I infuse the vanilla and a touch of lemon zest into the meringue, then top each tree with a rainbow of berries—blackberries, strawberries, and a splash of kiwi—to add bright, tart contrast. A sprinkling of toasted coconut flakes adds a subtle nutty warmth that echoes the cozy under‑tree silence. The result is a dessert that’s both technically satisfying and deeply nostalgic. A little tip: Whisk your egg whites to stiff peaks, then fold the flour and sugar mixture just until it’s incorporated. Too much mixing will deflate the meringue, but under‑mixing can leave lumps. It’s a delicate dance, and I’ve learned that keeping the bowl slightly tilted helps the meringue climb the edge of the pan like a tiny evergreen. If you try this, I’d love to hear about it—drop me a line and tell me how your tree decorations and flavors turned out. Your feedback keeps our family traditions alive and delicious.
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
2 hours
Servings
150
Difficulty
Medium

Ingredients

  • 4 large egg whites
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2

Beat egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add sugar until stiff peaks form.

3

Gently fold in vanilla, vinegar, and cornstarch; add green food coloring if desired.

4

Pipe meringue in tree shapes, stacking layers to create height.

5

Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and let the meringues cool inside for an additional hour.

6

Whip cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until fluffy.

7

Decorate cooled meringues with the whipped cream and sprinkles.

8

Serve and enjoy your festive treat.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

1
DEIME Air Fryer 3 Qt, Small Airfryer Digital Space Saving Compact, Bake, Reheat, Roasts for Quick Easy Meals, Mini Compact & Quiet, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket (Black)
• Digital Controls: precise temperature and timer keep pastries golden and flaky every time. • Non‑stick Basket: releases cookies and brownies without a second cleaning, so you can focus on flavor. • Compact Size: fits under the counter, leaving room for trays of cake batter or a cookie sheet. • Quiet Operation: bake overnight without waking anyone, keeping the kitchen calm for your next batch. Why We Love It: The non‑stick basket saves cleanup time, letting you focus on creative dessert ideas—perfect for busy bakers who love sweet successes.
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2
Air Fryer Oven Large 20 QT, 10-in-1 Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo with Window for Family, Airfryer Oven with Rotisserie, 3 Dehydrating Racks
• 20‑QT Capacity: Bake large batches for families—or desserts that last—saving prep time. • 10‑In‑1 All‑in‑One: Cook toast, bake, air‑fry, roast, dehydrate—one appliance, no clutter. • Clear Window: Watch golden crusts finish perfectly without opening the door. • Rotisserie Feature: Evenly roast fruit or treats for a moist, caramelized result. • Dehydrating Racks: Turn fresh fruit into sweet, snack‑size treats faster. Why We Love It: Its big capacity and rotisserie make family‑sized desserts effortless, and the dehydrating racks turn fruit into tasty, homemade snacks in minutes.
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3
Ninja | Air Fryer | 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity fits 9lbs of Wings | 6-in-1 Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat & Dehydrate | Nonstick Basket, Crisper Plate & Recipe Guide | Grey | AF181
• 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity lets you bake cookies or cake layers for the whole party in one go. • 6-in-1 Max Crisp mixes air fry, bake, and dehydrate, so fewer appliances and more baking freedom. • Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate releases desserts cleanly, cutting cleanup time. • Recipe Guide gives fool‑proof dessert tips for first‑time bakers. Why We Love It: We love the big capacity for crowd‑sized treats. And Max Crisp gives every cookie a perfect edge.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store these Pavlova Christmas Trees to keep them crispy?

Pavlova is best stored in an airtight container at cool room temperature, away from humidity, for up to 2 days before serving. Avoid refrigerating the meringue base, as the moisture will cause it to weep and lose its crisp texture. Only whip and apply the cream topping just before you plan to serve the trees.

Can I make the Pavlova Christmas Tree meringue base ahead of time?

Yes, the baked meringue base can certainly be made ahead of time; it bakes for 2 hours at 250°F (120°C). Once completely cooled, store the meringue shells in a dry, sealed container for up to 3 days. Remember to assemble the whipped cream and any fresh fruit toppings just before serving to maintain the best texture.

What is the secret to getting stiff peaks when whipping the egg whites for this pavlova recipe?

Achieving stiff peaks requires beating the 4 large egg whites until soft peaks form, and then gradually adding the granulated sugar while continuing to beat. Ensure your bowl and whisk are completely grease-free, and incorporating the 1 teaspoon of white vinegar helps stabilize the foam for that perfect, glossy, stiff peak structure.