Here's a little confession: I am a sucker for Christmas traditions. From picking out a tree to hanging tinsel, I'm your Christmas super-fan. And what would the season be without a festive dessert? This year, we're donning our aprons and going the extra mile to create not just an edible delight, but a festive centerpiece – the Christmas Tree Pavlova!
Why Pavlova?
Before diving into the steps, let's talk a bit about Pavlova. Named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, this dessert is a beloved part of many Australian and Kiwi festive celebrations[^1^]. Pavlova is a merry meringue that's crisp on the outside and marshmallowy on the inside. Traditionally topped with cream and fresh fruit, it's the perfect refreshing dessert for those 'down-under' Christmases.
Now, here's an interesting holiday statistic: according to Australian statistics[^2^], a staggering 37% of households include Pavlova in their Christmas celebrations. That's a lot of meringue!
How to Make a Christmas Tree Pavlova: A Step-by-Step Guide
What You'll Need
- 6 large egg whites
- 1 and a half cups of caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green food coloring
- Whip cream, fruit for decoration – we're using kiwi, raspberry, and pomegranate seeds, but be creative!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set to 120°C (248°F).
- Make the Meringue Mix: Whip egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until the sugar dissolves. Then, add the vinegar, vanilla and a few drops of green food coloring. Whip until the meringue is thick and glossy.
- Shape Your Tree: Draw a series of increasingly smaller circles on a baking paper, starting from the base of your tree. Using a piping bag, pipe meringue following the circles.
- Bake: Put it in the oven for 1.5 hours or until crisp. Turn off the oven and leave to cool inside (with oven door slightly ajar) for about two hours.
- Decorate: Once cool, dollop whipped cream across each layer of your pavlova tree. Then add fruits as 'ornaments'.
Voila, you've made yourself a gorgeous, delicious Christmas Tree Pavlova!