Description
These Christmas Mini Pavlovas are delicate, crisp meringue nests topped with luscious whipped cream and fresh mixed berries, offering a festive and elegant dessert perfect for holiday celebrations. Light, airy, and irresistibly sweet, these bite-sized treats capture the spirit of Christmas in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meringue
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Topping
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C) to prepare for baking the meringue.
- Beat Egg Whites: In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, creating the base for your meringue.
- Add Sugar Gradually: Gradually add granulated sugar to the egg whites while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form, ensuring the meringue is glossy and holds its shape.
- Mix in Flavorings: Gently fold in the vanilla extract and white vinegar to add flavor and stabilize the meringue.
- Shape Meringues: Spoon the meringue mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, forming small nests or rounds for individual pavlovas.
- Bake Meringues: Bake the meringues in the preheated oven for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside to cool completely; this helps them dry out without cracking.
- Whip Cream: While the meringues cool, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form to create a light, creamy topping.
- Assemble Pavlovas: Once the meringues are cooled, top each with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a colorful assortment of mixed berries.
- Final Touch: Dust the assembled pavlovas with powdered sugar before serving for a festive, snow-kissed appearance.
Notes
- Ensure no yolk is mixed with the egg whites for better meringue volume.
- Use room temperature egg whites to achieve maximum volume when beating.
- Allow meringues to cool fully in the turned-off oven to prevent cracking.
- Use fresh, seasonal berries for the best flavor and appearance.
- These pavlovas are best served the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to a day without whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
Keywords: Christmas dessert, pavlova recipe, mini pavlovas, festive dessert, meringue, holiday treats
