Easy Pavlova Christmas Cake Recipe

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Easy Pavlova Christmas Cake Recipe

Easy Pavlova Christmas Cake Recipe creates a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweetness with a light, airy texture. This dish starts with a beautifully baked meringue, resulting in a crisp exterior and a soft, marshmallow-like center. Topped with fresh whipped cream and an array of vibrant mixed berries, it’s not just a feast for the taste buds, but also a stunning centerpiece for your festive table. If you’re looking for an impressive yet easy-to-make dessert that your family and friends will adore, this step-by-step recipe is just what you need!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What’s not to love about this Easy Pavlova Christmas Cake Recipe? It combines ease of preparation with striking visual appeal, making it the perfect dessert for any holiday gathering. With only four main ingredients, this family-friendly recipe allows for a quick turnaround time without compromising on flavor. This classic cake can be made ahead, giving you more time to enjoy the festive season with your loved ones rather than sweating away in the kitchen.

For Easy Pavlova Christmas Cake Recipe

Gather the ingredients for this delightful dessert. You’ll need:

• 4 large egg whites: Essential for achieving that magnificent meringue texture.
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: The sweet element that adds structure and moisture.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: A melody of warmth that elevates the flavors.
• 1 tsp lemon juice: A hint of acidity that balances the sweetness beautifully.
• 1 tsp cornstarch: Ensures a marshmallow-like texture in the center.
• Fresh whipped cream: The luscious topping that adds creaminess.
• Fresh mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries): Vibrant flavors that contribute to both taste and color.
• Fresh mint leaves (optional for garnish): Enhancing the presentation with a touch of green.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking your meringue.

2. Beat the Egg Whites: In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks begin to form, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Exquisite, fluffy peaks are essential for this recipe.

3. Add Sugar Gradually: Once soft peaks form, gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time. Continue beating until the mixture is glossy and forms stiff peaks. This step is crucial for a successful meringue.

4. Incorporate Flavoring: Gently fold in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Use a light hand to maintain the volume of the egg whites.

5. Shape the Meringue: Spoon the meringue mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping it into a circular disc about 8 inches in diameter. Aim for a slightly raised edge, creating a lovely shell to hold your toppings.

6. Bake and Cool: Bake the pavlova for 1 hour. Once the time is up, turn off the oven and leave the pavlova inside to cool completely. This slow cooling helps prevent cracks and maintains its airy texture.

7. Prepare for Serving: Once cooled, gently remove the pavlova from the baking sheet and place it on a serving platter. This delicate maneuver ensures the structural integrity of this beautiful dessert.

8. Top with Whipped Cream and Berries: Generously dollop fresh whipped cream over the top of the pavlova, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Next, scatter a mix of fresh berries over the cream, followed by mint leaves if desired.

9. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the pavlova carefully, allowing each portion to have a generous share of cream and berries. Serve and watch your guests’ faces light up with delight!

Tips & Tricks

To make sure your meringue turns out perfectly, ensure that your mixing bowl is completely clean and dry. Any residue can affect how well the egg whites whip up. Additionally, beating the egg whites slowly at first and increasing the speed gradually helps achieve those perfect peaks. If you want to experiment, try adding a spoonful of cocoa powder or a drizzle of chocolate on top before adding your berries for an extra decadent twist!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This Easy Pavlova Christmas Cake pairs beautifully with a variety of desserts and beverages. Serve it alongside warm spiced apple cider, aromatic chai tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. For a more extravagant look, consider arranging the strawberries into a star shape or adding a sprinkle of edible glitter atop the whipped cream for a festive touch.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this Easy Pavlova Christmas Cake offers a light and satisfying treat. While the calorie count will vary based on the amount of whipped cream and berries used, a rough estimate puts each slice around 150-200 calories. For those watching their sugar intake, consider swapping the granulated sugar with a sugar substitute that works for meringue, maintaining sweetness with fewer calories!

Storing Tips & Variations for Easy Pavlova Christmas Cake Recipe

This meringue masterpiece is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store any unassembled pavlova in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration, as humidity can cause it to become soggy. Topping it right before serving ensures the pavlova maintains its delightful crispness. Variations are endless! For a tropical twist, try topping it with passion fruit and kiwi, or add a sprinkling of crushed pistachios for a delightful crunch.

Conclusion for Easy Pavlova Christmas Cake Recipe

This Easy Pavlova Christmas Cake Recipe is a must-try for your holiday festivities. The combination of crispy meringue, luscious cream, and vibrant berries is sure to impress your guests and leave them longing for seconds. Why not put your culinary skills to the test and create this stunning dessert today? Your taste buds and your holiday table will thank you!

FAQs

1. Can I make pavlova ahead of time?
   Yes, you can bake the meringue a day in advance, but be sure to store it in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crisp.

2. What can I use instead of fresh berries?
   You could use canned fruit, stewed apples, or any other fruit you enjoy. Just make sure they are free of any additives that may not align with dietary preferences.

3. How do I know when the meringue is done?
   The meringue should be crisp to the touch and have a slight sheen. You should be able to lift it off the parchment paper easily.

4. Can I freeze pavlova?
   Freezing is not recommended for pavlova, as it can lose its texture. It’s best served fresh.

5. What can I do with leftover egg yolks?
   Leftover egg yolks can be used to make custards, ice creams, or even rich carbonara sauces, making delicious use of every part of the egg.

Easy Pavlova Christmas Cake

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A delightful dessert with a crispy meringue base, topped with fresh whipped cream and mixed berries, perfect for holiday gatherings.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Australian
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 large egg whites
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• Fresh whipped cream
• Mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries)
• Fresh mint leaves (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, continuing to beat until the mixture forms stiff peaks.
4. Gently fold in vanilla extract, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
5. Spoon the meringue onto the baking sheet, shaping it into a circular disc (about 8 inches in diameter).
6. Bake the pavlova for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and let it cool completely inside.
7. Gently remove the cooled pavlova from the baking sheet and place it on a serving platter.
8. Dollop fresh whipped cream on top, followed by a scatter of mixed berries and mint leaves.
9. Slice and serve, ensuring each portion has cream and berries.

Notes

Ensure mixing bowl is completely clean and dry for perfect meringue. Serve fresh for best texture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 175
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 10mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

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