Pavlova Christmas Trees: A Festive and Light Holiday Dessert

These Pavlova Christmas Trees are a stunningly beautiful holiday treat made with stacked meringue rings, cranberry sauce, pistachios, and whipped cream. Not only are they visually impressive, but they also offer a refreshing and light dessert option, perfect for enjoying after a rich and indulgent holiday meal. With their delicate texture and festive flavors, these mini trees are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next holiday gathering.

Ingredients

For the Meringue Rings:

3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
3 large egg whites, at room temperature
A pinch of salt
A pinch of cream of tartar (optional)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Cranberry Sauce:

2 cups fresh cranberries
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Zest of 1/2 orange
1 star anise
A pinch of salt
1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

For the Whipped Cream:

1 cup very cold heavy cream

For the Trees:

1/2 cup chopped toasted pistachios (or more if needed)
2 tablespoons powdered sugar (or as desired for dusting)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cornstarch, and set aside.
Prepare the Meringue: In a large bowl, beat the room temperature egg whites, salt, and cream of tartar (if using) with an electric mixer on high speed until frothy and the volume doubles. Slowly add the sugar mixture, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat, until the sugar is dissolved and the meringue becomes thick and glossy. Test by rubbing a small amount between your fingers—if it feels smooth and not gritty, it’s ready. Add the vanilla extract and white vinegar, then continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
Shape the Meringue Rings: Transfer the meringue mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped nozzle. On the prepared baking sheets, pipe the largest meringue circle, about 2 1/2 to 3 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick. Then pipe three smaller circles, with each circle slightly smaller than the previous one. Lastly, pipe a small “kiss” of meringue on top of the smallest circle. Repeat this process for the second baking sheet, creating a total of six mini trees.
Bake the Meringue: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the meringues are firm to the touch and no longer sticky on the surface. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through for even baking. The baking time may vary depending on the size and humidity, so continue to bake until the meringues feel dry and crisp. Once done, turn off the oven, leave the door slightly ajar, and let the meringues cool in the oven for at least 1 hour.
Make the Cranberry Sauce: While the meringues are cooling, prepare the cranberry sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange zest, star anise, salt, and orange juice. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries soften and the liquid slightly reduces, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Transfer to the refrigerator to chill until ready to use.
Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.
Assemble the Christmas Trees: To assemble each tree, start with the largest meringue ring at the bottom. Spread a layer of whipped cream on top, then add a spoonful of cranberry sauce and sprinkle with chopped pistachios. Add a small layer of whipped cream on top, then place the second largest meringue ring. Continue layering in this fashion, with each successive layer using smaller meringue rings, until the smallest meringue is placed at the top. Repeat this process to assemble all six trees.
Finishing Touches: If desired, drizzle extra cranberry sauce along the sides of the trees for a more festive presentation. Dust with powdered sugar to add a final touch of sweetness and sparkle.

Pro Tips:

The meringue can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
To add a pop of color, feel free to use green pistachios or festive colored sugar crystals as a topping.

These Pavlova Christmas Trees not only bring joy to your holiday table with their charming appearance but also offer a refreshing contrast to the heavier dishes often served during the festive season. Enjoy this light, crunchy, and creamy dessert that captures the essence of Christmas in every bite!