Christmas Pavlova Trifle

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Christmas Pavlova Trifle is a stunning layered dessert of meringue, whipped cream, custard, and berries. Light, creamy, and perfect for holiday celebrations.

Christmas Pavlova Trifle is a festive and elegant dessert that combines the best of both worlds , the airy crunch of pavlova and the creamy, fruity layers of a traditional trifle. This stunning showpiece dessert is layered with crisp meringue pieces, velvety whipped cream, smooth custard, and a medley of seasonal berries. It’s light, colorful, and absolutely perfect for your holiday celebrations.

This no-fuss dessert looks sophisticated but is surprisingly simple to assemble. Every spoonful is a delightful balance of textures, crisp meringue, fluffy cream, and juicy fruit , all beautifully mingled together. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner or a holiday brunch, this Pavlova Trifle will impress your guests and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

For the Meringue Layers:

  • 4 large egg whites (room temperature)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Whipped Cream:

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Custard Layer:

  • 2 cups prepared vanilla custard or pudding
  • 1 tablespoon brandy or rum (optional)

For the Fruit Layer:

  • 1 ½ cups raspberries
  • 1 ½ cups strawberries, sliced
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1 cup red currants or cranberries (fresh or sugared)
  • ½ cup passion fruit pulp (optional for tropical flavor)

For Garnish:

  • Sugared berries
  • White chocolate shavings or curls
  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Edible gold star or sprinkles (optional for presentation)

Preparation

Step 1: Make the Meringue

  • Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form.
  • Gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
  • Gently fold in vinegar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract.
  • Spread into small circles or spoonfuls (for breaking later).
  • Bake for 1 hour, then turn off oven and let meringues cool completely inside with the door slightly open.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream

  • In a large chilled bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.

Step 3: Prepare the Custard

  • Use pre-made vanilla custard or make your own from scratch.
  • Stir in brandy or rum for a festive touch (optional).

Step 4: Assemble the Trifle

  • In a large glass trifle dish, start layering:
    1. A base layer of crushed meringue pieces.
    2. A layer of custard.
    3. A layer of mixed berries.
    4. A layer of whipped cream.
  • Repeat the layers until the dish is full, finishing with whipped cream and fruit on top.

Step 5: Decorate and Chill

  • Garnish with sugared berries, white chocolate curls, and mint leaves.
  • Top with an edible gold star for a magical Christmas presentation.
  • Chill for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld together.

Variations

  • Chocolate Pavlova Trifle: Add cocoa powder to the meringue for a chocolate base.
  • Tropical Version: Use mango, kiwi, and pineapple with passion fruit pulp.
  • Berry Compote Layer: Simmer some of the berries with sugar for a syrupy layer.
  • Mini Trifles: Serve in individual glasses for a modern presentation.

Cooking Notes

  • The meringue can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container.
  • Assemble the trifle just before serving to keep the meringue crisp.
  • Use a mix of fresh and sugared berries for texture and sparkle.
  • If using store-bought pavlova, break it gently into bite-sized chunks.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve as the centerpiece dessert for Christmas dinner or brunch.
  • Pair with hot chocolate, champagne, or a festive cocktail.
  • Add a drizzle of berry syrup or caramel sauce for extra flair.

Tips

  • Use a clear glass bowl to show off the beautiful layers.
  • Whip cream until just soft , over-whipping can make it grainy.
  • Chill all ingredients before layering for a stable trifle.
  • For extra crunch, add crushed amaretti or meringue cookies between layers.

Timing

  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Baking (meringue): 1 hour
  • Assembly & Chilling: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, 10 servings)

  • Calories: 310
  • Protein: 4g
  • Sodium: 70mg

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this trifle ahead of time?

  • Yes, you can assemble it a few hours before serving, but add meringue just before to keep it crisp.

Q2: Can I use store-bought pavlova?

  • Absolutely , it saves time and works perfectly for this recipe.

Q3: What fruits work best?

  • Berries like raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, and red currants are ideal for color and flavor.

Q4: Can I make it alcohol-free?

  • Yes, just omit the brandy , it will still taste amazing.

Q5: How should I store leftovers?

  • Refrigerate covered for up to 2 days, though the meringue will soften slightly.

Conclusion

Christmas Pavlova Trifle is a stunning, festive dessert that’s light, fruity, and irresistibly creamy. The combination of fluffy meringue, silky custard, whipped cream, and jewel-like berries makes it as breathtaking to look at as it is to eat. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, this trifle brings a touch of elegance and joy to every Christmas celebration.

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