It’s Juliette from Busy Mom Simple Nutrition, and I’m so excited to share one of my family’s favorite holiday treats: the Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake! This isn’t just any dessert; it’s a showstopper that brings joy and a touch of healthy indulgence to our Christmas table. As busy moms, we need recipes that are both impressive and manageable, and this Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake ticks all the boxes.
I remember the first time I made this Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake. My youngest had just started solids, and I was determined to create a dessert that was festive but also mindful of her nutritional needs. I was inspired after seeing a Christmas pavlova recipe. The traditional pavlova seemed too sweet. So, I experimented with reducing the sugar and loading it up with fresh berries. My family loved the result and that’s when I knew this Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake would be a nutrition win! The kids were thrilled by the fun wreath shape, and I was happy knowing they were enjoying a dessert with less processed sugar and plenty of fruit. It’s become a tradition ever since!
I understand the daily juggle – school lunches, after-school snacks, and the never-ending quest for dinnertime nutrition wins. That’s why I’m passionate about sharing simple, nourishing solutions that fit into our busy lives. This Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a way to celebrate the season while keeping our family’s well-being in mind.
Join me, fellow nutrition-seekers, as we create this beautiful and delicious Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake together. Let’s bring some sanity-saving nutrition to our holiday celebrations!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
- 6 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for cream)
- Assorted fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, kiwi), about 2-3 cups
- Mint leaves for garnish
Trust me, this Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity! You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store.
No worries if you don’t have white vinegar – I sometimes use lemon juice for a similar tang in my Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake. For an extra nutrition boost, I add a tablespoon of chia seeds to the meringue mixture; my family barely notices, and it adds a dose of omega-3s!
This Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive! Frozen berries are a great budget-friendly alternative, especially when fresh berries are out of season. Just thaw them and pat them dry before using. Here’s a Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake nutrition hack that changed our family’s health: I sometimes sneak in a bit of unsweetened applesauce into the whipped cream for added moisture and fiber.
For a festive touch and added nutrients, consider adding pomegranate seeds or segments of mandarin oranges. My family gets extra nutrition when I add these vibrant fruits! This simple holiday pavlova dessert is sure to please!
Let’s Make it Happen!
- Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Trace a 9-inch circle on the parchment paper as a guide for your wreath shape.
- In a clean, grease-free bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. This is crucial for a light and airy meringue.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until the meringue is glossy and smooth.
- Gently fold in the white vinegar, vanilla extract, and cornstarch. Be careful not to deflate the meringue.
- Spoon or pipe the meringue onto the prepared baking sheet, following the traced circle to create a wreath shape. Make sure the edges are slightly higher to hold the toppings.
- Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the meringue is crisp on the outside and slightly soft in the center. Turn off the oven and let the Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake cool completely inside the oven with the door slightly ajar. This prevents cracking.
- While the pavlova is cooling, prepare the whipped cream. In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Once the pavlova is completely cool, gently transfer it to a serving platter. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the meringue wreath.
- Arrange the fresh berries on top of the whipped cream, creating a colorful and festive wreath design. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Here’s where I used to struggle with my Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake – learn from my experience! I used to rush the cooling process, which resulted in a cracked pavlova. Now, I always let it cool completely in the oven, and it comes out perfect every time.
In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake usually takes about 2 hours from start to finish, including baking and cooling time. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch while you wait! Your Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake should smell nourishing by now – sweet and slightly tangy.
Don’t worry if your Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake looks a little rustic – that’s part of its charm! The most important thing is that it tastes delicious and brings joy to your family. While your Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake is baking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family! It is also a great time to check out other great christmas treats like this Candy Corn Poke Cake recipe.
This festive pavlova cake is a winner every time!
How We Love to Eat This!
The kids devour this nutritious Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake when I serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side. It adds a creamy tang and a boost of protein. This Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast!
We love enjoying this Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake during our Christmas Eve dinner or as a special treat on Christmas Day. It’s also a hit at holiday gatherings with friends and family. To make it extra festive, I sometimes add edible glitter or a dusting of powdered sugar to resemble snow.
Presentation is key when it comes to getting kids excited about healthy food. I like to arrange the berries in a playful pattern, creating little “berry characters” that they can enjoy. Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in the refrigerator for a day or two. The meringue will soften, but it will still taste delicious.
For a seasonal variation, try using different fruits depending on what’s available. In the summer, I love using peaches and nectarines. In the fall, apples and pears are a great addition. The kids even enjoy a healthy treat like the Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles!
My guests always rave about how light and refreshing this Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake is. They’re often surprised to learn that it’s not overly sweet and is packed with nutritious fruits. My family is always thrilled when I create this wreath pavlova dessert.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Is this Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake really nutritious enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! This Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake is a great source of vitamins and antioxidants from the fresh berries. Plus, it’s lower in sugar than many traditional desserts. The egg whites also provide a good source of protein.
What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake?
Start by letting them help you decorate the wreath with the berries. Kids are more likely to try something they’ve helped create. You can also offer a small taste of just the whipped cream and berries to get them interested. You can even start by offering this delicious Halloween Cookie Cake recipe.
Can I meal prep this Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake for busy weeks ahead?
While you can’t fully assemble the Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake ahead of time, you can make the meringue base a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container. You can also prepare the whipped cream ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the cake just before serving to prevent the meringue from getting soggy.
Can I use a sugar substitute to make this Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake even healthier?
Yes, you can experiment with sugar substitutes like erythritol or stevia. However, keep in mind that they may affect the texture and taste of the meringue.
What are some other healthy toppings I can use for this Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake?
Besides berries, you can use sliced bananas, kiwi, mango, or even a sprinkle of shredded coconut. You can also drizzle a little bit of honey or maple syrup over the top for added sweetness. It is important to look at great options for creating a meringue wreath recipe.
Is it important for the egg whites to be at room temperature?
Yes, using egg whites at room temperature helps them whip up to a greater volume, resulting in a lighter and airier meringue.
What do I do if my meringue cracks while baking?
Don’t worry if your meringue cracks! It won’t affect the taste. To minimize cracking, make sure to cool the Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake slowly in the oven with the door ajar.
Final Thoughts:
This Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a way to bring joy, nutrition, and a touch of magic to your family’s holiday celebrations. It supports my family’s nutrition goals by providing a delicious treat that’s lower in sugar and packed with fresh fruit. Plus, it’s a fun and festive way to get the kids involved in the kitchen.
My Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake Nutrition Hacks:
- Reduce the sugar: I often reduce the amount of sugar in the meringue by a tablespoon or two without compromising the texture.
- Add chia seeds: A tablespoon of chia seeds adds a boost of omega-3s and fiber without affecting the taste.
- Use Greek yogurt: Serving with a dollop of Greek yogurt adds a creamy tang and a boost of protein.
Family-Tested Healthy Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake Variations:
- Tropical Pavlova: Top with mango, pineapple, and shredded coconut.
- Berry Blast Pavlova: Use a mix of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries.
- Chocolate Drizzle Pavlova: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top for a decadent treat.
My kids love the Berry Blast Pavlova, while my husband prefers the classic version with strawberries and whipped cream. I encourage you to make this recipe your own and find the variations that your family loves the most.
This Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake reminds me of another family-healthy favorite featured on She Wears Many Hats. You can also find some great examples on Gemma’s Bigger Bolder Baking, and A Pretty Life in the Suburbs.
I hope this recipe brings you and your family as much joy as it brings mine. Remember, simple nutrition is the key to a happy and healthy family. Embrace the nourishing chaos and enjoy the process! I have high hopes for your family’s nutrition success. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun in the kitchen. You will create a beautiful Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake!
Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake
This Pavlova Christmas Wreath Cake is a stunning and festive dessert, perfect for your holiday celebrations. A light and airy meringue base is topped with whipped cream and fresh berries, creating a show-stopping centerpiece that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 105 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Australian
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Assorted fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, kiwi), for decoration
- Fresh mint sprigs, for decoration
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Draw a 9-inch circle on the parchment paper as a guide.
- In a clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition until the meringue is stiff and glossy.
- In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar and cornstarch. Gently fold into the meringue along with 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Spoon or pipe the meringue onto the prepared baking sheet, following the circle you drew. Create a wreath shape, leaving a hollow center. Swirl the meringue to create peaks.
- Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the meringue is dry and crisp to the touch. Turn off the oven and let the pavlova cool completely inside the oven with the door slightly ajar. This will help prevent cracking.
- While the pavlova is cooling, prepare the whipped cream. In a large bowl, beat heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Once the pavlova is completely cool, carefully transfer it to a serving platter.
- Spread the whipped cream over the pavlova wreath.
- Decorate with assorted fresh berries and mint sprigs.
- Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, make the pavlova a day ahead and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Add the whipped cream and berries just before serving.