Description
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s dramatic, festive and light all at once, this Pavlova Christmas Tree with Fresh Fruits is your perfect holiday showstopper. Crisp, snowy-white meringue layers are stacked into a Christmas-tree silhouette, then topped with soft whipped cream and colourful seasonal fruits. It’s elegant, whimsical, and guaranteed to impress your guests — all while being surprisingly simple to make.
This is the kind of dessert that brings magic to the table and leaves everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients
For the Meringue Layers
- 4 large egg whites, room temperature
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1 cup (≈ 200 g) granulated sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 tsp white vinegar or lemon juice
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2 tsp corn-starch
For the Whipped Cream & Decoration
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1 ½ cups heavy (whipping) cream, cold
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2 Tbsp powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Assorted fresh seasonal fruits (kiwi slices, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, pomegranate seeds)
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Optional: edible gold stars, mint leaves, powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
1. Prepare & Bake the Meringue
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Preheat oven to 250°F (≈120°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
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In a clean, grease-free bowl, beat egg whites on medium until soft peaks form.
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Add granulated sugar 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff, glossy peaks develop.
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Mix in vanilla, vinegar/lemon juice, and corn-starch until just combined.
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On the lined tray, draw or trace a Christmas-tree shape.
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Spoon or pipe meringue inside the outline into stacked rings or a cone-like shape.
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Bake for ~1 hour, until crisp outside but soft and marshmallowy inside.
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Turn off oven, crack the door and cool meringue inside for ~30 minutes. Let cool fully.
2. Whip the Cream
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In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
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Refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Assemble the Tree
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Place the cooled meringue structure on a serving plate.
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Spread whipped cream over the top and sides.
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Decorate with fresh fruits in a tree-like pattern: kiwi layers, strawberry “ornaments”, blueberries, raspberries, and pomegranate “sparkle”.
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Add powdered sugar, mint leaves or edible gold stars for a festive finish.
4. Serve
Keep chilled until ready to serve.
Slice through the meringue layers like a cake and enjoy its crisp-soft texture combination.
Serve within 1 hour of assembling for best texture.
Notes
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Egg whites whip best at room temperature, and the bowl must be completely clean.
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Meringue requires low and slow baking — this prevents cracks and helps maintain its shape.
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Assemble just before serving, as whipped cream and fruit juices will soften the meringue over time.
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Use firm, ripe fruits to avoid excess moisture.
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For a taller tree, bake multiple smaller meringue discs and stack them with whipped cream.
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You can bake the meringue one day ahead — store in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 Hour
- Category: Desserts
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 190kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg