Holiday Berry Meringue Wreath is a stunning dessert that brings a festive touch to any holiday gathering. This show-stopping dessert features a crisp meringue shaped like a beautiful wreath, topped with freshly whipped cream and a colorful assortment of berries. The combination of textures and flavors makes it not only visually appealing but also light and indulgent—a perfect treat for holiday celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or a New Year’s Eve gathering, this delightful dessert is sure to impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Holiday Berry Meringue Wreath
There are countless reasons to adore this Holiday Berry Meringue Wreath. First, it’s visually stunning, making it an eye-catching centerpiece for your dessert table. Second, the combination of textures—from the crisp meringue to the smooth whipped cream and juicy berries—creates an unforgettable experience. Third, it’s relatively easy to make, even for beginners, allowing everyone to enjoy a festive treat. Additionally, it’s a versatile dessert that can be customized with your favorite berries, making it perfect for any occasion. Plus, it can be prepared ahead of time, saving you stress on the day of your event. Finally, this elegant berry meringue dessert embodies the festive spirit of the holidays, making it a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients for Holiday Berry Meringue Wreath
Gather these items:
- For the meringue: 8 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- about 420 g (≈3½ cups) powdered/confectioners’ sugar
- For the berry topping: 1 bag (~280 g) fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed and drained
- 70 g granulated sugar
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 490 g fresh raspberries
- 90 g pomegranate seeds
- Leaves from one bunch fresh mint (for garnish)
- For the whipped cream: 240 ml heavy cream
How to Make Holiday Berry Meringue Wreath Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven and prepare sheet: Position an oven rack in the lower third and pre-heat to 110 °C (~230 °F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a large bowl or round object to trace a 12-inch outer circle and a 9-inch inner circle (to mark the wreath shape) on the parchment. Flip the paper so pencil marks face down.
- Step 2: Make the meringue: In a very clean bowl, combine egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt. Beat on medium until foamy (~1 minute), then increase speed to medium-high and beat until thick and opaque (~1 minute more). Gradually add the powdered sugar, about ¼ cup at a time, until you have glossy, stiff peaks (~13–15 minutes).
- Step 3: Shape the wreath: Using the circle guide on the parchment, drop dollops of the meringue mixture around the outer circle, then fill the inner ring by dolloping slightly smaller mounds in the 9-inch circle. Use the back of a spoon to flatten slightly and create peaks and texture.
- Step 4: Bake and cool: Bake until the meringue is dry, crisp, and pearly white on the outside—about 2 hours. After baking, turn off the oven and leave the meringue inside with the door ajar to cool completely (this slow cooling helps prevent cracking).
- Step 5: Make the berry-cranberry sauce topping: While the meringue bakes or cools, in a saucepan combine cranberries, sugar, and lemon juice; simmer until the cranberries soften and begin to burst (~10 minutes). Let cool, then gently fold in raspberries and pomegranate seeds.
- Step 6: Whip the cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form; set aside.
- Step 7: Assemble the wreath: Just before serving, spread or pipe the whipped cream over the cooled meringue wreath. Spoon the berry-cranberry mixture over the whipped cream. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and optionally dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Best Holiday Berry Meringue Wreath
Keep these in mind:
- This dessert is best served immediately after assembling to maintain the texture of the meringue.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 1 day; however, the meringue may soften over time.
- For a delightful twist, try adding other seasonal fruits like strawberries or blueberries to the topping.
Best Ways to Serve Holiday Berry Meringue Wreath
There are several creative ways to serve this Holiday Berry Meringue Wreath. First, consider pairing it with a festive drink, such as sparkling cider or eggnog, to enhance the holiday atmosphere. Additionally, you can serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist. Another idea is to slice it into smaller portions and arrange it on a platter for guests to help themselves at holiday gatherings.
How to Store and Reheat Holiday Berry Meringue Wreath
To keep your Holiday Berry Meringue Wreath fresh, store any uneaten portions in the refrigerator for up to one day. As the meringue can absorb moisture, it’s best to consume it shortly after assembling. If you need to prepare it ahead of time, consider making the components separately and assembling them just before serving to maintain the texture and taste.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Berry Meringue Wreath
What’s the secret to perfect Holiday Berry Meringue Wreath?
The secret to a perfect Holiday Berry Meringue Wreath lies in the meringue itself. Ensure that your egg whites are at room temperature and that your mixing bowl is completely clean. This will help achieve glossy, stiff peaks, which are crucial for a successful meringue.
Can I make Holiday Berry Meringue Wreath ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare components of the Holiday Berry Meringue Wreath ahead of time. Make the meringue and berry topping in advance, but assemble the dessert just before serving to keep the meringue crisp and prevent it from becoming soggy.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Holiday Berry Meringue Wreath?
To avoid common mistakes, focus on properly whipping the egg whites and avoiding any contact with yolks or grease. Additionally, ensure you bake the meringue at a low temperature for the right amount of time to achieve a dry, crisp finish.
Creative Variations of Holiday Berry Meringue Wreath You Can Try
Consider these variations to make your Holiday Berry Meringue Wreath unique. For a tropical twist, add slices of kiwi and mango to the berry topping. Alternatively, incorporate a hint of flavor by adding vanilla or almond extract to the whipped cream. You can also experiment with different types of berries, such as blackberries or blueberries, to suit your taste. Lastly, try a chocolate drizzle over the assembled wreath for an extra touch of decadence.
For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making cranberry orange pancakes for a festive breakfast option!
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Delightful Holiday Berry Meringue Wreath Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Holiday Berry Meringue Wreath is a show-stopping dessert: crisp meringue shaped like a festive wreath, topped with whipped cream and a vibrant mix of fresh berries. It looks stunning, tastes light yet indulgent, and is perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- For the meringue: 8 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- about 420 g (≈3½ cups) powdered/confectioners’ sugar
- For the berry topping: 1 bag (~280 g) fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed and drained
- 70 g granulated sugar
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 490 g fresh raspberries
- 90 g pomegranate seeds
- Leaves from one bunch fresh mint (for garnish)
- For the whipped cream: 240 ml heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare sheet: Position an oven rack in the lower third and pre-heat to 110 °C (~230 °F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a large bowl or round object to trace a 12-inch outer circle and a 9-inch inner circle (to mark the wreath shape) on the parchment. Flip the paper so pencil marks face down.
- Make the meringue: In a very clean bowl, combine egg whites, cream of tartar and salt. Beat on medium until foamy (~1 minute), then increase speed to medium-high and beat until thick and opaque (~1 minute more). Gradually add the powdered sugar, about ¼ cup at a time, until you have glossy, stiff peaks (~13–15 minutes).
- Shape the wreath: Using the circle guide on the parchment, drop dollops of the meringue mixture around the outer circle, then fill the inner ring by dolloping slightly smaller mounds in the 9-inch circle. Use the back of a spoon to flatten slightly and create peaks and texture.
- Bake and cool: Bake until the meringue is dry, crisp and pearly white on the outside—about 2 hours. After baking, turn off the oven and leave the meringue inside with the door ajar to cool completely (this slow cooling helps prevent cracking).
- Make the berry-cranberry sauce topping: While the meringue bakes or cools, in a saucepan combine cranberries, sugar and lemon juice; simmer until the cranberries soften and begin to burst (~10 minutes). Let cool, then gently fold in raspberries and pomegranate seeds.
- Whip the cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form; set aside.
- Assemble the wreath: Just before serving, spread or pipe the whipped cream over the cooled meringue wreath. Spoon the berry-cranberry mixture over the whipped cream. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and optionally dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Serve immediately.
Notes
- This dessert is best served immediately after assembling.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Holiday Berry Meringue Wreath, meringue dessert, holiday dessert, berry dessert
