This Christmas Pavlova Trifle is not just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece that embodies the spirit of the holidays! With its delightful layers of custard, whipped cream, macerated fruits, and crispy meringue kisses, this trifle is sure to impress your family and friends at any festive gathering. Not only does it look stunning, but it also combines a variety of flavors and textures that make every spoonful a joy to eat.
Ingredients
For the Custard
- 1½ cups (375ml) full cream milk 🥛
- 1½ cups (375ml) thickened cream 🥛
- 5 extra-large egg yolks 🥚
- ½ cup (110g) caster sugar 🍬
- 2 tbsp cornflour 🌽
- 30g unsalted butter, cubed and softened 🧈
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract 🌿
For the Macerated Fruit
- 250g cherries, halved and pitted 🍒
- 1 white peach, pitted and cut into wedges 🍑
- 1 yellow peach, pitted and cut into wedges 🍑
- 1 white nectarine, pitted and cut into wedges 🍑
- 1 yellow nectarine, pitted and cut into wedges 🍑
- ¼ cup (60ml) lemon juice 🍋
- ¼ cup (55g) caster sugar 🍬
- 250g raspberries 🍇
For Assembly
- 2 cups (500ml) thickened cream, whipped to soft peaks 🥛
- 100g vanilla meringue kisses 🍬
- 100g flavored meringue kisses 🍬
Method
Step 1: Make the Custard
- Heat the Dairy: In a saucepan, heat the milk and thickened cream over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches a gentle simmer. This step is crucial, as it infuses the custard with rich flavors.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, caster sugar, and a pinch of sea salt until the mixture is pale and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes. This creates a luscious base for the custard.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the hot milk mixture to the egg mixture while whisking continuously. This tempering technique prevents the eggs from scrambling and helps create a smooth custard.
- Cook the Custard: Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly. Continue until the custard thickens and becomes glossy, which should take around 3 minutes.
- Finish the Custard: Remove the saucepan from heat. Whisk in the cubed butter and vanilla until fully incorporated. To ensure a silky texture, strain the custard through a fine sieve into a bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until it thickens.
Step 2: Macerate the Fruit
- Combine the Fruits: In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved cherries, peach wedges, nectarine wedges, lemon juice, and caster sugar together. The sugar will draw out the juices from the fruit, creating a delicious syrup.
- Let it Rest: Allow the fruit to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will enhance the flavors and create a luscious maceration.
- Add Raspberries: Gently fold in the raspberries, being careful not to crush them. This adds a beautiful color and tartness to the mix.
Step 3: Assemble the Trifle
- First Layer: Spoon one-third of the macerated fruit into a large glass serving dish or trifle bowl. The glass will showcase the beautiful layers.
- Add Custard: Layer one-third of the chilled custard over the fruit, followed by one-third of the whipped cream, and then sprinkle a quarter of the meringue kisses on top.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining fruit, custard, whipped cream, and two-thirds of the meringues, ensuring a beautiful presentation.
Step 4: Chill and Decorate
- Chill the Trifle: Refrigerate the assembled trifle for about 30 minutes before serving. This helps the layers meld together and enhances the overall flavor.
- Final Touches: Just before serving, decorate the top with the remaining meringues for a festive touch. You can also add a few extra pieces of macerated fruit for added flair.
Serving Suggestions
This Christmas Pavlova Trifle serves about 12 people, making it a perfect dessert for holiday gatherings. To enhance the festive experience, consider serving it alongside some traditional Christmas drinks, such as mulled wine or spiced cider.
Additional Tips
- Make It Ahead: The custard can be made a day in advance, and the macerated fruits can also be prepared ahead of time. Just assemble the trifle a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Fruit Variations: Feel free to experiment with different seasonal fruits. Pomegranates, blueberries, or strawberries would also make delightful additions.
- Meringue Alternatives: If meringue kisses are not available, consider using crushed store-bought meringues or even whipped aquafaba for a vegan option.
- Presentation: Use a clear trifle dish to showcase the beautiful layers. If you don’t have one, individual servings in glass cups also make for a stunning presentation.
- Storage: This dessert is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The meringue may lose its crunch over time.
- Decorative Ideas: To elevate the trifle even further, consider garnishing with edible flowers or a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving.
Conclusion
This Christmas Pavlova Trifle is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and colors that captures the essence of the holiday season. With its luscious custard, sweet fruits, and light meringue, it’s bound to be a hit at your holiday gatherings. Not only is it visually stunning, but it’s also incredibly delicious, making it the perfect ending to any festive meal. Enjoy this delightful treat with your loved ones and make wonderful holiday memories! 🎄🍰
