Holiday Wreath Meringues with Berries & Cream

Why Make This Holiday Wreath Meringues with Berries & Cream

Every holiday season calls for a little bit of sweetness, and what better way to celebrate than with these delightful Holiday Wreath Meringues with Berries & Cream? These meringues offer a fun and festive take on traditional desserts, with their charming wreath shapes and colorful toppings. Light and airy, each bite melts in your mouth, while the fresh berries provide a juicy burst of flavor. The cream adds a luscious touch that perfectly balances the crisp sweetness of the meringues. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, looking for a unique dessert to impress your guests, or seeking a fun activity to do with your kids, this recipe delivers. Plus, they look absolutely stunning on your dessert table!

How to Make Holiday Wreath Meringues with Berries & Cream

Making Holiday Wreath Meringues is easier than you might think! With just a few simple ingredients and some basic techniques, you can create these beautiful meringues right in your kitchen. The process begins with whipping egg whites to the perfect consistency to create that signature crisp shell. You’ll then pipe the meringue into festive wreath shapes, bake them slowly to achieve that ideal crunch, and finally, top each meringue with whipped cream and fresh berries. It’s a recipe that not only results in a spectacular dessert but also fills your kitchen with delightful aromas as it bakes.

Ingredients:

• 4 large egg whites
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 cup fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
• Mint leaves (for garnish, optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whip egg whites until foamy.
3. Add cream of tartar and continue whipping until soft peaks form.
4. Gradually add granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, whipping until stiff glossy peaks form.
5. Add vanilla extract and mix gently to combine.
6. Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
7. Pipe wreath shapes onto the prepared baking sheets, creating circles and overlapping layers for a more festive look.
8. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the meringues are dry and easily lift off the parchment.
9. Turn off the oven and let the meringues cool inside as the oven cools down.
10. In another bowl, whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
11. To assemble, place a meringue wreath on a plate, dollop with whipped cream, and arrange fresh berries on top.
12. Garnish with mint leaves if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1 meringue with cream and berries):

• Calories: 150
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 10mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 16g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 14g
• Protein: 2g

How to Serve Holiday Wreath Meringues with Berries & Cream

These delightful meringue wreaths make a stunning centerpiece for any holiday dessert table. Serve them as individual portions alongside a selection of other festive treats. They’re perfect for Christmas gatherings, New Year’s Eve parties, or even as a light after-dinner dessert during any holiday celebration. You can also place them on a tiered cake stand for an eye-catching display.

How to Store Holiday Wreath Meringues with Berries & Cream

To store leftover meringue wreaths, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their crisp texture for up to three days. However, once you add the whipped cream and berries, it’s best to serve them immediately, as the toppings will cause the meringue to become soggy. If you want to prepare ahead, store the meringues separately without toppings, and assemble them just before serving.

Expert Tips for Perfect Holiday Wreath Meringues with Berries & Cream

• Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are clean and free of any grease to ensure the egg whites whip up properly.
• Use room temperature egg whites for the best volume.
• For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a pinch of almond extract or citrus zest to the whipped cream.
• If you want to add color to your meringues, use gel food coloring and mix it in gently after achieving stiff peaks.

Delicious Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the whipped cream and berries for a decadent twist.
• Coconut Meringues: Stir in unsweetened shredded coconut into the meringue for a tropical flavor.
• Seasonal Spices: Incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the whipped cream for a cozy, holiday spice flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make the meringues ahead of time?
  Yes! Meringues can be made several days in advance and stored in an airtight container. Just be sure to add the whipped cream and berries right before serving.

• What should I do if my meringue doesn’t form stiff peaks?
  If your meringue fails to form stiff peaks, check that your bowl and utensils are clean and free from grease. Whipping at room temperature might also help.

• Can I use other fruits instead of berries?
  Absolutely! Feel free to use any seasonal fruits you like. Sliced kiwi, peaches, or even a drizzle of fruit sauce would work wonderfully.

Conclusion

These Holiday Wreath Meringues with Berries & Cream are not just a treat for the taste buds, but also a feast for the eyes. Their light, fluffy texture combined with the sweet cream and fresh berries makes for a delightful dessert that captures the essence of the holiday spirit. So, gather your ingredients and give this festive recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed! Share your creations with friends and family and let the joy of baking fill your home this holiday season!

Holiday Wreath Meringues with Berries & Cream

Delightful meringue wreaths topped with whipped cream and fresh berries, perfect for holiday celebrations.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 12 pieces

Course: Dessert, Holiday

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Meringues

• 4 large egg whites Use room temperature for best volume.
• 1 cup granulated sugar Add gradually during whipping.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

For the Topping

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 cup fresh berries Use strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
• Mint leaves For garnish, optional.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whip the egg whites until foamy.
3. Add cream of tartar and continue whipping until soft peaks form.
4. Gradually add granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, whipping until stiff glossy peaks form.
5. Add vanilla extract and mix gently to combine.

Baking

1. Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
2. Pipe wreath shapes onto the prepared baking sheets, creating circles and overlapping layers for a festive look.
3. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the meringues are dry and easily lift off the parchment.
4. Turn off the oven and let the meringues cool inside as the oven cools down.

Assembly

1. In another bowl, whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
2. Place a meringue wreath on a plate, dollop with whipped cream, and arrange fresh berries on top.
3. Garnish with mint leaves if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Store leftover meringues in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Assemble with whipped cream and berries just before serving.