Last Updated on October 13, 2025 by recipeinspire
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7-Step Christmas Pavlova Trifle Recipe: Your Best Festive Dessert!
Are you ready to impress your holiday guests with a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? If so, you might be craving a showstopper dessert and looking to master the ultimate Christmas Pavlova Trifle Recipe. This delightful dessert combines the classic textures of meringue, rich cream, and fresh fruits, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. Let’s dive into this 7-step guide, packed with tips for a flawless creation.
Ingredients List

To whip up the perfect Christmas Pavlova Trifle Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Pavlova Base:
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Whipped Cream Layer:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Fruit Layer:
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup kiwis, sliced
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Substitutions: You can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a lighter version, or swap the fruits with seasonal alternatives like raspberries or pomegranates for a festive touch!
Timing
This Christmas Pavlova Trifle Recipe will take approximately 90 minutes to prepare and assemble. This time is about 20% less compared to many traditional trifle recipes that require hours of waiting and layering!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pavlova
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, and continue to beat until the mixture is glossy and forms stiff peaks.
- Gently fold in cornstarch, vinegar, and vanilla extract.
Step 2: Bake the Pavlova
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and pour the meringue mixture onto it, shaping it into a circle about 8 inches in diameter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. After that, turn off the oven and leave the pavlova inside for an additional hour to cool and dry out.
Step 3: Prepare the Whipped Cream
- In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until it begins to thicken.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue whipping until soft peaks form.
Step 4: Assemble the Trifle
- Once the pavlova is completely cool, break it into large pieces.
- In a trifle bowl, layer half of the pavlova pieces at the bottom.
Step 5: Add the Cream Layer
- Spread half of the whipped cream over the pavlova pieces.
- Next, add a layer of mixed fruits over the cream.
Step 6: Repeat the Layers
- Repeat the previous two steps with the remaining pavlova, whipped cream, and fruits.
- Finish with a final layer of fruits and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the festive delight!
Nutritional Information
One serving of this Christmas Pavlova Trifle Recipe (based on 10 servings) contains approximately:
- Calories: 380
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 6g
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
For a lighter take on the classic trifle:
- Use a Sugar Substitute: Replace granulated sugar with natural sweeteners like Stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie option.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and almond milk to make the whipped layer vegan. This also caters to those with lactose intolerance.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Christmas Pavlova Trifle Recipe in individual glasses for a more formal presentation. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added indulgence!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbeating the Egg Whites: This can lead to a dry pavlova. Stop beating once stiff peaks form.
- Humidity Issues: Make pavlova on a dry day. Humidity can hinder the proper drying of the meringue.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store leftover trifle in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 48 hours. To maintain freshness, suspend the meringue layer above the cream and fruit until you’re ready to serve, preventing it from getting soggy.
Print
7-Step Christmas Pavlova Trifle Recipe: Your Best Festive Dessert!
- Total Time: 20 minutes + chilling
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Christmas Pavlova Trifle is a heavenly mix of crunchy meringue, whipped cream, and juicy berries — the perfect festive dessert to impress your guests! 🎄🍓 Light, fruity, and beautifully layered for a stunning holiday centerpiece.
Ingredients
- 4–5 meringue nests or pavlova shells, crushed
- 2 cups whipped cream
- 1 cup vanilla custard
- 1 ½ cups mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
- 1/2 cup berry coulis or raspberry jam
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- In a large glass trifle bowl, layer crushed meringue pieces on the bottom.
- Top with a layer of vanilla custard, then a layer of whipped cream.
- Add a generous handful of fresh berries and drizzle with berry coulis or jam.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with whipped cream and berries on top.
- Chill for 1 hour before serving and garnish with mint leaves for a festive touch.
Notes
💡 Tip: Use homemade or store-bought meringue to save time. For an elegant Christmas twist, add edible gold dust or a sprinkle of crushed candy canes before serving!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Christmas, Holiday
- Method: Layered, No-Bake
- Cuisine: Australian, Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: christmas pavlova trifle, pavlova dessert, holiday trifle, christmas dessert, meringue trifle, easy holiday dessert, festive desserts
Conclusion
In summary, the Christmas Pavlova Trifle Recipe is a stunning dessert perfect for your holiday gatherings. Its layers of meringue, rich cream, and fresh fruits offer a delightful experience for your taste buds. We invite you to try this recipe, share your feedback, and explore similar posts for more culinary inspirations!
FAQs
Q1: Can I make the pavlova a day ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pavlova the day before and assemble the trifle on the day you’ll serve it to ensure it stays fresh and crisp.
Q2: What fruits should I use?
You can use any combination of berries, kiwis, or even tropical fruits like mango. The goal is to have a balance of sweetness and acidity.
Q3: How long does the trifle last?
The assembled trifle should be consumed within 48 hours to maintain the best flavor and texture.







