Pull Apart Pavlova Wreath with Fresh Fruit Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious, you’ve got to try my Pull Apart Pavlova Wreath with Fresh Fruit Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of crisp, airy meringues piled high with fluffy whipped cream and topped with vibrant fresh fruit. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how easy it was to make yet how impressive it looks – seriously, your guests will be blown away. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so you can nail it perfectly in your kitchen.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together beautifully — the sweet, airy meringues balance the rich whipped cream and the fresh fruit adds a bright pop. When shopping, aim for the freshest eggs and cream, and choose your fruit based on what’s in season.

• Egg Whites: Use extra-large eggs for a fluffy, stable meringue base.
• Icing Sugar / Powdered Sugar: Sifting it is key to ensuring a smooth, glossy meringue without lumps.
• Cornstarch: Helps give the meringue that characteristic marshmallowy inside texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to both the meringue and the whipped cream.
• Heavy Cream / Whipping Cream: Use chilled cream for the fluffiest whipped topping.
• Fresh Fruit (Berries): A colorful mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries works wonders here.
• Fresh Mint: Offers a refreshing finish and pretty greenery for garnish.

Variations

I love how versatile the Pull Apart Pavlova Wreath with Fresh Fruit Recipe is. You can really make it your own depending on your mood or what you have in the fridge. Don’t hesitate to switch things up to suit your taste.

• Tropical Twist: Swap berries for mango, kiwi, and passionfruit for a sunny, exotic flavor—my family goes crazy for this version in summer.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the finished wreath for a little decadence I often indulge in.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and it still tastes indulgent and creamy.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted almonds or pistachios on top for an added texture contrast that I discovered adds a lovely crunch.

How to Make Pull Apart Pavlova Wreath with Fresh Fruit Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Meringue Base

Start by preheating your oven to a low 90°C (195°F) — this gentle heat is what helps to dry out the meringues so they’re crisp on the outside but still soft in the middle. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This recipe calls for 6 extra-large egg whites; I always make sure my mixing bowl is super clean and dry, so the whites whip properly. Beat the egg whites until you see foam forming, then gradually add your sifted icing sugar while continuing to beat. You’ll know you’re getting close to perfection when the mixture turns bright white and stiff peaks form with a glossy shine.

Step 2: Add Cornstarch and Vanilla, Shape Your Pavlova

Gently fold in cornstarch and vanilla; this is the secret to getting that classic pavlova texture. Then spoon or pipe little mounds about 5 cm in diameter on your parchment-lined trays, leaving space between each since they won’t spread much. I love using a teaspoon to make a small dent in the center of each – it’s perfect for holding the cream later on. Take your time here: evenly sized meringues mean a beautiful wreath shape.

Step 3: Bake and Cool Slowly

Bake these at that low temperature for about 60 minutes. When the time’s up, turn off the oven but leave the meringues inside to cool completely over roughly 2 hours. This slow cooling is what stops cracks and keeps the texture dreamy. I learned this trick the hard way—trying to rush it just leads to crumbly pavlovas, which defeats the purpose!

Step 4: Assemble the Wreath

Once cool, arrange the pavlovas in a circle on your serving platter—this is where the fun really begins. Whip your chilled cream with icing sugar and vanilla until you get those medium-stiff peaks I love for holding its shape without being too stiff. Spoon or pipe cream onto each meringue, then top generously with fresh fruit and a few mint leaves for that final pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Pull Apart Pavlova Wreath with Fresh Fruit Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—fresh mint leaves and a dusting of extra icing sugar for a delicate look. Sometimes I sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or edible flowers, which always get compliments at parties. It’s those little touches that elevate this dessert from beautiful to breathtaking.

Side Dishes

This wreath is perfect on its own, but if I’m serving it as part of a bigger spread, I like pairing it with a light citrus sorbet or a crisp glass of sparkling wine. Both complement the sweetness and add a refreshing balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged individual mini wreaths on small plates to serve guests directly, which feels extra festive. Another fun idea is layering the pavlovas in a trifle bowl for a deconstructed version of the wreath—still delicious but with a playful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store the pavlova meringues separately from the whipped cream and fruit in airtight containers at room temperature and the fridge, respectively. I’ve found meringues stay crisp for a couple of days if kept dry. Assemble right before serving again to keep everything fresh and crunchy.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze the assembled wreath, but you can freeze the plain meringues in an airtight container for up to a month. Just thaw at room temperature before whipping up fresh cream and adding fruit. This saves so much time when you have guests or want to prep ahead.

Reheating

Since pavlova is best served cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t really recommended. However, if your meringues lose a bit of their crispness, you can pop them briefly in a low oven (about 80°C/175°F) for 10 minutes to refresh the texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pull Apart Pavlova Wreath with Fresh Fruit Recipe is truly one of those desserts that feels special yet breezily achievable. I love how it brings people together—not just because it’s delicious but because everyone gets to pull their own pavlova piece right off the wreath. Whether it’s a family gathering, holiday, or casual brunch, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this recipe a try. Trust me, it’s a showstopper that’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Print