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Strawberry Meringue Holiday Wreath

This festive holiday meringue wreath topped with whipped cream and homemade strawberry sauce is perfect for the holidays! With gorgeous layers, this naturally gluten-free strawberry dessert is a showstopper. Recipe by Laura Kasavan of Tutti Dolci.

Strawberry Meringue Holiday Wreath

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Cooling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 0
Calories: 317kcal

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Equipment

  • Stand mixer, wire whip attachment, instant-read thermometer

Ingredients

Meringue

  • 5 large egg whites
  • 1 1/4 cups sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
  • 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Strawberry Sauce

  • 2 cups sliced strawberries divided
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/2 tsp lemon juice
  • Vanilla Whipped Cream
  • 1 cup cold heavy cream
  • 3 Tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping

  • ½ cup halved strawberries
  • 4 fresh mint leaves

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 225°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • To create the outline for the meringue wreath, use a 9-inch bowl to trace a 9-inch circle onto the parchment. Use a smaller 4-inch bowl to trace a 4-inch circle in the center of the 9-inch circle.
  • For the meringue, combine egg whites and sugar in a mixer bowl and place the bowl over a pan of simmering water.
  • Heat mixture to 160°F while whisking constantly to dissolve the sugar, about 5 minutes.
  • Transfer mixer bowl to stand mixer fitted with wire whip attachment. Starting on low and increasing to medium-high speed, whisk until stiff peaks begin to form, about 6 minutes.
  • Turn off the mixer and add cream of tartar, cornstarch, and vanilla. Mix in on low speed to combine, then increase speed to medium-high and continue beating 2-3 more minutes until the mixture is fluffy and glossy and forms stiff peaks.
  • Spoon 1/4 teaspoon of meringue onto each corner of the rimmed baking sheet to secure the parchment paper.
  • Use a clean rubber spatula to drop overlapping dollops of meringue inside the wreath outline. Use the back of a spoon to gently shape the meringue into a wreath shape.
  • Bake wreath for 2 hours until dry and crisp. Keep the oven door shut throughout the baking process.
  • After 2 hours, turn off the oven and prop open the oven door with a wooden spoon. Allow the meringue to gradually cool inside the oven for 1 1/2 hours.
  • Remove meringue from oven and loosen from the parchment with a thin metal spatula (meringue should release easily from the parchment paper). Let cool completely, 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, make the strawberry sauce. Combine 1 1/2 cups strawberries, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a medium heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil then simmer for 15 minutes until berries are soft and sugar has completely dissolved.
  • Remove from the heat and transfer to a bowl to cool completely. Once cool, fold in remaining 1/2 cup sliced strawberries.
  • For the vanilla whipped cream, pour heavy cream into a chilled mixer bowl fitted with wire whip attachment.
  • Add powdered sugar and whip on medium speed until cream begins to thicken.
  • Add vanilla and whip the cream on medium-high speed until medium peaks form.
  • To assemble the wreath, spread whipped cream over the cooled meringue and top with spoonfuls of strawberry sauce.
  • Garnish with sliced strawberries and mint leaves and serve immediately.

Notes

Make ahead: Strawberry sauce can be made 1-2 days in advance and refrigerated until ready to use. Meringue can be made 1 day ahead and stored in an airtight container overnight. Assemble wreath just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1  Piece 152g | Calories: 317kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 44mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 50g | Vitamin C: 31mg

One Comment on “Strawberry Meringue Holiday Wreath

Sandy Simons
December 23, 2023 at 9:35 am

5 stars
Awesome, would love ❤️ to make for my family

Reply
5 from 1 vote

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