Magical Meringue Tree with Winter Berry Compote

A breathtaking meringue tower, stacked into a Christmas tree shape, adorned with golden accents, pistachios, and dried winter berries, served with a tangy winter berry compote for a festive dessert centerpiece.

Ingredients:

For the Meringues:

4 large egg whites, room temperature

1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

1/4 tsp cream of tartar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Edible gold dust or edible gold stars (optional)

For the Decorations:

Crushed pistachios

Dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds

Edible gold leaf or sprinkles

For the Winter Berry Compote:

1 cup (150g) mixed frozen berries (cranberries, raspberries, blackberries)

1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp cornstarch dissolved in 1 tbsp water

Instructions:

Prepare the Meringues:

Preheat the oven to 200°F (90°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a clean mixing bowl, whip the egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. Add vanilla extract and mix briefly.

Pipe small meringue kisses using a piping bag with a round or star tip. Create a variety of sizes to stack into a tree.

Bake for 1.5–2 hours, or until the meringues are crisp and dry. Cool completely before assembling.

Make the Winter Berry Compote:

In a saucepan, combine the berries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the berries break down and release their juices.

Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for another 2–3 minutes until thickened. Let it cool.

Assemble the Meringue Tree:

On a round serving platter, start with a large circle of meringues as the base. Build upwards in smaller circles, securing layers with small dabs of melted white chocolate or royal icing to create a stable tower.

Decorate the tree with crushed pistachios, dried cranberries, and edible gold accents.

Add the Finishing Touch:

Top the tree with an edible golden star or a star-shaped meringue.

Serve:

Serve alongside the winter berry compote for dipping or drizzling.

Details:

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Servings: 8–10

Calories: ~180 per serving

This Magical Meringue Tree with Winter Berry Compote is a stunning centerpiece that combines elegance with festive flavors.