The first time I made this Holiday Berry Meringue Wreath with Pomegranate Sauce, it was for a family Christmas dinner. Picture this: twinkling lights, laughter around the table, and this stunning centerpiece stealing the show. It wasn’t just a dessert—it was a conversation starter, a showstopper, and a deliciously sweet way to end the night.
This recipe has quickly become a holiday tradition for us. It’s light, airy, and just sweet enough to balance the tartness of the berries and pomegranate sauce. Plus, it’s a visual masterpiece—like edible art. I promise it’s easier to make than it looks, and I’ll walk you through every step so you can create your own festive magic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Okay, real talk—this is the kind of dessert that makes people gasp when you bring it out. But it’s not just about the looks. Here’s why I keep coming back to it year after year:
- Absolutely stunning presentation: This wreath-shaped meringue topped with colorful berries and vibrant pomegranate sauce will make any holiday table look Instagram-worthy.
- Light and refreshing: After a heavy meal, this dessert feels like a breath of fresh air. The meringue is crisp on the outside and marshmallow-soft on the inside.
- Customizable: You can swap out the berries, add edible flowers, or tweak the sauce to suit your taste. It’s endlessly adaptable.
- Make-ahead friendly: The meringue can be prepared a day ahead, so you’re not scrambling on the big day.
Trust me, this is the kind of recipe that turns into a holiday tradition. It’s festive, fun, and packed with flavor—and it makes you look like a pro baker (even if you’re not).
What Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the thing: this recipe might look fancy, but the ingredient list is surprisingly straightforward. You probably have most of this already, and the rest is easy to find.
- Egg whites (4 large) — The base of your meringue. Make sure they’re room temperature for the best volume.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup / 200g) — You’ll want super fine sugar, as it dissolves more easily into the egg whites.
- Cornstarch (1 tsp / 5g) — Helps stabilize the meringue for that perfect texture.
- White vinegar (1 tsp / 5ml) — Don’t skip this! It adds structure and ensures your meringue stays marshmallow-soft inside.
- Mixed fresh berries (1½ cups / 225g) — I use raspberries, blueberries, and sliced strawberries, but use whatever looks best at your market.
- Pomegranate seeds (½ cup / 75g) — These add sparkle and a tart pop of flavor.
- Pomegranate juice (½ cup / 120ml) — The base for your sauce. Fresh is best, but bottled works too.
- Honey (2 tbsp / 30ml) — Adds sweetness to the sauce without overpowering the tartness.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp / 15ml) — Brightens the sauce and balances the flavors.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting) — Optional, but it adds that magical snowy finish.
If you’re missing any of these, don’t stress—I’ve included substitutions and notes in the tips section below.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need a professional kitchen to pull this off. Here’s what I use:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Whipping egg whites by hand is heroic, but trust me, a mixer makes life easier.
- Large mixing bowl: Glass or metal works best—avoid plastic, as it can hold onto grease (which kills meringue).
- Silicone spatula: For gentle folding without deflating the meringue.
- Baking sheet: Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Small saucepan: For making the pomegranate sauce.
- Fine mesh sieve: Optional, but great for straining the sauce if you like it extra smooth.
Quick tip: If you don’t have parchment paper, lightly grease your baking sheet and dust it with cornstarch—it works in a pinch.
How to Make It: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s do this! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a stunning meringue wreath ready to impress.
- Preheat your oven: Set it to 275°F (135°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Draw a 10-inch circle on the paper as a guide (I use a dinner plate).
- Whip the egg whites: In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form—about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition. Once all the sugar is in, increase to high speed and beat until stiff peaks form. The meringue should be glossy and hold its shape.
- Add cornstarch and vinegar: Sift the cornstarch over the meringue and gently fold it in, along with the vinegar. Don’t overmix—just fold until combined.
- Shape the wreath: Spoon the meringue onto your parchment circle, creating a ring shape. Use the back of a spoon to make swirls and peaks—it doesn’t have to be perfect.
- Bake: Place the meringue in the oven and bake for 90 minutes. Turn off the oven and let it cool inside for at least 2 hours. This prevents cracks.
- Make the sauce: While the meringue cools, combine pomegranate juice, honey, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until slightly thickened—about 5-7 minutes. Let it cool completely.
- Assemble: Once the meringue is cool, transfer it to a serving platter. Top with fresh berries, pomegranate seeds, and a drizzle of sauce. Dust with powdered sugar for that snowy finish.
Pro tip: If you’re serving later, add the toppings just before serving to keep the meringue crisp.
My Best Tips & Techniques
Here are my hard-earned secrets for meringue perfection:
- Clean bowl and tools: Any grease will sabotage your egg whites. Wipe everything down with vinegar before starting.
- Room temperature egg whites: They whip up faster and higher. I take them out of the fridge 30 minutes before starting.
- Gradual sugar addition: Adding sugar slowly helps it dissolve completely, so your meringue isn’t gritty.
- Cool slowly: Letting the meringue cool in the oven prevents cracking and keeps it crisp outside, soft inside.
- Don’t rush the sauce: Simmer it low and slow to concentrate the flavor.
If your meringue cracks or collapses, don’t panic—it still tastes amazing. Just call it rustic and move on!
Ways to Mix It Up
Here’s where you can get creative. Try these variations:
- Chocolate twist: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the meringue before adding berries.
- Tropical vibe: Swap berries for sliced mango, kiwi, and passionfruit, and use coconut cream instead of pomegranate sauce.
- Nutty crunch: Sprinkle toasted almonds or pistachios on top.
- Spiced holiday version: Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the meringue for a festive flavor.
Feel free to experiment—this recipe is a canvas for your creativity!
Serving Ideas & Storage
This dessert is the star of the show, so make it count:
- Serving: Slice into wedges and serve with extra sauce on the side. It pairs beautifully with coffee or champagne.
- Storage: Store the undecorated meringue in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Once topped, serve immediately.
- Freezing: You can freeze the meringue (undecorated) for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before assembling.
Quick tip: If you have leftovers, crumble them into a bowl with whipped cream and berries for an easy Eton Mess.
Nutritional Info & Health Benefits
Here’s why I feel good about serving this:
- Calories: ~140 per slice
- Low fat: The meringue is fat-free, making it a lighter dessert option.
- Vitamin C and antioxidants: Thanks to all those fresh berries and pomegranate seeds.
It’s a sweet treat that feels indulgent without being heavy—perfect for the holidays!
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—my Irresistible Holiday Berry Meringue Wreath with Pomegranate Sauce. It’s festive, fun, and guaranteed to impress your guests.
This recipe has become a holiday tradition in my house, and I hope it becomes one in yours too. Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the variations, it’s a dessert that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a comment below, or tag me on Instagram at @yourhandle—I can’t wait to see your holiday creations.
Happy baking and happy holidays!
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen berries?
A: Yes! Just thaw them first and pat them dry to avoid extra liquid making your meringue soggy.
Q: What if my meringue cracks?
A: Totally fine—it still tastes amazing. Just call it rustic and add extra toppings to cover the cracks.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes, you can make the meringue a day ahead and store it in an airtight container. Add the toppings right before serving.
Q: Do I have to use pomegranate sauce?
A: Nope! You can swap it for raspberry sauce, caramel, or even whipped cream.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! Use two baking sheets and rotate them halfway through baking. Perfect for a big crowd.
Pin This Recipe!
Irresistible Holiday Berry Meringue Wreath Recipe Perfect for Celebrations
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A stunning holiday dessert featuring a wreath-shaped meringue topped with fresh berries and vibrant pomegranate sauce. Light, airy, and perfect for celebrations.
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (5g)
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar (5ml)
- 1½ cups mixed fresh berries (225g, raspberries, blueberries, sliced strawberries)
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds (75g)
- ½ cup pomegranate juice (120ml)
- 2 tablespoons honey (30ml)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15ml)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Draw a 10-inch circle on the paper as a guide.
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition. Increase to high speed and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Sift the cornstarch over the meringue and gently fold it in along with the vinegar. Fold until combined without overmixing.
- Spoon the meringue onto the parchment circle, creating a ring shape. Use the back of a spoon to make swirls and peaks.
- Bake the meringue for 90 minutes. Turn off the oven and let it cool inside for at least 2 hours.
- Combine pomegranate juice, honey, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Let it cool completely.
- Transfer the cooled meringue to a serving platter. Top with fresh berries, pomegranate seeds, and a drizzle of sauce. Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
Notes
Ensure all tools are grease-free for perfect meringue. Add toppings just before serving to keep the meringue crisp. If cracks occur, call it rustic and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 30
- Sodium: 20
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 2
Keywords: holiday dessert, meringue wreath, berry dessert, pomegranate sauce, Christmas recipe


