Spiced Apple & Salted Caramel Pavlova Trifle 🍎✨

A festive layered dessert with cinnamon meringue, caramel cream, caramelized apples, and cozy toppings.

Ingredients

Cinnamon Meringue

• 4 large egg whites (room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Salted Caramel Whipped Cream

• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 3 tbsp salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Caramelized Apples

• 4 medium apples (peeled and diced)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Toppings

• 1/4 cup crushed gingerbread cookies
• 2–3 whole star anise for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the meringue: Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold in cinnamon. Spread or pipe onto parchment-lined sheet. Bake 90 minutes, then cool in oven 2 hours or overnight. Break into pieces.
2. Caramelize apples: Melt butter in skillet over medium heat. Add apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook 5–7 minutes until tender and caramelized. Cool.
3. Make whipped cream: Beat heavy cream, caramel sauce, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Chill until ready to use.
4. Assemble trifle: In a trifle dish or glasses, layer crushed meringue, whipped cream, caramelized apples, and drizzle of caramel. Repeat layers, finishing with whipped cream.
5. Garnish: Sprinkle crushed gingerbread cookies and top with star anise.
6. Serve: Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving to meld flavors.

Details

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes (meringue)
• Servings: 6–8
• Calories: ~280 per serving

✨ A show-stopping holiday centerpiece with warm spices, sweet caramel, and crunchy textures.