How to Bake the Perfect Christmas Treats

Fresh and festive Kiwi Christmas recipes 

These Kiwi-inspired recipes are perfect for Christmas baking, taking full advantage of New Zealand’s seasonal fruits and lighter summer flavors. Whether you prefer fruity pavlova or indulgent blondies, these recipes are guaranteed to impress your guests.

Pavlova wreath with summer fruits

Ingredients:

• Egg whites
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Cream
• Fresh summer fruits like kiwifruit, strawberries, and blueberries

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to a low temperature (about 120°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gradually add sugar, beating continuously until glossy.
• Add vanilla extract and mix in gently.
• Spoon the meringue mixture onto the baking tray and shape it into a wreath form.
• Bake for 1–1.5 hours, until the outside is crispy and the inside is soft and marshmallowy.
• Let the pavlova cool completely before decorating.

Decoration Tips:

Once the pavlova has cooled, spread a generous layer of whipped cream on top. Arrange fresh fruits like kiwifruit, strawberries, and blueberries in a circular pattern to resemble a wreath. For a final touch, sprinkle with edible flowers or mint leaves for extra color and vibrancy.

Spiced white chocolate and passionfruit blondies

Ingredients:

• White chocolate
• Butter
• Sugar
• Flour
• Passionfruit pulp (fresh or canned)

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 160°C and grease a baking tin.
• Melt white chocolate and butter together until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.
• Whisk in sugar and flour until well combined, then fold in passionfruit pulp for a tangy twist.
• Pour the batter into the tin and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and set.
• Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Decoration Ideas:

Dust with a light layer of icing sugar or drizzle with additional passionfruit pulp for a zesty finishing touch.

Christmas mince pies with a twist

Ingredients:

• Store-bought or homemade shortcrust pastry
• NZ-style fruit mince with a hint of pineapple or coconut

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a muffin tin.
• Roll out the pastry and line the muffin tin, pressing the pastry into each compartment.
• Spoon in the fruit mince and top with another layer of pastry, sealing the edges.
• Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden and crisp.

Finishing Touches:

Once baked, dust with powdered sugar or sprinkle with desiccated coconut for a tropical twist.

Lemon and raspberry loaf with cream cheese icing

Ingredients:

• Lemons
• Raspberries
• Flour
• Sugar
• Cream cheese (for icing)

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a loaf pan.
• Mix flour and sugar together, then fold in lemon zest and raspberries.
• Pour into the pan and bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and a skewer comes out clean.

Presentation Tips:

Top the loaf with a rich cream cheese icing and garnish with fresh raspberries and lemon zest for a beautiful, summery look.

Chilled christmas rocky road

Ingredients:

• White chocolate
• Marshmallows
• Dried cranberries
• Macadamia nuts
• Pistachios

Instructions:

• Melt the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water.
• Stir in marshmallows, cranberries, macadamia nuts, and pistachios.
• Pour the mixture into a lined tray and refrigerate until set (about 2–3 hours).
• Cut into squares and enjoy!

Finishing Touches:

Once set, slice into squares and decorate with edible glitter or freeze-dried raspberries for added color and a festive flair.