The meringue heart wreath and the inexpensive door wreaths are together on a dining table.

Special Valentine’s Meringue Wreath Recipe and an Inexpensive Wreath Revamp

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This week on the blog we have a “wreath” theme going on. With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, my special Valentine’s meringue wreath recipe, and my inexpensive wreath revamp, are the perfect cozy afternoon activities.

If you have never made a meringue wreath- indeed, you are in for a real treat.

Today we will be baking, decorating, and wreath revamping. I would be thrilled for you to join along in the Valentine’s wreath fun.

Don’t worry if you do not have an old Valentine’s wreath laying around- perhaps you could go into your local thrift store and source one.

My goal for this particular post is to show you all how to make a lovely Valentine’s inspired meringue wreath dessert- while also enjoying a cozy craft day.

Please, won’t you follow along. My Happy Hawks Homeschool crew and I would love to have your company.

The valentines' heart meringue wreath is on the table and ready to be served.
Two inexpensive wreaths have been completely transformed to create a new single wreath for the front door.

~The Inspiration Behind My Meringue Wreath~

Like many of the recipes I make… there lies an inspiration. This meringue wreath recipe is no different. 

Being as my husband is from England, we enjoy watching the Great British Bake Off whenever we get the opportunity. One cozy night, we were watching an episode- when a Christmas meringue wreath was featured. “Aha” my brain said. “Pay attention and store the idea away for another time.” 

Which is exactly what I did. You see, growing up my mom often made meringues for special occasions, so I was no stranger to the cloudlike delight. 

Coincidentally, you may recall my Christmas meringue wreath several weeks ago. This recipe is almost identical, but it has some added pink food coloring, and an iconic heart shape. (If you would like to see that Christmas wreath post, click here.) 

Knowing my love for hearts and the color pink- this dessert is an “Elizabeth must have”. The idea for a Valentine’s wreath came to me after I made my first Christmas wreath some years ago. 

~What is a Meringue Wreath? ~

A meringue wreath is basically a pavlova. It has a crunchy exterior base (with a slightly fluffy meringue interior). It is topped with homemade whipped cream and sprinkled with fresh berries and powdered sugar. 

This recipe always brings back memories of my time living in Australia after high school (Read more about that here:). For Australia was where I had my first experience trying a pavlova. I have loved pavlova ever since.

By adding my own twist, I have created my family’s heart meringue wreath- which has many iterations. Isn’t this the best kind of recipe? One that gathers its inspiration… and then brings a new version to life.

Do you have any special recipes like this in your repertoire? Let me know in the comments if you do, as I would love to hear from you.

~My Special Valentine's Meringue Wreath Recipe~

The meringue heart is decorated and ready to be showcased.
Elizabeth

Valentine’s Day Meringue Heart Wreath

Celebrate Valentine's Day with this sweet rendition of the classic meringue wreath. The recipe is practically identical to a classic meringue wreath, but a bit of pink food coloring is added, and the meringue is shaped into a heart.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 10 people
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: English
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 Egg Whites Room temperature egg whites from fresh eggs.
  • 1 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 tsp Cornstarch
  • 1 tsp Rice Vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp Vanilla
  • 1-2 drops Pink Food Coloring

Equipment

  • 1 Stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 225 degrees F. Draw an inner and outer heart shape on a piece of parchment paper. (This is your guide to pipe on top of.)
  2. Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Add the egg whites to the bowl of a stand mixer.
  3. Whisk the whites, for approximately one minute, and then slowly add the sugar.
  4. Whisk on high speed until the egg whites are shiny and stiff. (This takes about 8-9 minutes).
  5. Add the cornstarch and vinegar to a separate bowl and mix together. Then add the vinegar mix to the egg whites.
  6. Gently fold in vanilla.
  7. Pipe individual spirals- onto the heart shape (previously drawn)- on parchment paper. Then use the back of a spoon to smooth out the top. (This is where the whipped cream and sprinkles/fruit will sit).
  8. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Then, turn off the oven, and allow the meringue to completely cool inside the oven.
  9. Once the meringue is cooked and completely cooled. Add the homemade whipped cream. (*See the whipped cream recipe below in my notes).
  10. Decorate with sprinkles or fruit. Finally, give the finished meringue wreath a dusting of powdered sugar (optional) and serve.

Notes

*Homemade whipped cream is simple to make for the top of the meringue heart wreath. Here is the recipe I follow:
1 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
3Tbsp Powdered Sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions: Add heavy whipping cream to a mixing bowl. Whip the cream on high for one minute. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Whip 2-3 minutes until a thick cream is formed.
*Decorate your heart meringue wreath in any way you see fit: fresh fruit or sprinkles are good options.

~Before We Begin: A Top Tip~

Wash up, tie your apron strings, and have a seat at the dining table. We are now entering our favorite homeschool domain…the kitchen.

First order of business is to set our ingredients out on the countertop. My top tip for this recipe is to use room temperature eggs. Eggs that are up to room temperature- achieve more volume than those that are cold. However, it is easier to separate the egg whites from a cold egg than a room temperature egg. 

The simple solution? Separate the egg whites while the eggs are still cold. Place them in a clean bowl and then allow the cold eggs to come to room temperature. In my opinion, this is a “best of both words scenario” for making meringue. 

The ingredients for my homemade meringue wreath heart are on the kitchen countertop.
Egg white sitting in a bowl in order to reach room temperature. These egg whites are for the meringue.
*The separated egg whites -warming to room temperature- after being separated.

~Step by Step Instructions: How a Valentine's Meringue Wreath is Made~

I shall illustrate the process of making a homemade Valentine’s heart meringue wreath by using my photography. Afterall, a picture is worth a thousand words.

The egg whites are being whipped for the meringue recipe.
*Egg whites are whipped and granulated sugar is slowly added to the mix.
Corn starch and rice vinegar are placed into a bowl and mixed together before being added to the meringue for stability.
*A cornstarch and vinegar mix helps to add stability... while absorbing extra moisture.
The meringue should form stiff peaks when it is ready to pipe.
*Make sure you whip your meringue until you have stiff peaks. A fun way to check this is to hold the bowl upside down over your head. If the egg peaks are not stiff enough...you will know about it. 😉
The egg whites have a bit of pink food coloring added to them to create a lovely pale pink color for the heart wreath recipe.
*A wee bit of pink food coloring is added to the meringue to give a Valentine's flare.

~Preparing to Pipe the Heart Meringue Wreath~

~My Top Tips: ~

Before you pipe your heart meringue wreath, gather a piece of parchment paper and a writing utensil. Sketch the shape of a heart. Then, turn the parchment paper over- so you do not actually pipe onto the part of the paper you drew on. 

Having a guide helps to keep your heart shape a bit more uniform. Then, you can place this piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet- ready to receive your piped meringue.

Filling a piping bag can be a tricky chore. (Especially when you are piping something as sticky as meringue.) By taking a tall drinking glass, you can fold the top of the piping bag over the lip of the glass. Then you can fill the bag with the meringue… (which avoids making the top of the bag so sticky). In my experience, this method is the most useful.

A marker draws a heart shaped onto a piece of parchment paper. This is what the meringue will be piped onto before baking.
A tall glass is handy to place a pipping bag in while filling with the meringue or the whipped cream.

~Let the Piping Commence~

The meringue has been tinted oink and is piped into a heart shape before baking in the oven at a low temperature.
The tops of the meringue heart are smoothed with a spoon before baking.
*For shame, for shame- the top of the meringue wreath is smoothed. (This step is so that the whipped cream has a place to sit once the meringue wreath is baked.)

~How to Make Homemade Whipped Cream~

Homemade whipped cream is not a fancy recipe, but it is so much better than storebought whipped cream. I highly recommend making your own. My recipe for homemade whipped cream can be made in under five minutes.

A bowl of homemade whipped cream for the meringue heart topping.

~How to Decorate the Heart Meringue Wreath~

Now we have reached my favorite part of the recipe…the decorating! This is where the ordinary becomes lovely.

~How to Make an Ordinary Cutting Board Lovely~

Totally unnecessary… but totally sweet. This step adds a bit of a Valentine’s vintage vibe. I had a stack of these Dollar Tree paper doilies leftover from a previous valentine’s craft that I did with my children. (See that post here). I simply taped these paper dollies on to my cutting board to add texture.

I have also done this with scrapbook paper and served cakes on the top of it. Paper wrapping a cutting board can be a handy tip to put in the back of your mind. Reinforcing the fact that ordinary things can be made lovely without costing much money.

Paper dolly heart from the Dollar Tree are added to a cutting board to create a valentine's theme for the heart meringue wreath.

~How to Pipe and Sprinkle the Top of the Meringue Wreath~

Decorating is highly personal. Therefore, this is the part of the recipe where you can add your own twist.

Pavlovas and meringue wreaths are often decorated with the whipped cream and then fresh fruit. I added some fun sprinkles and mini-meringue kisses to my meringue heart. (This was a last-minute idea). I decided to pipe a few tiny meringues to add to my dollops of fresh whipped cream).

The possibilities are endless here. You are the artist; this is your meringue canvas. Get to creating something lovely!

Homemade whipped cream is piped onto the top of the heart meringue wreath.
*My cream was piped into swirls, but you can do this part however you like. There is really no right or wrong here.
Homemade whipped cream roses and a vintage bowl of sprinkles.
*A thrifted trinket dish is perfect for holding sprinkles.
Whipped cream is decorated with pink and gold sprinkles.
Mini meringue kisses are added to each dollop of whipped cream. Edible gold dust is sprinkled over the tops.
*Look closely at my mini-meringue kiss. It received a sprinkle of edible gold dust.
Meringue and whipped cream are a delightful dessert to share for Valentine's Day
*Fresh fruit is a beautiful meringue wreath topper. We like to eat our meringue wreath with raspberries.
A close up of the top of the decorated meringue heart wreath.
The meringue heart is decorated and ready to be showcased.

~Phew, Now Time for a Wee Rest~

Go ahead, kick your feet up, light a cozy candle, and pour yourself a nice “cuppa” tea.

With one baking task completed… we shall refill our fuel level with an English “cuppa” tea. This restful moment will help us to channel our creative juices for the Valentine’s wreath craft that is up ahead.

The valentine's heart meringue wreath is on a table set for Valentine's Day. The table has three candles and a vintage tablecloth to celebrate.

~The Inexpensive Wreath Revamp~

Now that our meringue wreath is cooling… and our whipped cream is made, let us turn our attentions to the inexpensive wreath revamp. As I have written about before, hearts remind me of my time spent living in England. So, it was only natural for me to combine a heart meringue wreath recipe and a thrifted heart wreath revamp into one post.

Now this…this is my idea of a cozy afternoon. Baking and crafting- yes, please!

~Finding the Thrifted, Inexpensive Wreaths~

As you may well know, thrifting is a favorite thing of mine. For you just never know what treasure it may produce.

Unsurprisingly, each of my wreaths were purchased at different times. The grapevine heart was found last year. I saw the heart-shaped wreath on a bottom shelf, just inside the front door of a thrift store. 

Seeing this treasure… and seeing its potential, I knew the wreath would be coming home with me.

The second wreath was not a quality piece, but it was new with original tags and for less than 50 cents. I was drawn to the heart shape- but did not like the red foiled, paper beads that covered it. 

“No problem!” said she. “This will be a fun thrift flip for me”. And true to the thought… the item she bought… would certainly live up to the challenge.

I do love a good challenge.

Seeing things in their original state and then having the opportunity to transform them into something fresh and new…is a real joy.

~The "Before:"~

Who doesn’t love a good “before and after”? 

The heart wreath as I originally bought it from the thrift store.

~How to Revamp an Inexpensive Wreath~

What I am calling the grapevine heart wreath was initially covered in artificial spring flowers.

Naturally, the first chore was to remove these fake flowers.

After this detaching and stripping step, a simple heart shape is all that remained.

Looking in my craft cupboard produced some new blush pink ribbon from the Dollar Tree, as well as some vintage cream-colored lace from a thrift store. I knew I wanted to use these to add a bit of color, texture, and overall softness to my new -old wreath.

The artificial flowers have been removed from the heart wreath.

~Step by Step Transformation: How to Redo an Old Wreath

~The Grapevine Wreath Revamp~

A hot glue gun, with extra strength glue, works well for this project. The hot glue is how I attached my ribbon and my air-dry clay hearts. However, I am sure there are other glues that could be used.

A pink ribbon is wrapped around the thrifted heart wreath.
*New pink ribbon from the Dollar Tree is tightly wrapped around the heart wreath. Hot glue is used to attach the ribbon to the wreath base.
A heart wreath is wrapped in new pink ribbon.
*The first layer of ribbon wrapping is complete.
Vintage lace is added to the pink ribbon on the wreath.
Now, a layer of thrifted (vintage) ribbon is added in between the pink ribbon spaces.
The heart wreath is wrapped with pink and lace ribbons.
*Ribbon wrapping is now complete.
Dried flowers are added to the heart wreath to add color and texture.
*My previously dried flowers are threaded through the ribbon and attached to the left side of my heart wreath.
The finished wreath has been given a new life.
*Recognize this petite air-dry clay heart? The children and I made these in my last blog post- so be sure to check that out if you missed it.

Adding my lace pattern (air- dry clay) hearts to the wreaths, added an adorable touch of elegance. See my post on making those sweet hearts here: Also, check out my post(s) on drying flowers for future crafts here and here:

~The Smallest of the Thrifted Wreaths Revamp~

The thrifted heart is being wrapped in thick twine to cover its original appearance.
*Thick twine is hot glued and then wrapped around the foam heart to provide a new covering.
Tightly wrapping the heart with twine ensures even coverage.
*Slowly does it- continue wrapping the heart until it is completely covered. You can use any yarn/twine for this.
Strand by strand the heart is being slowly being covered in twine.
*Cutting the twine into several 2-foot sections to wrap the heart is easier than one long piece. When you finish, or begin with a new piece of twine, just make sure to hide the ends.
The thrifted heart wreath has been rewrapped in a thick twine. An air dry clay heart and dried flowers have been added to add character and beauty.
*This wreath could even be used on a mantle or bookcase as it is. Placing it on its side gives stability.
The twine wrapped heart bought from a thrift store but transformed into something beautiful.

~The "After:" ~

Ahh, the transformation is revealed in the “after.” 

The two thrifted wreaths have been transformed and made into one sweet Valentine's wreath.
*After revamping both wreaths, I decided to attach them as one. This was done with my thick twine and a strong hot glue.
The details really shine on this revamped wreath. Beautiful ribbon, dried flowers, and a lace pattern air dry clay heart complete the look.
*Tiny details can have big impact.
Two inexpensive wreaths have been completely transformed to create a new single wreath for the front door.

~How to Style: Favored Ways to Utilize a Wreath~

Wreaths are charming decorative pieces that can bring a cheeriness to any home space.

Perhaps, the most obvious place to utilize a wreath’s welcoming properties, is by placing it on a front door. After this, wreaths can add a touch of whimsy to kitchen and dining spaces- as they can be hung on the door of a tall cabinet or cupboard.

Depending on size, wreaths can be placed on their side and propped against a shelf or a mantel- creating a soft look. 

Wreaths also look sweet hanging on interior doors.

You don’t need me to tell you that the possibilities are endless.

The finished grapevine heart wreath is sitting on a table set for valentine's day.

~I Would Love to Hear from You~

Sharing my ideas and finds with my readers is always fun… but equally, I would love to hear and see some of your creative ideas and inspirations. 

Do you enjoy planning recipes and crafts for upcoming holidays and special events? What is your favorite Valentine’s Day recipe or your favorite thrifted, Valentine’s Day find? 

Let me know in the comments. In the meantime, check out my Facebook page here to see more of my favorite Valentine’s items that symbolize love to me.

My homemade lace patterned air-dry clay heart is decorating a pretty basket.
*My air-dry clay hearts decorate a European basket. Little touches add elegace.
A lace patterned air-dry clay heart is perched on a European basket.

~Final Thoughts: Until Next Time~

Hopefully, this blog post featuring a Valentine’s meringue wreath, and an inexpensive wreath redo, has inspired you all to get into your kitchens and to scour your local thrift stores.

Now that sounds like my ideal day…baking and thrifting. With a few basic baking and crafting supplies- and an inexpensive wreath- you too can create something lovely out of something ordinary.

As I sign off, I will remind you all to please subscribe to my blog.  Thus, ensuring you do not miss a post. And don’t forget to check out my Cotswold Kitchen Mom Facebook and Pinterest pages for more thrifted finds and inspirations. I appreciate your support. 

I will look forward to seeing you all again next Friday for more English recipes and decorating fun.  Happy Valentine’s Day!

~Elizabeth~

My handmade fabric bunting and a heart garland from aldi. These items drape in front of the fireplace and add a Valentine's Day touch.
"Do everything in love." ~1 Corinthians 16:14~

2 thoughts on “Special Valentine’s Meringue Wreath Recipe and an Inexpensive Wreath Revamp”

    1. Elizabeth

      Thank you. The vinegar and cornstarch help to make the meringue wreath more stable and also helps to absorb any excess moisture. It does not impact the taste of the meringue. 🙂

      Reply

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