Pin it The Daisy Chain Dessert Tray is a charming and visually stunning centerpiece perfect for parties, afternoon teas, or any special occasion. Featuring a medley of bite-sized sweets arranged artfully in a delicate daisy chain pattern, this tray offers an inviting assortment of flavors and textures—from zesty lemon shortbread cookies and airy raspberry meringue kisses to creamy pistachio tartlets and elegant white chocolate petal bark. Each element elevates the tray to a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Pin it This recipe balances fresh, bright, and sweet elements with lovely floral and nutty accents to create a gourmet feel with approachable flavors. The combination of textures—from crumbly shortbread to crisp meringues and smooth cream cheese tartlets—delights every sense, making it a memorable addition to any dessert table.
Ingredients
- Mini Lemon Shortbread Cookies
1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
Zest of 1 lemon
1/4 tsp salt - Raspberry Meringue Kisses
2 large egg whites, room temperature
1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 tsp freeze-dried raspberry powder (optional, for color/flavor) - White Chocolate Petal Bark
8 oz (225 g) white chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup mixed edible flower petals (e.g., pansy, marigold, rose, viola) - Pistachio Cream Cheese Mini Tartlets
12 mini tartlet shells (store-bought or homemade)
4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1/4 cup finely chopped pistachios
1/2 tsp vanilla extract - Garnishes
Fresh mint leaves
Additional edible flowers for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare the Mini Lemon Shortbread Cookies:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in lemon zest and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until just combined. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness, cut out small flower shapes, and place on a lined baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely.
- Make Raspberry Meringue Kisses:
- Preheat oven to 200°F (93°C). Beat egg whites and cream of tartar to soft peaks. Gradually add sugar, then raspberry powder if using, beating to stiff, glossy peaks. Pipe small meringue kisses onto a lined sheet. Bake 1 hour; turn off oven and let cool inside.
- Prepare White Chocolate Petal Bark:
- Melt white chocolate gently over a double boiler or microwave. Spread onto parchment paper to 1/4-inch thickness. Sprinkle with edible petals. Let set, then break into shards.
- Assemble Pistachio Cream Cheese Mini Tartlets:
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, pistachios, and vanilla until smooth. Spoon or pipe into tartlet shells.
- Assemble the Daisy Chain Dessert Tray:
- Arrange cookies, meringues, tartlets, and chocolate bark in a winding, daisy chain pattern on a large serving tray. Garnish with fresh mint and extra edible flowers.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensure your butter is softened properly for the shortbread cookies to achieve a tender crumb. When beating egg whites for the meringue, ensure no traces of yolk are present to reach the stiff peak stage. Use a piping bag with a fine tip for neat, uniform meringue kisses and tartlet filling. Let the white chocolate set fully at room temperature for clean shards without melting.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Substitute fresh raspberries or blueberries as an additional garnish to enhance color and flavor. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free flour for the cookies and gluten-free tartlet shells. You can also experiment with different nuts or seeds in the tartlet filling or swap edible flowers for different seasonal varieties.
Serviervorschläge
Pair this dessert tray beautifully with sparkling wine or floral teas to complement the sweet and floral notes. Serve chilled for the best texture contrast and garnish with extra fresh mint leaves for a refreshing aroma at your gathering.
Pin it With its delightful variety and stunning presentation, the Daisy Chain Dessert Tray is sure to impress guests and elevate any celebration. Its harmonious blend of textures and flavors reflects careful craftsmanship and a love for beautiful, shareable desserts.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I achieve the perfect texture for the lemon shortbread cookies?
Ensure the butter is softened and cream it well with sugar until fluffy before adding flour and lemon zest. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and crumbly.
- → What is the best way to make raspberry meringues stable and glossy?
Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form, then gradually add sugar while beating until stiff, glossy peaks develop. Adding freeze-dried raspberry powder enhances flavor and color.
- → How should I handle the white chocolate petal bark for easy serving?
Spread melted white chocolate evenly on parchment and sprinkle edible flower petals before allowing it to fully set. Once firm, break into shards of desired size for easy serving.
- → What tips improve the creaminess of the pistachio tartlet filling?
Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and finely chopped pistachios until smooth and well combined. Adding vanilla extract enhances flavor and smoothness.
- → Can I prepare components ahead of time for this dessert tray?
Yes, cookies, meringues, chocolate bark, and tartlet filling can be prepared in advance and assembled shortly before serving to maintain freshness and presentation.