Pin This The Daisy Chain Dessert Tray is more than just a collection of sweets; it’s an enchanting centerpiece that brings charm and elegance to any gathering. This visually stunning dessert features a medley of bite-sized treats—mini lemon shortbread cookies, delicate raspberry meringue kisses, creamy pistachio tartlets, and shards of white chocolate petal bark—arranged artfully in a winding daisy chain pattern. Perfect for parties, afternoon teas, or special occasions, this tray invites guests to indulge in both beauty and flavor.
Pin This Each component of the tray balances simplicity and artistry—from the zesty lemon shortbread to the subtly sweet meringue kisses and the nutty richness of pistachio cream cheese tartlets. The addition of edible flowers and mint leaves elevates the presentation, making this dessert both a feast for the eyes and the palate.
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:
- a. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
b. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in lemon zest and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until just combined.
c. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness, cut out small flower shapes, and place on a lined baking sheet.
d. Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely. - Make Raspberry Meringue Kisses:
- a. Preheat oven to 200°F (93°C).
b. Beat egg whites and cream of tartar to soft peaks. Gradually add sugar, then raspberry powder if using, beating to stiff, glossy peaks.
c. Pipe small meringue kisses onto a lined sheet. Bake 1 hour; turn off oven and let cool inside. - Prepare White Chocolate Petal Bark:
- a. Melt white chocolate gently over a double boiler or microwave.
b. Spread onto parchment paper to 1/4-inch thickness. Sprinkle with edible petals.
c. Let set, then break into shards. - Assemble Pistachio Cream Cheese Mini Tartlets:
- a. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, pistachios, and vanilla until smooth.
b. Spoon or pipe into tartlet shells. - Assemble the Daisy Chain Dessert Tray:
- a. Arrange cookies, meringues, tartlets, and chocolate bark in a winding, daisy chain pattern on a large serving tray.
b. Garnish with fresh mint and extra edible flowers.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Take care to fully cool the shortbread cookies before arranging them to maintain crispness. When making meringue kisses, ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are clean and free from any fat to achieve the perfect peaks. For the white chocolate bark, gently melting the chocolate avoids burning and ensures a smooth finish.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can substitute raspberries or blueberries as garnish for added color and a fresh twist. For a gluten-free adaptation, use gluten-free flour in the shortbread and select gluten-free tartlet shells. This recipe is versatile and pairs beautifully with sparkling wine or floral teas for a refined experience.
Serviervorschläge
Serve the Daisy Chain Dessert Tray as a centerpiece on a large serving tray or platter to invite guests to pick and enjoy a variety of flavors. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and edible flowers to enhance the visual appeal and add a touch of freshness to each bite.
Pin This This Daisy Chain Dessert Tray is an exquisite choice for anyone looking to impress with a charming and flavorful dessert spread. Combining ease of preparation with elegant presentation, it invites creativity and joy to every occasion.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I achieve the perfect texture for the mini lemon shortbread cookies?
Cream the butter and sugar thoroughly until light and fluffy, mix in lemon zest and salt, then add flour just until combined. Roll dough evenly and bake until edges turn lightly golden.
- → What is the best way to make raspberry meringue kisses crisp?
Beat egg whites with cream of tartar to soft peaks, gradually adding sugar and raspberry powder for color. Bake at low temperature for an hour, then let cool inside the oven to dry completely.
- → How should I prepare the white chocolate petal bark for easy serving?
Melt white chocolate gently and spread thinly on parchment paper, sprinkle with edible flower petals, and allow to set completely before breaking into shards for serving.
- → Can I use store-bought tartlet shells for the pistachio cream filling?
Yes, store-bought tartlet shells work well and save time. Just pipe or spoon the pistachio cream mixture smoothly into the shells before assembling on the tray.
- → What garnishes enhance the tray presentation?
Fresh mint leaves and additional edible flowers provide vibrant, natural accents that complement the daisy chain arrangement beautifully.
- → Are there any common allergens in this arrangement?
This includes wheat (gluten), dairy, eggs, and tree nuts like pistachios. Always check labels and communicate allergen information if serving guests.