Save A charming, visually stunning dessert tray featuring a medley of bite-sized sweets arranged in a daisy chain pattern—perfect for parties, afternoon teas, or special occasions.
This tray has become a favorite at family gatherings where everyone enjoys choosing their favorite little treats in a playful daisy chain arrangement.
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.
Save This dessert creation brings joy to family tea times and special celebrations alike, sparking smiles with each colorful bite.
Notes
Pair with sparkling wine or floral teas for an elevated experience. Use gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Required Tools
Electric mixer, baking sheets, mixing bowls, rolling pin and cookie cutters, piping bag, serving tray
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, eggs, and tree nuts (pistachios). May contain traces of soy in white chocolate. Always check labels for allergens if serving to people with sensitivities.
Save With these careful touches your dessert tray will impress visually and deliciously every time.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve the perfect texture for the lemon shortbread cookies?
Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then gently mix in the flour to avoid overworking the dough. Roll to about 1/4-inch thickness before cutting shapes for tender, crumbly cookies.
- → What’s the best way to shape and bake the raspberry meringues?
Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks, gradually add sugar, then pipe small kisses onto parchment. Bake at low heat (200°F) for about an hour, then let them cool inside the oven to dry thoroughly.
- → How should I melt white chocolate to make the petal bark?
Melt white chocolate gently using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Spread evenly and decorate with edible flower petals before setting.
- → Can I prepare the pistachio cream cheese filling ahead of time?
Yes, the pistachio cream cheese mixture can be prepared in advance and stored refrigerated. Pipe or spoon into tartlet shells shortly before serving to maintain freshness.
- → What garnishes enhance the daisy chain presentation?
Fresh mint leaves and additional edible flowers create a vibrant and natural feel, complementing the delicate sweets and enhancing overall visual appeal.