Description
Delightful Pavlova celebrates Australian and New Zealand culinary traditions with a cloud-like meringue base topped with whipped cream and fresh seasonal fruits. Crisp exterior and marshmallow center invite dessert enthusiasts to savor this elegant sweet treat perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Meringue Base:
- 6 large egg whites
- 1.5 cups (340 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons corn starch
- 12 tablespoons lemon juice
- 12 tablespoons vanilla extract
Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Fresh Fruit Topping:
- 4.5 cups (675 grams) fresh fruit (blueberries, kiwi, raspberries, strawberries)
- Mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Carefully separate egg whites, ensuring no yolk contamination, at room temperature for optimal volume.
- Whip egg whites using an electric mixer until they develop soft, billowy peaks with a cloud-like texture.
- Introduce granulated sugar incrementally, continuously beating until meringue transforms into ultra-glossy, stiff peaks that hold their shape dramatically.
- Delicately incorporate lemon juice, vanilla extract, and sifted cornstarch using a gentle folding technique to maintain meringue’s delicate structure.
- Transfer mixture onto parchment-lined baking sheet, artfully sculpting a circular base with a gentle indentation in the center using a spatula or piping bag.
- Position pavlova in preheated 225°F oven, baking for 1 hour and 15 minutes until exterior appears crisp and pale ivory.
- After initial baking, switch off oven and allow pavlova to rest inside for additional 30 minutes, creating perfect dry, marshmallow-like interior.
- Remove from oven and permit complete cooling at room temperature, which helps prevent cracking.
- Whip chilled heavy cream with sugar until soft, billowy peaks emerge.
- Just prior to serving, crown pavlova with whipped cream and arrange fresh seasonal fruits for vibrant, elegant presentation.
Notes
- Use room temperature egg whites for the most stable, voluminous meringue that whips up quickly and holds its shape perfectly.
- Always clean your mixing bowl and whisk with white vinegar or lemon juice to remove any grease, ensuring egg whites reach maximum volume.
- Create a foolproof pavlova by adding a pinch of cream of tartar while beating egg whites, which stabilizes the meringue and prevents weeping or collapsing.
- Customize this dessert for gluten-free diets by double-checking cornstarch is certified gluten-free, making it safe for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian/New Zealand
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 243
- Sugar: 31 g
- Sodium: 8 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg