The Perfect Pavlova Recipe
Pavlova is a light and airy dessert with a crisp meringue shell and a soft, marshmallow-like interior, topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream. This elegant dessert is perfect for any special occasion, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and freshness. The combination of crunchy meringue and creamy toppings makes it simply irresistible.
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh fruits for topping (strawberries, kiwi, passionfruit, berries, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw an 8-inch circle on the paper as a guide for shaping the pavlova.
- Whisk the Egg Whites: In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Sugar and Stabilizers:Gradually add the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, continuing to beat on high speed until stiff peaks form and the meringue is glossy (about 5-7 minutes).Add the vanilla extract, white vinegar, and cornstarch, and gently fold them into the meringue.
- Shape the Meringue: Spoon the meringue onto the prepared parchment paper inside the circle, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon, creating a slight indent in the center to hold the cream and fruit.
- Bake the Pavlova: Bake for 1 hour 10-15 minutes, or until the pavlova is crisp on the outside and lightly golden, but still soft in the center. Turn off the oven and let the pavlova cool completely inside the oven with the door slightly ajar (about 1 hour).
- Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Assemble the Pavlova:Carefully transfer the cooled meringue to a serving plate.Spoon the whipped cream onto the center of the pavlova and top with fresh fruits of your choice.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving. Enjoy this sweet and fresh treat.
Notes
Optional Variations:
- Add a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
- For a tangier touch, mix lemon curd into the whipped cream.
- Try different combinations of fruit such as mango, blueberries, or raspberries for variety.