Pavlova (Australia/New Zealand)

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour 15 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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A Pavlova is like a delicate cloud of sweetness, perfect for those special gatherings or when you just want to treat yourself. With its crisp meringue shell, marshmallowy inside, and vibrant fruit topping, this dessert is a celebration of textures and flavors, hailing from the culinary traditions of Australia and New Zealand.

Ingredients for Pavlova (Australia/New Zealand)

Egg whites are the foundation of the meringue, providing structure and volume. Granulated sugar is what sweetens the meringue and helps it achieve that glossy finish. A touch of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, adding a subtle warmth. White vinegar stabilizes the egg whites, making the meringue more resilient. Cornstarch contributes to that marshmallow-like interior. Heavy cream is whipped to provide a rich, creamy layer that complements the meringue. A sprinkle of powdered sugar sweetens the whipped cream just right. The topping of kiwi, passion fruit pulp, strawberries, and blueberries offers a fresh, tangy contrast to the sweet base.

Tips & Tricks

  • Ensure your mixing bowl is completely clean and dry; any fat or moisture can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.
  • Don’t open the oven door during baking or cooling; sudden temperature changes can cause the meringue to crack.
  • If fresh passion fruit is unavailable, you can use canned pulp or omit it altogether without losing the essence of the dessert.

Serving Suggestions

This Pavlova pairs beautifully with a light, dry sparkling wine, enhancing the fruity flavors. For a more casual setting, consider serving it with a refreshing mint tea, which complements the dessert's sweetness with herbal notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the meringue in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meringue a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature and assemble with cream and fruit just before serving.
What if my meringue cracks?
Minor cracks are perfectly normal and won't affect the taste. The whipped cream and fruit will cover any imperfections.
Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or even sliced peaches.

Pavlova (Australia/New Zealand) Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the meringue from sticking and make for easy cleanup. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. You want to see peaks that hold their shape but are still soft enough to curl over slightly when you lift the beaters.

Next, gradually add the sugar, a tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat the mixture. It’s crucial to let each addition dissolve completely before adding more. Once all the sugar is in, increase the speed and beat until the mixture is glossy and stiff peaks form. This means the peaks should stand straight up without drooping.

Gently fold in the vanilla, vinegar, and cornstarch. Use a spatula and a light hand to avoid deflating the meringue. Spoon the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet, shaping it into a 9-inch circle with a slight well in the center. This well will hold the cream and fruit later.

Bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Then, turn off the oven and let the meringue cool completely inside the oven. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracks.

When your meringue is cool, whip the cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread this over the meringue, and then artfully arrange your sliced kiwi, passion fruit pulp, strawberries, and blueberries on top. Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful creation!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of crunchy and creamy textures.
  • Visually stunning centerpiece for any dessert table.
  • Customizable with your favorite seasonal fruits.
  • Light and refreshing, yet satisfyingly sweet.

Ingredients

4 large egg whites
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp white vinegar
2 tsp cornstarch
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup passion fruit pulp
1/2 cup strawberries, hulled and halved
1/4 cup blueberries

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form.
3. Gradually add sugar, beating until the mixture is glossy and stiff peaks form.
4. Gently fold in vanilla, vinegar, and cornstarch.
5. Spoon the meringue onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping it into a 9-inch circle with a slight well in the center.
6. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, then turn off the oven and let the meringue cool inside completely.
7. Whip the cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
8. Once the meringue is cool, spread the whipped cream over the top.
9. Arrange sliced kiwi, passion fruit pulp, strawberries, and blueberries on top of the cream.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful dessert.

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