This Australian classic dessert is a delicious combination of a crispy meringue shell and a soft, light, marshmallow-like center, topped with fresh fruits and whipped cream. With its beautiful presentation and delightful flavors, pavlova is a perfect dessert for any occasion. Follow this step-by-step recipe to create a pavlova that will impress your guests and leave them begging for more.
Ingredients
- 6 egg whites
- 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon of white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- Fresh fruits (e.g., strawberries, kiwi, blueberries) for topping
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat the egg whites until the mixture becomes thick and glossy.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch, vinegar, and vanilla extract. Add this mixture to the beaten egg whites and gently fold it in until fully combined.
- Spoon the meringue mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, forming a circle with a slight indentation in the center to hold the toppings.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour until the pavlova is crisp on the outside. Then, turn off the oven and leave the pavlova inside for another hour to cool completely.
- In the meantime, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form.
- Once the pavlova is cooled, carefully transfer it to a serving plate. Fill the center indentation with the whipped cream and top with fresh fruits.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Pavlova is named after the famous Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, who visited Australia and New Zealand in the 1920s.
There is an ongoing debate between Australia and New Zealand about the true origin of pavlova, with both countries claiming it as their national dessert.
The crisp shell and soft center of pavlova create a delightful contrast in textures that make it a favorite dessert among many.