Description
Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. It is a light and airy dessert with a crisp crust and a soft, marshmallowy interior, typically topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit. This recipe provides a quick and easy way to make a delicious pavlova in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh fruit, for topping (berries, kiwi, passionfruit, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat egg whites with salt until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition until the meringue is stiff and glossy.
- Beat in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, vinegar (or lemon juice), and cornstarch.
- Spoon the meringue onto the prepared baking sheet, forming a circle about 8 inches in diameter. Create a slight depression in the center for the filling.
- Reduce oven temperature to 250°F (120°C) and bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the meringue is crisp and dry to the touch. Turn off the oven and let the pavlova cool completely inside the oven with the door slightly ajar. This will prevent cracking.
- While the pavlova is cooling, prepare the whipped cream. In a chilled mixing bowl, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Once the pavlova is completely cool, gently transfer it to a serving plate. Top with whipped cream and fresh fruit.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Make sure your bowl and beaters are clean and free of any grease or oil for the best meringue.
- Do not open the oven door during baking to prevent the pavlova from collapsing.
- Pavlova is best served soon after assembling, as the meringue will soften over time.
- You can make the meringue base a day ahead and store it in an airtight container.
- Feel free to customize the fruit topping with your favorites.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-75 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian/New Zealander
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/6th of the pavlova)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: pavlova, meringue, dessert, fruit, whipped cream, gluten-free, easy dessert, quick dessert, baking