Description
This Pavlova Cake is a stunning dessert featuring a crisp, cloud-like meringue shell with a soft, marshmallow-like center, topped with billowy whipped cream and fresh fruit. Light, elegant, and naturally beautiful, pavlova is perfect for celebrations and holidays.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pavlova Meringue
- 4 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar (superfine preferred)
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 cups fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, passion fruit)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Draw an 8-inch circle on the parchment and flip it over.
2. Make the Meringue
- Beat egg whites with salt on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high until stiff, glossy peaks form (5–7 minutes).
- Beat in vanilla, vinegar, and cornstarch just until combined.
3. Shape the Pavlova
- Spoon meringue into the drawn circle.
- Shape into a round cake, smoothing sides and creating a shallow dip in the center.
- Make decorative swirls if desired.
4. Bake
- Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Turn off oven and let pavlova cool completely inside with door slightly open (at least 1 hour).
- Do not open the oven while baking to avoid cracks.
5. Whip the Cream
- Beat cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
6. Assemble
- Transfer cooled pavlova to a serving plate.
- Spoon whipped cream into the center.
- Top with fresh fruit just before serving.
Notes
- Humidity affects pavlova—dry days work best.
- Fine sugar dissolves better for a smooth meringue.
- Cracks are normal and part of pavlova’s charm.
- Prep Time: PT20M
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Australian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 230kcal
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg