Ingredients
Meringue Base
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Toppings
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Instructions
Step 1
*Preheat* your oven to 120°C (250°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a clean, dry bowl, *whip* the egg whites on medium speed until they form soft peaks.
Gradually add the sugar, a tablespoon at a time, while continuing to whip.
*Beat* until the meringue is glossy and forms stiff peaks.
*Fold* in the cornstarch, vinegar, and vanilla extract gently, using a spatula.
Step 2
Draw a shell shape on the parchment paper to use as a guide.
*Spoon* the meringue onto the paper, spreading it evenly within the outline.
Create peaks and waves to mimic the texture of a shell.
Step 3
Place the meringue in the preheated oven. *Bake* for 90 minutes.
After baking, turn off the oven and leave the pavlova inside to cool completely, this prevents cracks.
Step 4
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
*Spread* the cream over the cooled meringue shell.
Distribute the mixed berries decoratively on top.
Step 5
Carefully remove the pavlova from the parchment paper.
*Serve* immediately for the best texture and enjoy this delicious creation!
Servings
Serve this shell-shaped Pavlova with a medley of fresh berries 🍓🍒 for a classic approach. The tartness of raspberries and blueberries perfectly complements the sweetness of the meringue.
_Get creative_! Add a tropical twist by topping your Pavlova with slices of kiwi, mango, and passion fruit. This juicy combo will transport your taste buds straight to a sun-kissed beach.
For those cozy evenings, enjoy it with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios, adding a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.
Feeling adventurous? Serve it alongside a scoop of lemon sorbet for a refreshing zing that will leave everyone craving more.
Equipment
Ensure your egg whites reach peak fluffiness with a powerful stand mixer. A hand mixer can also work, but might take a bit longer to achieve the desired stiff peaks.
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For that perfect shell shape, invest in a sturdy piping bag. The star tip will give your Pavlova its signature intricate edges.
Prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze by lining your baking sheet with parchment. Draw a faint outline of a shell to guide your piping.
Keep the temperature precise. Pavlova can be temperamental if the heat fluctuates too much.
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Variations
Gluten-Free Variation: 🗸 The original Pavlova recipe is already gluten-free! Just double-check all your toppings and fillings to maintain that gluten-free assurance.
Vegan Variation: 🌱 Swap out egg whites with aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) for a vegan-friendly meringue. Make sure to whip it for a longer period to achieve similar stiff peaks.
Faq
- Why is my Pavlova soft and not crispy?
This usually happens if there's too much moisture in the air or the baking time was too short. Make sure to bake it long enough and let it cool in the oven with the door slightly open.
- Can I use regular sugar instead of superfine?
Absolutely! Just process the sugar in a food processor to make it finer, which helps it dissolve more easily into the meringue.
- How can I ensure my meringue is stable?
Adding a bit of vinegar or cream of tartar when whipping your meringue helps to stabilize the egg whites and create a strong structure.
- What should I do if my meringue is weeping?
Ensure you use fresh eggs and avoid overbeating the meringue. Moisture can also play a role, so avoid making Pavlova on very humid days.
- What's the best way to store leftover Pavlova?
Store in an airtight container in a dry place. If topped, it's best consumed fresh; otherwise, you can store the meringue separately and add toppings just before serving.
- Can I freeze the Pavlova base?
Freezing is not recommended as it affects the texture of the meringue. However, you can bake un-topped meringue and store it for a couple of days in an airtight container.