Pavlova is one of the most popular desserts in Australia and New Zealand and it appears at holidays, family gatherings, and celebrations. Pavlova has a meringue base and is topped with fresh whipped cream and lots of fruit. I make it several times of year as it is a family favorite and this recipe is great for a large gathering. Serves 8. Note: If you are making this for a smaller group you can easily half the recipe below.
Ingredients:
- 8 egg whites at room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 2 cups of sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- Fresh fruit of your choice – ~3-4 cups I like to use raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, mango, & blackberries.
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream – optional but delicious!
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- Fresh mint – optional
Step One: Preheat your oven to 250 degrees and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Pavlova bakes at a low temperature for 2 hours.
Step Two: Using an electric mixer or Kitchen Aid using the whisk, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form, ~1-2 minutes.
Step Three: With the mixer on high, slowly add the 2 cups of sugar until the egg whites are stiff and the sugar is dissolved. This can take ~5-6 minutes or more depending on the speed of your mixer.
Step Four: Add the 2 teaspoons of vanilla. Mix until combined, just 10 seconds or so.
Step Five: Spread the meringue in an even layer on the baking sheet with the parchment paper. Bake for 2 hours at 250 degrees.
Step Six: Turn off the oven and leave the meringue inside the oven to cool for another 2 hours.
Step Seven: While the meringue is cooling wash your berries and put them in a large bowl. You can sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar on the berries if you would like, this is optional. Let stand until juicy.
Step Eight: Remove your meringue from the oven and let cool on your counter for 10 minutes. While the meringue is in the final cooling period work on your whipped cream. Add the heavy cream and powdered sugar (and 1/2 cup of sour cream if you choose to use it) in a large bowl, using an electric mixer or Kitchen Aid with the whisk attachment, beat on high for ~ 2 minutes.
Step Nine: Pulling it all together! Spread the whipped cream over the cooled meringue, top with fresh fruit & mint, and serve immediately.
Enjoy!