Named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, this stunning Australian dessert features baked meringue, whipped cream, and a medley of fresh fruits. If you grew up in Australia, you likely have fond memories of enjoying pavlova at backyard BBQs or Christmas celebrations, lovingly made by your grandma. Fans of meringues will adore pavlova, which combines a crispy exterior with a marshmallow-like interior. The process involves plenty of whipping, making the Whip Whipped Cream Dispenser an ideal tool to simplify your efforts. With just a few ingredients, this delicate dessert is a breeze to prepare. It’s topped with fresh spring berries on a luscious whipped cream base, and you can bake and cool the meringue a day ahead. When it’s time to serve, simply add the whipped cream and berries. Light and fluffy, pavlova satisfies your sweet cravings without the heaviness of traditional desserts.
Ingredients:
- Egg Whites: 4
- Icing Sugar: 1 ¼ cups
- Lemon Juice: 1 teaspoon
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Cream: 2 cups
- Mixed Berries: 2–3 cups
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
- On parchment paper, draw a circle with a 23 cm diameter and place it on a baking tray.
- In a large bowl, mix the icing sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Add the egg whites and whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Pour the mixture into the Whip Whipped Cream Dispenser and charge it with one Whip Whipped Cream Charger to infuse the ingredients with nitrous oxide.
- Shake the dispenser 3–5 times to aerate the egg whites properly.
- Vent any excess gas from the dispenser.
- Charge the dispenser again to make the egg whites stiffer.
- Dispense the egg whites onto the marked parchment circle, creating a dip in the center and a ridge around the outer edge.
- Bake in the oven for one hour.
- Clean and dry the Whip Whipped Cream Dispenser.
- Add the whipped cream ingredients into the dispenser, screw on the Whip Whipped Cream Charger, and charge it.
- Shake vigorously and store in the fridge.
- Once the pavlova is out of the oven, let it cool on a wire rack until it achieves a light cappuccino color. The texture should be crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.
- Place the pavlova on a serving platter, dispense the whipped cream, and top with a variety of fresh berries. Serve chilled.
Extra Information:
Tips for Making a Perfect Pavlova:
- Crack the Eggs One at a Time: Since you’ll only need egg whites, crack each egg into a separate small bowl first to ensure no yolk gets into the whites before transferring them to a larger bowl.
- Use Less Sugar: If you’re aiming to reduce sugar intake, feel free to adjust the amount according to your taste.
- Let the Pavlova Cool Completely Before Topping: This step is crucial! Topping a warm pavlova can cause the cream to melt, resulting in a soggy base. Allow it to cool fully so it can hold the cream and berries perfectly.
How to Cut a Pavlova Without Crumbling:
Pavlova doesn’t slice neatly. While the base may hold its shape, the rest is soft and marshmallow-like. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts, but be prepared for some crumbling.
Topping Ideas for Your Pavlova:
Pavlova is a versatile dessert suitable for various occasions. Here are some creative topping options:
- Berry Delight: Strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and cream.
- Fruity Fun: Kiwifruit, passionfruit, banana, and cream.
- Classic Crisp: Kiwifruit, passionfruit, strawberries, and cream.
- Choc Dip: Nutella, chocolate shavings, strawberries, and cream.
You can also top your pavlova with:
- Lemon curd
- Coconut whipped cream
- Honey or caramel
- Fruit syrup
Variations of This Recipe:
Explore fun ways to enjoy pavlova:
- Mini Pavlova (or Eton Mess): Bake small meringue circles and top them with whipped cream and strawberries.
- Crushed Pavlova: Break the cooled pavlova into pieces and serve in a bowl or glass topped with whipped cream and assorted berries.
- Creative Shapes: Use your imagination to create interesting shapes, like a wreath for Christmas or a heart for Valentine’s Day. Decorate as desired after baking.
Enjoy this light and fluffy pavlova, and feel free to make it your own with unique toppings and presentations!