Pavlova Roulade with Toffee Plums
Description: Delight in a spectacular dessert that combines the crisp elegance of a Pavlova Roulade with the rich, caramelized flavor of toffee plums. Inspired by a recipe from the March 2004 issue of “Delicious” magazine, this dessert is perfect for impressing guests and indulging in a sweet, sophisticated treat. This recipe is a must-try for those who love a show-stopping finish to their meal!
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
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For the Toffee Plums:
- 5 cups water
- 2 cups caster sugar
- 2 tablespoons brandy
- 2 vanilla beans, split
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 5 whole cloves
- 6 plums, pitted and halved
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For the Pavlova Roulade:
- 6 egg whites
- 300 grams caster sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch)
- 400 ml heavy cream
- 100 grams icing sugar
- Extra icing sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
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Prepare the Toffee Plums:
- Begin by placing the water, caster sugar, brandy, vanilla beans, cinnamon stick, and cloves into a saucepan. Stir the mixture over low heat until the sugar is fully dissolved. This will create a fragrant, toffee-like syrup for your plums.
- Add the plums to the syrup and cook them gently for 10-15 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the ripeness of the plums; they should become tender but not mushy.
- Once the plums are tender, remove the saucepan from heat and let the plums cool in the syrup. This step allows the flavors to meld together. The toffee plums can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, so feel free to prepare them ahead of time.
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Prepare the Pavlova Roulade:
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease and line a 37cm x 2cm deep baking tray with parchment paper to prevent the meringue from sticking.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites in a clean bowl until stiff peaks form. This means the egg whites should stand up straight when the beaters are lifted.
- Gradually add the caster sugar to the egg whites, continuing to beat on high speed. This process should take about 5 minutes, and the mixture should become thick and glossy.
- Gently fold in the vanilla extract, white vinegar, and cornflour into the meringue mixture. These ingredients help stabilize the meringue and add a touch of flavor.
- Spread the meringue evenly into the prepared baking tray. Use a spatula to smooth the surface, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- Bake the meringue in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until it is crisp on the outside but still soft in the center. Allow the meringue to cool completely in the tray.
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Assemble the Roulade:
- Whip the heavy cream with the icing sugar until thick and fluffy. This sweetened cream will be spread inside the roulade for added richness.
- Once the meringue is cool, turn it out onto a piece of parchment paper dusted with icing sugar. This will help prevent sticking and make rolling easier.
- Carefully spread the whipped cream over the surface of the meringue, making sure to cover it evenly.
- Drain the toffee plums, reserving the syrup. Remove the stones from the plums and chop them into smaller pieces.
- Scatter the chopped plums over the whipped cream. The sweet, tangy plums will complement the meringue beautifully.
- Starting from the short end of the meringue, gently roll the meringue into a tight log, using the parchment paper to help you shape it. This rolling process forms the roulade.
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Chill and Serve:
- Wrap the rolled roulade in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 3 hours. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the roulade to firm up.
- Just before serving, prepare the toffee sauce by placing the reserved poaching liquid in a pan over medium heat. Reduce the liquid until it thickens to a toffee-like consistency.
- Allow the sauce to cool slightly before serving.
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To Serve:
- Slice the chilled Pavlova Roulade into thick slices and place each on a serving plate.
- Arrange 2 or 3 of the toffee plums around each slice.
- Drizzle the warm toffee sauce over the roulade slices and plums.
Enjoy the perfect combination of light, crispy meringue with sweet, caramelized plums and creamy filling—this Pavlova Roulade is sure to impress and delight with every bite! 🍑✨
