Light and Airy Pavlova Recipe
Pavlova, a delightful dessert from an Australian cookbook, is celebrated for its light and airy texture. This elegant treat is perfect for summer gatherings on the deck or as a sophisticated end to a dinner party. With a crisp outer shell and a soft, marshmallow-like center, it’s topped with fresh, fruity toppings for a refreshing finish. Here’s how to create this classic dessert, which is both healthy and low in cholesterol.
Ingredients:
- 4 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch)
- 1/2 cup cake flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 passion fruit, cut in half (or substitute with raspberries or blackberries)
- 2 kiwi fruits, peeled and sliced
- 3 bananas, sliced
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Whipped cream (for serving)
Instructions:
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Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your Pavlova will bake evenly and develop the right texture. -
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Prepare the Pan:
Grease a 7-inch round baking pan lightly and dust it with a small amount of flour. This helps the Pavlova release easily after baking. -
Whip the Egg Whites:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites using an electric mixer until soft peaks begin to form. Soft peaks mean that when you lift the beaters, the peaks should gently curl over. -
Add the Sugar:
Gradually add the granulated sugar to the egg whites, continuing to beat on high speed. Beat until the mixture becomes thick, glossy, and the sugar is fully dissolved. This process can take several minutes, so be patient for the perfect meringue. -
Fold in Cornflour and Vanilla:
Carefully fold in the cornflour and vanilla extract using a spatula. Gently incorporate these ingredients without deflating the meringue mixture. -
Spoon into Pan:
Spoon the meringue mixture into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out evenly with the back of a spoon. -
Bake:
Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) and bake the Pavlova for 1 hour. The lower temperature ensures that the meringue cooks slowly, creating the perfect texture. -
Cool:
Once baked, let the Pavlova stand in the oven for 5 minutes with the door slightly ajar. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial to prevent cracking. -
Decorate:
Once completely cooled, carefully transfer the Pavlova to a serving plate. Top it with a generous layer of whipped cream and arrange the sliced fruit on top. For a tropical twist, you can use passion fruit, kiwi, bananas, and strawberries, or mix and match with raspberries or blackberries if preferred. -
Serve:
Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp meringue with the luscious fruit and creamy topping.
Enjoy this delightful Pavlova as a refreshing and light dessert that’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a summer treat, this recipe will not disappoint. 🌟🍓🥝🍌
