Mini Pavlova with Lemon Cream
Category: Desserts
Serves: 1 (Individual servings)
Mini Pavlova with lemon cream is a delightful dessert that combines the crispiness of meringue with the smooth richness of lemon cream and fresh fruit toppings. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a light, refreshing, and flavorful treat, ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Meringue:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 250g |
| Egg Whites | 180g |
| Cornstarch (Maizena) | 15g |
| Cream of Tartar | 4g |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Vanilla Extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
| All-purpose Flour | 35g |
| Potato Starch | 35g |
For the Lemon Cream:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Milk | 500ml |
| Egg Yolks | 6 |
| Sugar | 150g |
| Lemon Zest | 1 lemon |
For the Whipped Cream:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Heavy Cream | 200ml |
| Powdered Sugar | To taste |
For the Fruit Garnish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Blueberries | 80g |
| Raspberries | 80g |
| Kiwi | 1 |
| Red Currants | To taste |
| Passion Fruit | To taste |
| Fresh Mint | To taste |
Instructions
Prepare the Lemon Cream:
- In a large saucepan, heat the whole milk with the zest of half a lemon, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until smooth.
- Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking continuously to avoid curdling the eggs. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the lemon zest.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a smooth, flowing custard.
- Once ready, transfer the custard to a large bowl, cover it with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and set it aside to cool.
Prepare the Meringue:
- In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cornstarch.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, begin whipping the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form soft peaks.
- Gradually add the vanilla extract, sugar-cornstarch mixture, and apple cider vinegar to the egg whites while continuing to whip until stiff peaks form and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Preheat the oven to 120°C (250°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spoon the meringue mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, forming four thick discs with slightly raised edges, resembling little nests.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the meringues are firm to the touch and lightly golden on the edges.
- Once done, remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet.
Prepare the Whipped Cream:
- In a chilled mixing bowl, pour the heavy cream. Whisk until soft peaks form, then gradually add powdered sugar to taste. Continue whisking until stiff peaks form and the whipped cream is smooth and fluffy.
Assemble the Pavlova:
- Once the lemon cream has cooled and the meringues have completely cooled, it’s time to assemble.
- Carefully remove the plastic wrap from the lemon cream and gently fold in the whipped cream to create a light, airy consistency.
- Spoon the lemon cream mixture generously into the center of each meringue disc.
- Slice the kiwi and arrange it, along with blueberries, raspberries, red currants, and passion fruit, on top of the lemon cream. Decorate with fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of freshness and color.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve your Mini Pavlovas immediately after assembling for the best texture. The meringue is at its crispest when freshly baked, and the cream adds a lovely contrast of smoothness.
- For a festive touch, you can also drizzle some honey over the fruit or sprinkle with a bit of powdered sugar just before serving.
Tips:
- To make the meringue extra stable, ensure that your mixing bowl and whisk are free from any grease or oil before whipping the egg whites.
- You can experiment with different fruits based on the season, such as strawberries, peaches, or cherries, to customize the pavlova to your liking.
Mini Pavlova with Lemon Cream is a visually stunning and mouthwatering dessert that’s as delightful to prepare as it is to eat. Enjoy this elegant treat on your next special occasion, and impress your guests with its balance of textures and flavors!
