Berry Pavlova

This dessert has a crispy outside. The inside is soft and marshmallowy. Then you pile fresh berries and cream on top.

We tried it at a fancy restaurant once. It cost twenty dollars for one slice. So we learned to make it at home instead.

Here’s the cool part. It looks really hard to make. But it’s actually super easy. We were shocked our first time.

The meringue is sweet and light. It crunches when you bite it. Then it melts in your mouth like magic.

We make this for summer parties now. Everyone takes pictures before eating it. It’s just that beautiful, you know?

Trust us, Berry Pavlova is special. It tastes like summer and happiness. You’re gonna love making this!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant and Stunning: Berry Pavlova is visually impressive, with its beautiful crisp meringue base, creamy topping, and colorful berry garnish. It’s a dessert that is both delicious and Instagram-worthy!
• Light and Refreshing: The meringue gives a light, crispy texture that contrasts perfectly with the luscious, smooth whipped cream and fresh, juicy berries.
• Customizable: You can choose from a variety of berries and other fruits, making this a perfect dessert to suit any season or personal taste.
• No-Bake Option: The meringue is baked, but it’s an easy recipe that doesn’t require any special equipment beyond a stand mixer or hand mixer, making it beginner-friendly.
• Great for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or dinner party, this Berry Pavlova will be the star of the table.

Required Kitchen Tools

To prepare this stunning dessert, you’ll need a few simple kitchen tools:

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: For whipping egg whites and cream.
• Mixing Bowls: For combining the meringue ingredients and whipping the cream.
• Spatula or Spoon: For spreading the meringue on the baking sheet.
• Baking Sheet and Parchment Paper: For baking the meringue base.
• Whisk: To help with mixing the cream and powdered sugar for the topping.
• Oven Thermometer (optional): To ensure your oven temperature is accurate.

Ingredients

For the meringue

• 8 Large Egg Whites: Fresh egg whites are essential for the perfect meringue, giving it a crisp, airy texture.
• 1/2 Teaspoon Cream of Tartar: This stabilizes the egg whites and helps them hold their shape while beating.
• 1 3/4 Cups (350g) Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the meringue and creates its crisp, sugary exterior.

For the salted whipped cream

• 3 Cups Cold Heavy Cream: For that rich and creamy topping.
• 3 Tablespoons Powdered Sugar: A slight sweetness without the grittiness of granulated sugar.
• 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor to the cream.
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors of the dessert.

For the topping

• 8 Cups (2 Pounds) Mixed Fresh Berries: Use a variety of berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. You can also add other fruits like kiwi, mango, or pomegranate seeds for variety.

Variations for Berry Pavlova

• Different Fruits: Swap the mixed berries for tropical fruits like mango, kiwi, or passion fruit to give it an exotic twist.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Try adding a tablespoon of lemon zest or orange zest to the whipped cream for a citrusy kick.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for a decadent touch.
• Nuts: Add a sprinkle of crushed pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts for a bit of crunch and a new flavor element.
• Herbs: Fresh mint leaves can add a refreshing herbal note that complements the sweetness of the meringue and berries.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meringue

To start, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a pencil, trace an 8-inch circle onto the parchment paper to guide the size of your meringue. Flip the parchment paper over so that the pencil marks are on the underside.

In a clean mixing bowl, begin beating the 8 egg whites with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until they start to form soft peaks. Once soft peaks form, add the cream of tartar. Continue beating on high until soft peaks become stiff peaks. This means when you pull the beater out of the egg whites, they should hold their shape and not fall over.

Gradually add the 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat on high speed. It’s important to add the sugar slowly to help the meringue form without collapsing. Beat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the meringue is glossy and smooth, and the sugar has dissolved completely (you should be able to rub a small amount of meringue between your fingers and not feel any grittiness).

2. Shape the Meringue

Spoon the meringue into the center of the traced circle on the parchment paper. Using a spatula, spread it out into a round shape, building up the edges to form a small nest. The center of the meringue should be slightly indented to hold the whipped cream and berries later.

3. Bake the Meringue

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes at 250°F (120°C), then turn off the oven and allow the meringue to cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for another hour. This slow cooling process helps prevent cracking.

Once cooled, remove the meringue from the oven and set it aside. The meringue should have a crisp exterior and a soft, marshmallow-like interior.

4. Prepare the Whipped Cream

While the meringue is cooling, it’s time to prepare the salted whipped cream. Place the 3 cups cold heavy cream into a chilled mixing bowl. Begin whipping the cream on medium speed, gradually increasing to high speed. When it begins to thicken, add the 3 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Continue to beat until soft peaks form, then stop. Be careful not to over-whip the cream; it should be soft and billowy, not stiff.

5. Assemble the Pavlova

Once the meringue is completely cooled, carefully transfer it to a serving platter. Use a spatula to gently lift the meringue from the parchment paper.

Spoon the whipped cream into the center of the meringue nest. Gently spread it out towards the edges, leaving a small border around the whipped cream to showcase the meringue.

Next, arrange the 8 cups of mixed berries on top of the whipped cream. You can mix and match berries as you like, or simply pile them all in for a beautiful, colorful topping.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Your Berry Pavlova is now ready to be served! This dessert is best enjoyed the same day it is made to preserve the meringue’s crisp texture. However, if you need to store it, keep the meringue, whipped cream, and berries separate and assemble just before serving.

How to Serve Berry Pavlova

Berry Pavlova is a beautiful and versatile dessert that pairs perfectly with a variety of occasions:

• For Holidays: Serve at Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving for a festive, fresh dessert option that looks just as good as it tastes.
• For Dinner Parties: This is an impressive dessert to serve guests. The vibrant berries and creamy topping make it the centerpiece of any gathering.
• For Casual Gatherings: Bring this along to a potluck or barbecue for a crowd-pleasing dessert that doesn’t require any cutting or serving utensils. Everyone can dig in and enjoy!
• For Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday or anniversary, the Berry Pavlova makes a special treat to celebrate life’s big moments.

Storing Berry Pavlova

• Meringue: Meringue can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, but it’s best to eat it on the same day for the crispest texture.
• Whipped Cream: The whipped cream can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before it begins to lose its texture.
• Assembled Pavlova: Once assembled with the whipped cream and berries, Berry Pavlova is best eaten within a few hours. The meringue can start to soften from the cream, so it’s best served immediately.

Nutrition with Table Format

Nutrition Information	Amount per Serving
Calories	300
Total Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	10g
Cholesterol	80mg
Sodium	75mg
Total Carbohydrates	35g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	30g
Protein	3g

Conclusion

Berry Pavlova is the ultimate dessert for any occasion. With its combination of sweet, crisp meringue, velvety whipped cream, and fresh, juicy berries, it’s a treat that everyone will rave about. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking to impress family and friends, this dessert will undoubtedly steal the show. The best part? It’s as easy to make as it is delicious. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a stunning dessert that’s guaranteed to wow your guests.