Easy Pavlova Recipe
This Easy Pavlova recipe creates a delicate and elegant dessert featuring crisp and light meringue nests with a marshmallow-like interior. Topped with luscious whipped cream and fresh seasonal fruits, it offers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, ideal for special occasions or a refreshing treat.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling and resting time)
- Yield: 6 large pavlova nests 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian/New Zealand
- Diet: Vegetarian
Meringue
- 6 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar or superfine sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract (optional)
Whipped Cream
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream (very cold)
- 2–3 tablespoons powdered sugar or granulated sugar
Toppings
- 4–5 cups fresh fruit of choice (strawberries, cherries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, blackberries, passionfruit)
- Lemon curd
- Strawberry, raspberry, or chocolate sauces
- Chocolate shavings, lemon wedges, mint leaves, florals (optional garnish)
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 225˚F (about 107˚C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
- Beat egg whites: Using a stand mixer, beat the room temperature egg whites on high speed for 1-2 minutes until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, continuing to beat on high for 7-10 minutes until you achieve stiff, glossy peaks and sugar is fully dissolved (test by rubbing a pinch of meringue between fingers).
- Add flavor and stabilize: Quickly mix in lemon juice and vanilla extract (if using), then gently fold in cornstarch until well combined. This mixture will help maintain the meringue’s texture and stability.
- Shape and bake meringue nests: Pipe 3 to 3 1/2 inch diameter circles of meringue onto the parchment paper using a large star tip. Make a gentle indentation in the center of each circle to create a nest shape for filling. Bake at 225˚F for 1 hour and 15 minutes, then turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside for an additional 30 minutes to finish drying out without browning.
- Cool meringues: Transfer meringue nests on parchment to a wire rack or counter to cool completely to room temperature, ensuring crisp outer texture and soft marshmallow interior.
- Prepare whipped cream: Beat cold heavy cream and sugar with a mixer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens and becomes pipeable, perfect for topping the pavlovas.
- Assemble the pavlovas: Pipe or spoon the whipped cream generously into the center of each cooled meringue nest. Arrange fresh fruit and preferred sauces or garnishes on top for a colorful, vibrant presentation.
- Serve and store: Serve assembled pavlovas within 4 hours for optimal texture and freshness. Alternatively, store meringue nests without whipped cream and toppings in an airtight container at room temperature in a low humidity environment for 3-5 days; whip cream and add fruit just before serving.
Notes
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for better whipping volume and stability.
- Gradually adding sugar is key to achieving stiff, glossy peaks.
- Be sure to fully dissolve sugar to avoid grainy texture in meringue.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make transfer easier.
- Leave pavlovas in turned-off oven for extra drying time—this results in the perfect crisp shell with soft inside.
- Do not assemble until ready to serve to maintain meringue crispness.
- Store in a low humidity environment to prevent meringue from becoming sticky or soggy.
Keywords: easy pavlova, meringue dessert, whipped cream dessert, fruit pavlova, Australian dessert