Description
This delightful Heart-Shaped Pavlova is a light and airy dessert featuring a crisp meringue shell with a marshmallow-like interior, topped with fluffy whipped cream and fresh mixed berries. Perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, it combines a crisp texture with sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors for an elegant treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Meringue Base
- 4 large egg whites (at room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Garnish
- Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) to prepare for baking the meringue at a low temperature, which ensures it dries out evenly without browning.
- Prepare the Meringue Base: In a clean, dry bowl, beat the 4 large egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating continuously until the mixture becomes glossy and stiff peaks form, indicating it’s ready.
- Fold in Additional Ingredients: Gently fold the vanilla extract, white vinegar, and cornstarch into the meringue using a spatula to maintain its airy texture while incorporating these stabilizers.
- Shape the Pavlova: On a parchment-lined baking sheet, shape the meringue into a heart form, making the edges slightly higher than the center to create a well that will hold the whipped cream topping later.
- Bake the Meringue: Bake the shaped meringue in the preheated oven for approximately 1.5 hours, then turn off the oven and leave the pavlova inside with the door slightly ajar. Allow it to cool completely for at least 1 hour inside the oven to prevent cracking and achieve the perfect texture.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping: While the pavlova cools, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, creating a light and sweet cream topping.
- Assemble the Pavlova: Once the meringue is fully cooled, carefully transfer it to a serving platter. Spread the whipped cream in the center well, then top with fresh berries arranged in an attractive pattern.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally add fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving to keep the cream fresh.
Notes
- Be sure egg whites are at room temperature to achieve maximum volume when whipping.
- Adding the vinegar and cornstarch stabilizes the meringue, preventing weeping and cracking.
- Allowing the pavlova to cool slowly in the turned-off oven helps maintain its delicate texture by preventing sudden temperature changes.
- Use fresh, firm berries for best presentation and flavor contrast.
- Serve pavlova shortly after assembling to avoid the meringue becoming soggy from the whipped cream.
