A pavlova is the most show-stopping dessert you can make with the simplest ingredients โ egg whites, sugar, and air. The result is extraordinary: a crispy, crackly shell that shatters when you touch it, revealing a marshmallow-soft interior, all topped with billowing cream and jewel-toned summer berries.
Named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, this dessert is as elegant and graceful as its namesake. It looks like it came from a pastry shop, but it's surprisingly forgiving to make.
Meringue Mastery
Room temperature egg whites whip to greater volume. Add sugar very gradually โ rushing creates a grainy, weepy meringue. The mixture should be glossy and hold stiff, sharp peaks. Vinegar and cornstarch create the marshmallow interior.
The Perfect Whipped Cream
Use cold cream and a cold bowl. Whip to soft, billowy peaks โ not stiff. It should gently hold its shape but still look pillowy and cloud-like. Over-whipped cream becomes grainy and butter-like. A touch of vanilla and a tablespoon of sugar is all you need.
Summer Berry Arrangement
Use a mix of berries for color contrast: strawberries (halved), raspberries, blueberries, blackberries. Macerate half in sugar for 30 minutes to create natural sauce. Pile fresh berries on cream, spoon macerated berries and juice around. Add mint leaves and powdered sugar.
๐ฝ๏ธ Summer Berry Pavlova with Whipped Cream
Ingredients:
- 6 egg whites, room temperature
- 330g caster sugar
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 500ml heavy cream
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 500g mixed summer berries
- Fresh mint leaves
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 120ยฐC. Draw 25cm circle on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Whip egg whites until soft peaks. Add sugar very gradually, 1 tbsp at a time.
- Continue whipping until stiff, glossy peaks. Fold in vinegar, cornstarch, vanilla.
- Shape meringue into circle, creating slight well in center for cream.
- Bake 90 minutes. Turn off oven, leave door ajar, cool completely inside.
- Whip cream with sugar and vanilla to soft peaks.
- Place meringue on serving plate. Fill with cream.
- Top with fresh and macerated berries. Dust with powdered sugar. Serve immediately.
Last updated: July 25, 2025
