Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Berry Pavlova is a perfect dessert for those who enjoy a combination of textures and flavors. The crisp, light meringue pairs beautifully with the silky whipped cream, and the fresh berries add a pop of color and natural sweetness. It’s a versatile dessert that can be customized with your favorite berries, and it’s relatively easy to make despite its elegant appearance. The best part is that it can be prepared in advance, making it an excellent choice for parties, potlucks, or gatherings. With its light, airy texture and refreshing flavors, this dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the meringue:

4 large egg whites, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the whipped cream:

1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the berry topping:

1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 cup raspberries
1/2 cup blueberries
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Meringue:

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw a 9-inch circle on the paper (use a plate or pan as a guide). This will help you shape the meringue.
Whip the Egg Whites:
In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. This means the egg whites should stand up slightly but still fold over at the tips.
Add Sugar Gradually:
Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat on high speed. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form—this means the mixture should be glossy and hold its shape without collapsing.
Add Vanilla, Vinegar, and Cornstarch:
Once the egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks, gently fold in the vanilla extract, vinegar, and cornstarch. These ingredients help stabilize the meringue and give it a soft, marshmallow-like interior.
Shape the Meringue:
Spoon the meringue mixture onto the parchment paper inside the circle, smoothing the top and sides. You can make the edges slightly higher than the center to create a well for the whipped cream and berries later.
Bake the Meringue:
Bake the meringue in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 hours, or until the meringue is crisp and dry on the outside. It should be lightly golden and easily lift off the parchment paper. Turn off the oven and let the meringue cool completely in the oven with the door slightly ajar.

For the Whipped Cream:

Whip the Cream:
In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. The whipped cream should be firm but still soft and airy, not overwhipped.

For the Berry Topping:

Prepare the Berries:
While the meringue is cooling, prepare the berries. Hull and slice the strawberries, and mix all the berries together in a bowl. If you want to enhance the sweetness, drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the berries and let them sit for a few minutes.

Assemble the Pavlova:

Assemble the Pavlova:
Once the meringue has cooled completely, gently place it on a serving platter. Spoon the whipped cream into the center of the meringue and spread it evenly, leaving a border of meringue around the edge.
Top with Berries:
Arrange the prepared berries on top of the whipped cream in a beautiful pattern. You can pile the berries high in the center for a dramatic look or scatter them evenly for a more subtle arrangement.
Garnish and Serve:
Optionally, garnish the pavlova with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and extra freshness. Serve immediately for the best texture, or refrigerate for up to 1-2 hours before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus cooling time for meringue)
Bake Time: 1 1/2 hours
Total Time: 3 hours (including cooling time)

Variations

Tropical Pavlova: Swap the berries for tropical fruits such as mango, kiwi, and passionfruit for a fresh and exotic twist.
Chocolate Pavlova: Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the whipped cream before adding the berries for a richer flavor.
Mini Pavlovas: Instead of making one large pavlova, create individual mini pavlovas by spooning small meringue nests onto the baking sheet. Bake and assemble them in the same way, creating personalized servings.

Storage/Reheating

Pavlova is best served immediately after assembly, but you can store the meringue base in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The meringue will soften over time, so it’s best to top it with the whipped cream and berries just before serving. If you have leftover pavlova, store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, but note that the meringue will soften.

FAQs

Can I make the meringue ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the meringue up to 2 days ahead of time. Just keep it in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve its crisp texture.

Can I use a store-bought meringue base?

Yes, you can buy store-bought meringue shells if you want to save time. Just be sure to add your own whipped cream and fresh berries to make it a Pavlova.

Can I use other fruits for the topping?

Yes! You can use any fresh fruit you like for the topping, such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, pomegranate seeds, or peaches. Just make sure the fruit is fresh and sweet for the best results.

Can I make the whipped cream ahead of time?

You can make the whipped cream ahead of time, but it’s best to store it in the refrigerator and whip it just before assembling the Pavlova to keep it light and fluffy.

How do I prevent the meringue from cracking?

To avoid cracks in your meringue, make sure you bake it at a low temperature (250°F/120°C) and allow it to cool completely in the oven. Opening the oven door while it’s cooling can cause the meringue to crack due to temperature changes, so be patient!

Conclusion

Berry Pavlova is an elegant, light dessert that combines crisp meringue, silky whipped cream, and fresh fruit for a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something indulgent, this dessert is sure to impress. The beautiful layers, vibrant berries, and airy texture make it a showstopper that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Try this delightful treat today and bring a touch of elegance to your dessert table!

Berry Pavlova

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients