Description
This Chocolate Peppermint Pavlova is a festive dessert featuring a crisp chocolate meringue base, fluffy peppermint whipped cream, and a dark chocolate drizzle. Light yet indulgent, it’s perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted)
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 2 oz dark chocolate, melted (for drizzling)
- 2 tbsp crushed peppermint candies (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw an 8-inch circle as a guide.
- In a clean, dry bowl, whip egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, while beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Gently fold in cocoa powder, cornstarch, vinegar, and peppermint extract.
- Spoon the meringue into the circle on the parchment, shaping it with a slight indentation in the center.
- Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Turn off the oven and let pavlova cool inside with the door slightly ajar.
- Once cooled, whip the cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Top the pavlova with whipped cream, drizzle with melted dark chocolate, and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.
Notes
- Let pavlova cool in the oven to prevent cracking.
- Use peppermint oil sparingly if substituting for extract.
- Store the meringue base separately and assemble just before serving for best texture.
- Make mini pavlovas for individual portions.
- Freshly whipped cream offers the best texture compared to store-bought.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
