This Pavlova Recipe Is Like Something Out Of A Fairy Tale

Who here has had pavlova before? Not many? You’re about to start drooling big time. It’s sweet, fluffy, creamy, fancy and perfect. Seriously, this dessert will win over your biggest enemy. It’s a little work to put together, but boy, is it worth it. Check out our pavlova recipe below and make it today!

Here’s what you’ll need:

For meringue:

1 cup superfine granulated sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

3 large egg whites at room temperature 30 minutes

3 tablespoons cold water

1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar

For filling:

3 to 4 Meyer lemons (about 1 pound)

1/2 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1 stick unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces

1 cup heavy cream

4 cups mixed berries

Here’s what to do:

Make meringue:

Preheat oven to 300°F with rack in middle. Trace an approximately 7-inch circle on a sheet of parchment paper. Turn parchment over and put on a baking sheet.

Whisk together superfine sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl.

Beat whites with a pinch of salt using an electric mixer at medium speed until they hold soft peaks. Add water (whites will loosen) and beat until whites again hold soft peaks.

Increase speed to medium-high and beat in sugar mixture 1 tablespoon at a time. After all sugar has been added, beat 1 minute more.

Add vinegar and beat at high speed until meringue is glossy and holds stiff peaks, about 5 minutes (longer if using hand-held mixer).

Gently spread meringue inside circle on parchment, making edge of meringue slightly higher than center (the “crater” is for curd and fruit). Bake until meringue is pale golden and has a crust, about 45 minutes (inside will still be marshmallow-like).

Turn oven off and prop door open slightly with a wooden spoon. Cool meringue in oven 1 hour.

Make Lemon curd while meringue bakes:

Finely grate enough zest from lemons to measure 2 teaspoons and squeeze enough juice to measure 1/2 cup. Whisk together zest, juice, sugar, and eggs in a metal bowl and add butter. Set bowl over a saucepan of simmering water and cook, whisking, until thickened and smooth and an instant-read thermometer registers 160°F, about 5 minutes. Serve warm or cover surface of curd with wax paper and cool completely.

Assemble Pavlova:

Beat heavy cream until it just holds stiff peaks, then fold 1/4 cup beaten cream into curd to lighten. Spoon lemon curd into meringue and mound berries on top. Serve remaining whipped cream on the side.

Cooks’ notes:

• For best results, keep oven door closed as much as possible during baking.
• Meringue can be made 2 days ahead and frozen, wrapped well in plastic. Thaw before serving.
• Curd can be made 2 days ahead and chilled.