A light and airy heart-shaped meringue with a crisp shell and marshmallow-like center, topped with whipped cream, fresh raspberries, and a touch of chocolate. This elegant dessert is a perfect showstopper for Mother’s Day or any special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crisp on the outside, soft inside – The meringue has a delicate crunch with a marshmallow-like center.
- Light and refreshing – Topped with fresh raspberries, strawberries, and whipped cream.
- Beautiful presentation – The heart shape and chocolate decoration make it a stunning centerpiece.
- Naturally gluten-free – A perfect dessert for those avoiding gluten.
- Simple yet impressive – Easy to make with just a few ingredients but looks elegant.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Meringue:
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup fresh raspberries
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- ¼ cup chocolate whipped cream (for decoration)
- Sprinkles or chocolate shavings (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw a heart shape as a guide.
- Make the Meringue: Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy. Gently fold in cornstarch, vinegar, and vanilla extract.
- Shape & Bake: Spoon the meringue onto the parchment, shaping it into the heart outline. Smooth the top and edges. Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and let the meringue cool inside for another hour.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream: In a bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Assemble: Spread the whipped cream over the cooled meringue. Top with raspberries, strawberries, and a decorative swirl of chocolate whipped cream. Add sprinkles or chocolate shavings if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories per serving: 220 kcal
Variations
- Berry Medley Pavlova: Use a mix of blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries for variety.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the top for extra indulgence.
- Lemon Pavlova: Add lemon zest to the whipped cream for a refreshing citrus twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted almonds or hazelnuts on top for texture.
- Tropical Pavlova: Swap berries for mango, kiwi, and passion fruit for a tropical twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store the unassembled meringue in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Once assembled, pavlova should be eaten within a few hours, as the whipped cream will soften the meringue.
- Freezing: Meringue can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw before assembling.
FAQs
Why did my meringue crack?
Cracking can happen if the oven cools too quickly. Let the pavlova cool inside the oven to prevent this.
How do I get a glossy meringue?
Ensure the sugar is added gradually and fully dissolved while beating the egg whites.
Can I make pavlova ahead of time?
Yes, bake the meringue a day ahead and store it in an airtight container. Assemble just before serving.
What’s the best way to separate egg whites?
Use fresh, cold eggs and separate them one at a time into a small bowl before adding them to the mixing bowl.
Can I use frozen berries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.
What if I don’t have white vinegar?
You can use lemon juice instead, which also helps stabilize the meringue.
Can I use a stand mixer to make the meringue?
Yes, a stand mixer with a whisk attachment makes beating the egg whites easier.
How do I know when my meringue is done baking?
It should feel dry to the touch and lift easily off the parchment paper.
Can I double the recipe for a larger pavlova?
Yes, but increase the baking time by 15-20 minutes to ensure it sets properly.
What’s the best way to serve pavlova?
Serve immediately with tea, coffee, or a glass of sparkling wine for a special occasion.
Conclusion
Raspberry Pavlova is an elegant, light, and delicious dessert that’s perfect for Mother’s Day or any special celebration. With its crisp yet marshmallow-like meringue, rich whipped cream, and fresh berries, this showstopping treat is both beautiful and easy to make. Try it today and impress your loved ones with this stunning dessert!
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Raspberry Pavlova
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A light and airy heart-shaped meringue with a crisp shell and marshmallow-like center, topped with whipped cream, fresh raspberries, and a touch of chocolate. A stunning dessert for Mother’s Day!
Ingredients
For the Meringue:
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup chocolate whipped cream (for decoration)
- Sprinkles or chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw a heart shape as a guide.
-
Make the Meringue:
- Beat egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy.
- Gently fold in cornstarch, vinegar, and vanilla.
-
Shape & Bake:
- Spoon meringue onto the parchment, shaping it into the heart outline.
- Smooth the top and edges.
- Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and let it cool inside.
-
Prepare the Whipped Cream:
- Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
-
Assemble:
- Spread whipped cream over the cooled meringue.
- Top with raspberries, strawberries, and a decorative swirl of chocolate whipped cream.
- Add sprinkles or chocolate shavings if desired.
-
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the egg whites are at room temperature for the best meringue texture.
- Bake the meringue low and slow to keep it crisp on the outside and marshmallow-like inside.
- Store leftovers in the fridge, but consume within a few hours for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian, New Zealand