Tart & Sweet Pavlova Cake with Juicy Berries

Dessert

May 22

In this baking class, we’re making a Pavlova Cake, modeled after the popular Australian dessert: cloud-like meringue base, crisp on the outside, marshmallow-soft inside, topped with a luscious layer of whipped cream, and crowned with a tumble of juicy berries. This showstopper balances sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy and is surprisingly simple to master. We’ll guide you through each step, from whipping up that glossy meringue to assembling a berry-topped beauty that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

Tart & Sweet Pavlova Cake with Juicy Berries

Servings: 8

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 75 minutes, plus cooling time

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Ingredients:

For the meringue base:
- 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the topping:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)
- 2 tbsp honey or sugar
- Zest of one lemon
- Mint leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

Make the Meringue: Preheat oven to 250°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment and trace a 9-inch circle. In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, beating until glossy stiff peaks form.
Add Flavor and Stabilize: Gently fold in vanilla, vinegar, and cornstarch without deflating the meringue.
Shape the Meringue: Spoon onto the parchment circle, shaping into a disk with a slight well in the center.
Bake: Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes, until crisp and dry. Turn off oven, leave door ajar, and cool completely inside to prevent cracking.
Dress the Berries: Toss berries with honey (or sugar) and lemon zest. Let sit 10 minutes until juices release.
Whip the Cream: Beat cream with powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Avoid overbeating.
Assemble the Pavlova: Transfer cooled meringue to a serving plate. Spread whipped cream into the center. Top generously with berries and garnish with mint leaves.
Serve: Serve immediately, or keep chilled until ready to serve.