Pavlova
Pavlova Cake with Meringue and Berries
Do you want to prepare a spectacular dessert that impresses with its texture and taste? The Pavlova cake is the perfect choice! This cake, with a crispy meringue on the outside and soft on the inside, was created in honor of a famous ballerina and remains a favorite in many kitchens. Let's discover together how to prepare it step by step!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8
Necessary ingredients:
For the meringue:
- 5 egg whites (approximately 150 g)
- 250 g powdered sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For the filling:
- 250 g whipped cream
- 100 g cream cheese (or any creamy cheese you prefer)
- 3-4 tablespoons sugar (to taste)
For decoration:
- Canned pineapple (diced)
- Blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries (preferably frozen)
- Blackberry jam (for sauce)
Preparation:
1. Preparing the meringue: Start by preheating the oven to 100°C. Ensure that the bowl in which you will beat the egg whites is completely clean, without any traces of fat. Add the egg whites and a pinch of salt and beat with a mixer on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until they start to form foam.
2. Adding the sugar: Continue beating the egg whites, gradually adding the powdered sugar. It is essential to add the sugar gradually to achieve a firm and glossy meringue. Beat until the mixture becomes firm and forms stable peaks.
3. Including the lemon and cornstarch: Finally, add the lemon juice and cornstarch, gently mixing with a spatula. The lemon not only enhances the flavor but also helps stabilize the meringue.
4. Forming the meringue: On a large baking sheet, place a few dollops of meringue to secure the parchment paper. Use a marker to draw a circle with a diameter of 20 cm on the parchment paper. Distribute one-third of the meringue inside the circle, and use the rest in a piping bag to form small peaks around the edge of the circle.
5. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the meringue for 25 minutes at 100°C, then increase the temperature to 120°C and bake for another 25 minutes. It is important not to open the oven during baking, as the meringue may collapse.
6. Cooling the meringue: Once the meringue is baked, turn off the oven and let it cool inside for a few hours. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture.
7. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, whip the cream with the sugar until it becomes firm. Then, incorporate the cream cheese for a creamy texture. You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your preferences.
8. Assembling the cake: Once the meringue has completely cooled, fill the center with the whipped cream and cheese mixture. Place the fruits on top, making sure to distribute them evenly.
9. Preparing the sauce: Heat the blackberry jam in the microwave for about 1 minute, then pour it over the cake to add extra flavor.
10. Final cooling: Place the cake in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and give you a truly delicious dessert.
Serving suggestions:
- The Pavlova cake is perfect served with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also try a sweet wine to enhance the flavors.
- If you want a more chocolatey version, you can add a cocoa base under the meringue, which will bring a pleasant contrast of flavors.
Useful tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to allow for even mixing.
- If the meringue doesn't come out perfect on the first try, don't be discouraged! Every oven is different, so you can adjust the temperature and baking time until you achieve the desired result.
Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 280 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
Frequently asked questions:
- Why did my meringue crack?
The meringue can crack due to rapid temperature changes. Make sure to let it cool gradually in the oven.
- Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely, you can experiment with any seasonal fruits or favorite fruits.
Now it's time to venture into preparing this fantastic cake! We hope you also achieve a successful result and enjoy every bite! Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: For meringue: 5 egg whites, 250g powdered sugar, a pinch of salt, 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. For filling: 250g whipped cream, 100g soft cheese (some wine from Delaco), 3-4 tablespoons of sugar. Fruits: canned pineapple, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries (frozen). For the blackberry sauce, I used my blackberry jam.
