Description
This Heart-Shaped Pavlova is a show-stopping dessert for Valentine’s Day! With a crispy, light meringue base and a soft, marshmallow-like center, it’s topped with whipped cream and fresh, vibrant berries. This elegant dessert is perfect for a romantic celebration, combining sweetness and freshness in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meringue Base:
- 4 large egg whites (at room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw a heart shape on the paper as a guide for your Pavlova.
- Prepare the Meringue Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating continuously until the meringue becomes glossy and stiff peaks form.
- Add the vanilla extract, white vinegar, and cornstarch to the meringue and gently fold them in with a spatula.
- Shape the Pavlova:
- Using the heart shape you drew on the parchment paper, carefully spoon the meringue mixture into the shape, spreading it out evenly with the back of a spoon.
- Make the edges a bit higher than the center to form a slight well that will hold the whipped cream later.
- Bake the Meringue:
- Bake the meringue for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until it is crisp on the outside and has a light, airy texture.
- Turn off the oven and let the Pavlova cool completely inside the oven with the door slightly ajar (this helps prevent cracking). Allow it to cool for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the Topping:
- While the meringue cools, beat the heavy whipping cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Once the meringue is completely cooled, carefully transfer it to a serving platter.
- Assemble the Pavlova:
- Spoon the whipped cream into the center of the meringue, spreading it out gently to fill the well.
- Top with fresh berries of your choice, arranging them in a beautiful pattern over the whipped cream.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the meringue is completely cooled before adding the whipped cream, or the cream may melt.
- If you want to make this ahead of time, you can prepare the meringue a day before and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Add the whipped cream and berries right before serving.
- For a different flavor, you can add a spoonful of lemon curd under the whipped cream before topping with berries.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (out of 6-8 servings)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg