Lemon Pavlova Parfaits

Introduction

Lemon Pavlova Parfaits are a delightful blend of textures and flavors that come together to create a stunning dessert. With layers of vanilla sponge cake, luscious lemon cream, and fluffy whipped cream, each bite is a harmonious balance of tartness and sweetness. I recently made this for a family gathering, and it was a huge hit! The combination of the light meringue kisses and the refreshing jelly cubes added a playful touch that everyone enjoyed. My family couldn’t get enough of this treat, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

Ingredients

Vanilla Sponge Cake

• 136g unsalted butter, softened
• 200g granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 180g all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 120ml whole milk
• 60g sour cream

Lemon Cream

• 150ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 150g granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 227g unsalted butter, cubed

Vanilla Whipped Cream

• 120ml heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Agar Agar Jelly Cubes

• 1 teaspoon kanten powder (agar-agar)
• 240ml water
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Lavender Meringue Kisses

• 1 large egg white
• 50g granulated sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon ground lavender

Instructions

Make Vanilla Sponge Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream together the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the milk and sour cream.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients and wet ingredients to the batter, alternating between the two.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and spread evenly. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool completely, then cut it into circles to fit your parfait glasses.

Make Lemon Cream

1. In a medium bowl, combine the lemon juice, eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and salt.
2. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) and whisk continuously until the mixture thickens, about 7-10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and whisk in the cubed butter until fully melted and incorporated.
4. Chill the lemon cream in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Make Vanilla Whipped Cream

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until medium peaks form.
2. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the parfaits.

Make Agar Agar Jelly Cubes

1. In a small pot, combine the kanten powder and water over medium heat. Bring to a boil, whisking to dissolve the kanten powder completely.
2. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat.
3. Pour the jelly mixture into a loaf pan and let it set in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. Once set, cut it into small cubes.

Make Lavender Meringue Kisses

1. In a heatproof bowl, combine the egg white and sugar. Place over a pot of simmering water and whisk until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Remove the bowl from the heat and whisk the mixture until stiff peaks form.
3. Gently fold in the ground lavender.
4. Pipe the meringue onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in small kisses. Bake at 200°F (93°C) for 30 minutes. Turn off the oven and let the meringues cool inside for an hour.

Assemble Parfaits

1. Start with a layer of the vanilla sponge cake at the bottom of a jar or glass.
2. Add a layer of lemon cream, followed by a layer of whipped cream.
3. Place a second layer of sponge cake and another layer of lemon cream.
4. Add the agar agar jelly cubes on top.
5. Finish with the lavender meringue kisses and garnish with edible flowers, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: Approximately 480
• Total Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 19g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 45g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 26g
• Protein: 5g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour

How to Serve

• Serve the parfaits chilled.
• Garnish with edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.
• Use clear glasses or jars to showcase the layers.
• Offer additional whipped cream or lemon cream on the side.

Additional Tips

1. Make Ahead: You can prepare the components in advance and assemble them right before serving.
2. Flavor Variations: Swap lemon juice for lime or orange juice for a different citrus flavor.
3. Texture: For added crunch, consider adding crushed nuts between layers.
4. Meringues: Store leftover meringues in an airtight container to keep them crispy.
5. Fresh Fruits: Incorporate fresh berries in the layers for added flavor and color.

Recipe Variations

• Fruit Pavlova Parfaits: Add layers of fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
• Chocolate Pavlova: Incorporate cocoa powder into the sponge cake for a chocolate version.
• Nutty Touch: Fold in chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds in the whipped cream for added texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these parfaits with a light dessert wine or herbal tea.
• Serve them as a refreshing summer dessert after a hearty meal.
• They can also be an elegant addition to a brunch spread.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze assembled parfaits as the whipped cream may separate. However, components can be frozen individually (cake, lemon cream, and meringues) and assembled later.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use store-bought sponge cake?

• Yes, using a store-bought sponge cake can save time. Just cut it to fit your parfait glasses.

1. What if I can’t find agar agar?

• You can substitute it with gelatin, but the texture will be slightly different.

1. Can I make the lemon cream in advance?

• Absolutely! The lemon cream can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge.

1. What can I substitute for heavy cream?

• You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

1. Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

• Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

1. How do I store leftover whipped cream?

• Store leftover whipped cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

1. Can I use different fruits in the parfaits?

• Yes, feel free to experiment with seasonal fruits like peaches or kiwi.

1. How do I make the meringue kisses colorfully decorated?

• You can add food coloring to the meringue mixture before piping.

1. Can I use fresh lemon juice from a bottle?

• Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice will work in a pinch.

1. What is the best way to serve these parfaits?
   • Present them in individual glasses to showcase the layers, and consider a light garnish.

Conclusion

Lemon Pavlova Parfaits are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful treat that combines the best of textures and flavors. With the light sponge, zesty lemon cream, and airy whipped cream, each bite transports you to a sunny day. Whether you’re serving these for a special occasion or a casual family dessert, they are sure to impress. Enjoy the process of making them, and don’t forget to savor every delicious layer!

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