I’ve made Pavlova a number of times, but I’ve never made Pavlova like this.
In all modesty, I think this is the prettiest dessert I’ve ever made.
And you know what?
This Regal Fruit Pavlova (fit for a queen) is as delicious as it is lovely.
The soft swirls in the baked meringue are like delicate creases.
This has the kind of elegance that may look like it’s difficult to reproduce but throughout this post, I’m going to show you just how easy this Pavlova is to shape.
It all starts with transforming the meringue.
Use your own recipe or the one further down in this post.
Once you’ve created the meringue and it’s nice and smooth and fluffy, spoon it onto a piece of parchment paper .
Try to pile it high into one big mound.
Proper smoothing will come in the next step.
Use an offset spatula to smooth out the meringue.
I liken this to smoothing the icing on a cake. Use the same technique as if you were frosting a cake.
The goal is to get the meringue smooth and as upright as possible.
Once the meringue is smooth and sitting tall, use the spatula to create the swirls.
Then, scrape the side of the meringue starting from the bottom and moving upward.
Only scrape about a 1-inch section and a time and repeat all the way around the meringue.
If you angle the scraping just a get, you’ll get more distinct swirls.
If you’re not too happy with your swirls, no need to worry.
Just use the offset spatula to smooth the meringue out and just start all over.
It might take at least a pass or two to get your swirls or creases just right.
Also, I suggest you try to keep your scraped sections kinda close together for a more detailed looking design.
On another note, if you lift your spatula quickly and away from the meringue on the upsweep, you’ll get these irregular-shaped edges.
That’s actually a good thing and will give the baked Pavlova a little extra interest and character.
Scroll further down to see a closer look at the baked, edgy rim.
OK, before we get to the baked look, here’s the recipe.
Regal Fruit Pavlova
Ingredients
Meringue
- 4 Egg whites (save the yolks for the lemon curd)
- 1 Pinch of salt
- 1/4 Cold water
- 1-1/4 cups castor (fine) sugar
- 1 tsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (plus 1 teaspoon), sifted
- 2-3 cups Assorted fresh berries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
- Whip the egg whites until medium peaks from.
- Slowly add water and continue to whip.
- Slowly add fine sugar and continue to whip.
- Remove bowl from mixer and fold in the vanilla, cornstarch and vinegar.
- Trace a 6-inch circle on a piece of parchment paper as a guide. Place parchment paper (pencil side down) on a baking tray.
- Stack meringue on top of parchment paper. Try to stay within the circle guide.
- Use a spatula to shape the meringue.
- Use spatula to scrape creases into the meringue all the way around the mound. Refer to blog photos.
- Bake for about 30 minutes or until meringue is light tan.
- Reduce the heat to 275 degrees and bake an additional 35-45 minutes.
- Remove from oven and allow cool completely. Handle with care. It's fragile.
- Carefully slide empty meringue onto a cake stand or serving tray.
- Fill center cavity with a cup of lemon curd. Carefully spread inside the base.
- Add about 2 cups of whipped cream.
- Finally add assorted berries and dust the top with confectioner's sugar.
- Serve. Watch the smiles. Enjoy!
Lemon Curd Filling
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted butter softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 4-5 lemons
- 4-5 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Beat butter and sugar in electric mixer until blended. Add eggs and egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition.
- Gradually add lemon juice to butter mixture and beat until blended.
- Stir in zest.
- Transfer mixture to a heavy 4-quart saucepan and cook, whisking constantly over medium heat until mixture thickens and easily coats the back of a spoon, about 14-16 minutes.
- Transfer curd to a bowl, place plastic wrap directly on to of warm curd to prevent a film from forming.
- Chill until firm, about 4 hours. refrigerate in an airtight container up to 2 weeks.
Whipped Cream Filling
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup confectioner's sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Use a whisk attachment on mixer to whip whipping cream.
- After peaks start to form, slowly add sugar while continuing to whisk.
- Add vanilla.
- Whisk until firm peaks have formed.
- Set aside to refrigerate until ready to use in the Pavlova. Make this the same day.
When you take this Pavlova out of the oven, it’s going to have developed a more rounded, plump tummy.
The shell is super fragile at this point and you really need to handle it with care.
Now, you may also see a few small hairline cracks here and there in the meringue crust. I don’t think that can be avoided.
During this baking, the top of my Pavlova sunk and dropped down inside the cavity a bit. That was no big deal. Sometimes the top will stay put and you’ll have to carefully and very gently saw it out with a sharp knife.
Carefully, fill the cavity with lemon curd and a thick layer of whipped cream. If the cavity is too narrow, add the fillings (lemon curd first) to a piping bag and pipe the fillings into the opening.
Finally, gently drop the assorted fresh fruit and dust the top with powdered sugar to finish off the look.
Carefully, slide the Pavlova onto a pretty cake dish and serve to the delight of your friends and family.
Imagine how everyone will feel when you bring this out after dinner.
Or, next time you have to bring dessert to a dinner party…. show up with this.
Oh, before I forget, remember remember when I mentioned the rim of the meringue?
Here’s a closer look at the crown that is created.
I suppose there are a number of ways you can shape the rim before baking, but I love how irregular the points turned out here.
It just adds a wee bit more character.
Each slice has a ton of texture from the light, exterior crisp of the baked meringue… to the fluffy, marshmallow-like interior with it’s layer of sweet lemon curd.
The assortment of fresh fruit delivers another tasty element that blends beautifully with tall the other flavors.
It’s all very light and airy and a perfect summertime dessert.
By the way, if you want something smaller, be sure to check out my mini-pavlova dessert HERE.
Before I wrap, I want to quickly point out a styling decision.
When I initially set up this Pavlova for shooting, I included a few sprigs of mint and a silver sugar duster in the shot (left photo).
As I was putting everything back into the kitchen, I walked passed a container with a few leftover strawberries and it occurred to me that adding a few berries to the shot might look nice.
I dragged the Pavlova back into my shooting area and reshot it with the added berries. I also switched out the silver duster with a rustic strainer I had in my stash (right photo).
Both shots work, but the added pop of red and the new/old strainer, gives the image a little more personality in my eyes.
Thanks for popping by.
I hope you give this Regal Fruit Pavlova a try.
See you back here next time.
Stay safe and be well. safe and well.♥
Colleen says
That is a masterpiece! I would add that to my “company worthy” dessert files. I have two questions..when baking, the recipe says lower the temp to 27°. Do you mean 270°? Also, when it has baked, do you have to hollow out the inside a little to allow for the curd and fruit, or does it drop a little while baking or is there enough room with the points left at the top?
Lisa Tutman-Oglesby says
Thanks so much Colleen.
Oooops. That should be, drop the temperature to 275 degrees,
I appreciate the heads-up on the typo.
Sometimes the top will stay in place during baking and you will have to carefully hollow it out.
When adding the filling, you must do so very carefully. I actually broke a few of the points.
You could also put the fillings in a piping bag and add them that way if the cavity is too tight to spoon it in.
Sounds like you’re going to make this. You’ll love it. Let me know how it turns out.
xoxo
Marisa Franca Stewart says
Oh! My! Heavens! That is gorgeous and I give it a 100 drool points! I have to have a bib just looking at it. And your photos are magnificent. Was this a special occasion for your family? You probably have all of your little ducklings at home now. Have you planted any herbs and flowers yet? I’m anxious to get started. I have to share your pavlova on my Facebook page. Have a wonderful day — huge hugs!
Lisa Tutman-Oglesby says
Thanks so much, Marisa.
No special occasion for this, other than the need to make something pretty and take some pictures of it-lol.
I’m overdue on getting my little herb garden together too.
Hopefully, that’s something I can attempt to get off the ground this weekend.
Kids and hubby are well and we’re all doing are part to keep it that way.
Stay safe on your end and good luck with your spring gardening.
xoxo
Shirley @Housepitality Designs says
OK..Lisa…I definitely need to be your next door neighbor and taste tester!!!! It is truly one of the prettiest desserts I have seen! You are beyond amazing!!!!! When this CV mess is all over, we need to arrange a visit!
Have a fabulous day!
Lisa Tutman-Oglesby says
Oh, thanks so much, Shirley.
I remember that open invitation and when this CV madness is over, I’ll take you up on it.
Give this dessert a try. It’s easier than it looks.
I’d love to see how you style it with one of your amazing floral arrangements.
Stay safe and well in your neck of the woods.
xoxo
Nancy Olson says
Did you hear that? The loud THUD was my jaw dropping to my desk. OMG!!! That is stunning and your photography of the finished piece is also. Beautifully done!! Hello from across the county (Wa State).
Lisa Tutman-Oglesby says
Don’t hurt yourself, Nancy-lol.
I’m glad you love it.
The next dinner party invite (after Covid) is going to include this on the dessert menu.
Hope you are doing well on your end.
xoxo
Cathy says
That is the prettiest dessert ever. I can not wait to make that for my family and friends; when this is all over. Do you have a cookbook? Your photography is lovely. Keep up the great work.
Lisa Tutman-Oglesby says
Cathy, I think you will really enjoy making this.
Try to make the lemon curd the night before if you can.
I’d love to know how it turns out for you.
As for a cookbook? Nope. Maybe one day.
Thanks and stay safe.
Deborah says
So absolutely gorgeous!
I loved seeing the photos side-by-side and comparing your styling tricks and differences. Both photos are gorgeous, but I agree. The strainer and red berries somehow add an eye-catching feature.
Lisa Tutman-Oglesby says
Thanks, Deborah.
I’m glad I included that comparison.
Sometimes, it’s the little things that can make a big difference.
Hope you are safe and well on your end.
xoxo
Marly Lemos says
I usually don’t send comments to people I don’t know, but I have to let you know, that this is absolutely gorgeous and looks so yummy. Congratulations on your beautiful work of art. Now I have to find someone skilled enough to make me this. ❤️
Lisa Tutman-Oglesby says
Well, nice to meet you Marly.
Now that we’ve met (virtually), I hope you pop by again for more recipes and maybe even crafts projects.
Thanks for your kind words. I appreciate that.
As for this pavlova, please, please don’t be afraid to give this a try yourself.
I know it may look a bit intimidating but if you take your time, read over the recipe a few times first, I’m sure you can produce the same result.
I was a bit scared of it too when I first saw how it was mad-lol.
Go for it.
Stay safe and well and thanks again for stopping by.
xoxo
Jo says
Absolutely love this. I am going to recreate it as my wedding cake. May I be cheeky and ask where your beautiful cake stand is from and are they available for sale waomehere? With thanks Jo from Australia.
Lisa Tutman-Oglesby says
Hi Jo,
Congrats on your upcoming wedding.
Thanks for popping by and I’m so glad you love the Pavlova.
I just sent you a personal email with some extra information for you.
xoxo
Jo says
Wonderful Lisa. Appreciated your generous personal response x