Introduction: Celebrate the bounty of summer with this light and elegant Summer Berry Pavlova. This dessert features a crisp, airy meringue base topped with a cloud of whipped cream and a vibrant medley of fresh summer berries. It’s the perfect finale to any summer meal, combining the sweetness of the season with a delightful textural contrast.
Ingredients:
- For the Meringue:
- 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- For the Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meringue:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add granulated sugar, beating continuously until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold in vinegar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract.
- Spoon the meringue onto the prepared baking sheet, forming a circular shape with a slight well in the center.
- Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and let the meringue cool completely inside.
- Whip the Cream:
- In a bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it forms soft peaks.
- Assemble the Pavlova:
- Carefully transfer the cooled meringue to a serving plate.
- Spoon the whipped cream over the meringue, spreading it within the well.
- Arrange the fresh berries on top of the cream.
Conclusion: Your Summer Berry Pavlova is now ready to enchant your taste buds. This dessert not only looks spectacular but also offers a refreshing blend of flavors and textures. It’s a celebration of summer’s freshest fruits and a testament to the simple elegance of seasonal ingredients. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of berry goodness in every bite!