Ingredients
Meringue
- 160 ml / 2/3 cup egg whites (from 5 - 6 large eggs, preferably fridge cold)
- 1 1/4 cups caster sugar (superfine sugar)
- 2 1/2 tsp cornflour / cornstarch
- 1 tsp white vinegar
Whipped Cream
- 1 1/2 cups heavy/thickened cream (whipping cream), COLD
- 3 tbsp caster sugar / superfine sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Fruit Topping and Garnish
- Strawberries, diced into 1 cm (1/3 inch) cubes
- Mango, diced into 1 cm (1/3 inch) cubes
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Kiwi, sliced
- Passionfruit pulp
- Small mint sprigs
- Icing sugar / powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare egg whites: Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites while the eggs are cold from the fridge; this makes separation easier. Measure out 2/3 cup (160 ml) of egg whites and allow them to come to room temperature for 30 minutes to ensure better volume when whipped.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 150°C (325°F) for all oven types, preparing it for the meringue baking process.
- Beat egg whites & add sugar: Using a stand mixer or electric beater, beat the egg whites on high speed for 1 minute. Gradually add the caster sugar, one dessert spoon at a time while continuing to beat.
- Whip to stiff peaks: Continue beating for 8 minutes on high speed until the meringue is fluffy, glossy, and free of sugar grains (test by rubbing a little between fingers). Add the white vinegar and cornflour, then beat for an additional 30 seconds to incorporate.
- Line baking trays: Dab a small amount of meringue on the corners of two baking trays, then line each with baking paper to prevent sticking.
- Pipe meringue bases: Transfer the meringue mixture to a large piping bag fitted with a nozzle of your choice. Pipe 12-13 mounds onto the trays, each about 6-7 cm (2.5 inches) wide and roughly 5 cm (2 inches) tall. Use a spoon to gently flatten the tops and create a slight dent to hold the cream and fruit later. The final height should be approximately 4 cm (1.6 inches).
- Bake at low temperature: Place both trays into the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 110°C (225°F) or 100°C (fan). Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes or until the pavlovas feel dry to the touch. If they are still sticky, extend baking time accordingly.
- Cool inside oven: After baking, turn the oven off and leave the pavlovas inside to fully cool for 4 hours or ideally overnight (around 10 hours) to ensure a crisp exterior and soft interior.
- Store pavlovas: Once completely cooled, transfer the pavlovas to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place until ready to serve.
- Whip cream: In a large bowl, beat the cold heavy cream with caster sugar and vanilla extract on high speed until soft peaks form. This will typically take about 1 minute with a stand mixer or 2-3 minutes using a handheld beater. Use a stabilizer if desired following your preferred method.
- Assemble dessert: Just before serving, spoon a generous dollop of whipped cream into the dent of each pavlova. Top with assorted fresh fruit like strawberries, mango, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi slices, and passionfruit pulp.
- Garnish: Dust the assembled mini pavlovas lightly with icing sugar and add small mint sprigs for a fresh, decorative finish.
Notes
- Using room temperature egg whites helps the meringue whip to greater volume and stability.
- Addition of vinegar and cornflour stabilizes the meringue and helps maintain its structure during baking.
- Baking at a low temperature slowly dries the meringue without browning or cracking.
- Allowing pavlovas to cool inside the turned-off oven prevents sudden temperature changes, which can cause cracks.
- Stabilized whipped cream can be made using gelatin, cream of tartar, or commercial stabilizers to maintain firmness longer.
- Store pavlovas in airtight containers to keep them crisp and fresh; avoid refrigeration to prevent moisture absorption.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian/New Zealand