Strawberry Pavlova Recipe
This classic Strawberry Pavlova features a crisp meringue shell with a soft, marshmallow-like interior, topped with a smooth cream cheese filling and fresh strawberries. Perfectly sweet and airy, this dessert balances light textures and fruity freshness for an elegant treat.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian/New Zealand
- Diet: Vegetarian
Meringue
- 4–5 Egg whites (a bit over 1/2 cup)
- 1 tsp Cream of tartar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup Sugar plus 2 tbsp
- 2 tsp Cornstarch
Cream Topping
- 8 oz Cream cheese (cold)
- 1/2 cup La Lechera sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp Vanilla bean paste
Garnish
- Strawberries (to taste)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, to decorate)
- Prepare Meringue Base: In a large bowl, combine the egg whites, salt, and cream of tartar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is foamy and soft peaks begin to form.
- Add Sugar Gradually: Slowly add the sugar while continuing to beat. Beat until the meringue is glossy and stiff peaks form, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
- Incorporate Cornstarch: Sift the cornstarch over the meringue and beat gently until it is fully incorporated.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 300°F (150°C) to prepare for baking the meringues.
- Shape Meringues: Transfer the meringue mixture into a piping bag. Pipe high mounds onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, leaving enough space as they will expand. Slightly flatten the top of each mound with the back of a spoon.
- Bake Meringues: Place the baking sheet on the middle rack and reduce oven temperature to 225°F (107°C). Bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until the meringues are dry to the touch. After baking, turn off the oven and let them dry inside for 2-4 hours.
- Make Cream Topping: Beat the cold cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla bean paste, folding gently until fully combined.
- Assemble Pavlova: Crack the top of the meringue slightly and fill the center with the cream cheese mixture. Top generously with fresh strawberries and garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Notes
- Make sure no yolk is mixed with egg whites to achieve stiff peaks.
- Use room temperature egg whites for better volume.
- Allow meringues to cool and dry completely for the perfect crunchy exterior and marshmallow interior.
- Garnish with mint for an extra fresh flavor and appealing presentation.
- Store assembled pavlova in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours for best texture.
Keywords: Strawberry Pavlova, Meringue dessert, Cream cheese topping, Summer dessert, Light dessert