Ingredients
Meringue
- 4 egg whites (approx. 1/4 cup)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar or lemon juice
Whipped Cream
- 1 1/2 cups whipping cream (whipped to soft peaks)
Roasted Fruit
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 peaches (cut into sixths)
- 2 apricots (cut into sixths)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- To Make the Meringue: Preheat your oven to 225ºF (107ºC). In a stand mixer bowl fitted with a whisk attachment, combine 1/4 cup of sugar with the egg whites and whisk on the lowest speed for 2 minutes to start the meringue formation.
- Add More Sugar: Gradually add another 1/4 cup of sugar while increasing the mixer speed to medium, whisking for an additional minute to further stabilize the mixture.
- Whisk to Stiff Peaks: Add the remaining sugar along with cornstarch, cream of tartar (or lemon juice), and vanilla extract if desired. Whisk on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes smooth, thick, silky white, and forms stiff peaks that hold their shape firmly.
- Shape the Meringue: Spoon the meringue onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a baking mat, shaping it into an 8-inch round with a well formed in the center for holding the toppings later.
- Bake the Meringue: Place the tray in the oven and bake at 225ºF for about 3 hours. After baking, turn off the oven and let the meringue cool completely inside to prevent cracks and maintain crispness.
- Roast the Peaches and Apricots: Increase the oven temperature to 350ºF (177ºC). In a small roasting pan, combine the brown sugar, peach and apricot slices, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Roast for 10-15 minutes until the fruit softens and the sugar melts into a syrupy glaze.
- Whip the Cream: When ready to serve, whip the cream to soft peaks to add lightness and volume for the pavlova topping.
- Assemble the Pavlova: Fill the cooled meringue base with the whipped cream, then spoon the roasted fruit over the top, allowing the sweet juices to cascade lightly down the sides for a beautiful and tasty presentation.
Notes
- Make sure the mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of any fat to achieve stiff egg whites.
- Allow the meringue to cool slowly in the turned-off oven to prevent cracking and collapsing.
- You can substitute the peaches and apricots with other stone fruits like nectarines or plums when in season.
- This dessert is best served the same day it is assembled for optimal texture and freshness.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whipped cream with coconut cream whipped to soft peaks.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
- Diet: Gluten Free