The minute we think of Spring and desserts, we think of light, gorgeous desserts like the Aussie class, the Pavlova. Named after the ballerina Anna Pavlova, the dessert is classically just fruit and meringue layered together. In other words, it’s dessert heaven!
Why You’ll Love This Pavlova
A mixed berry pavlova with Meyer lemon curd and berry puree is a visually stunning dessert that will elevate any brunch table with its colorful array of fresh berries and elegant presentation.
The light, airy meringue base paired with the tangy sweetness of Meyer lemon curd offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making it a refreshing finale to any meal. We add light-as-can-be lemon curd, berry sauce, and Mascarpone whipped cream to elevate it to the next level.
Pavlova Recipe Ingredients
This pavlova recipe is the one we use for big spring occasions, from birthdays to Mother’s Day brunch. Here are the ingredients you need to make it:
- Eggs: The egg whites will be used for the meringue, and the yolks are used for the curd, so there’s nothing left over!
- Superfine Sugar: Using fine sugar will give the meringue a nicer texture.
- Cornstarch and
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Bringing a little flavor.
- Lemon: The lemon zest and lemon juice both go to work here.
- Butter: Cold butter is the key to a great curd.
- Raspberries: Or any other berry for the puree.
- Mascarpone and Heavy Cream: Along with some sugar and heavy cream, mascarpone cheese makes a whipped cream that has a nice flavor and is really stable (i.e., it won’t fall on you).
How To Make This Recipe
This pavlova recipe has four parts — meringue, fruit puree, lemon curd, and whipped cream. They can all be made ahead, and you need to assemble them before serving them.
What To Serve With This
This spritzer cocktail is one part of a Mother’s Day brunch menu that is a must-make during the spring. Made with Almond French Toast, Charred Asparagus, Baked Eggs, and a delicious Pavlova, it’s a total showstopper of a meal.
Pavlova With Berries And Lemon Curd Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
For The Meringue:
- 6 large eggs separated into yolks and whites
- 2 3/4 cups superfine sugar plus 1 teaspoon (if you can't find superfine just pulse regular granulated sugar in the blender until it's powdery)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
- Dash pure vanilla extract
For The Lemon Curd:
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup, plus 1/2 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice divided
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter cut into small cubes
For The Raspberry Puree:
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
For The Mascarpone Whipped Cream:
- 8 ounces Mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup cold heavy cream
Instructions
- For the meringue: Heat oven to 350°F degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and draw a circle on the paper using an 8- or 9- inch cake pan as a guide. Flip the parchment over so the pencil marking is facing down (this ensures that the pencil won't transfer to the meringue). In a bowl of an electric mixer, combine the 6 egg whites and a pinch of the salt. Begin beating at low speed, slowly increasing to high. Continue until satiny peaks begin to form; gradually beat in 1 3/4 cup of the sugar a tablespoon at a time until meringue is stiff and shiny.Sprinkle in cornstarch, white-wine vinegar, and dash of vanilla, and fold in gently. Mound onto parchment within circle, and shape into a disk, flattening top and smoothing sides. Place in oven, and immediately reduce heat to 300°F and bake until set about 1 hour 15 minutes. Turn off heat, and allow meringue to cool completely in oven.
- For the lemon curd: Meanwhile, make the lemon curd. Combine 6 egg yolks, 2/3 cup of the sugar, zest, 1/2 cup of the juice, and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt in a medium saucepan and whisk until evenly combined. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 8 minutes. When you draw your finger across the spoon, it should make a mark through the custard, which should not run back in on itself. Remove from heat, transfer to a bowl, and stir in 8 tablespoons of the butter, piece by piece. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold, at least 1 hour.
- For the raspberry puree: Place the 2 cups of raspberries and 1 tablespoon of the sugar in a small saucepan and cook over low heat until the sugar is dissolved and the raspberries just begin to break down. Transfer sauce to a food processor or blender, add the lemon juice, and process until smooth. Pass the puree through a fine-mesh sieve and discard seeds and set sauce aside.
- For the mascarpone whipped cream: When ready to serve, combine 8 ounces of mascarpone, 1/2 cup of cream, and remaining 1/3 cup of the sugar in a medium bowl. Using a clean whisk, beat just until well combined and fluffy and medium peaks (the whipped cream will cling to the whisk without falling off).
- To serve: To assemble, carefully peel off parchment and place meringue on a platter or cake stand. Gently crack the top with the back of a soup spoon to make a shallow nest for the whipped cream, curd, sauce, and berries. Place one of the meringue rounds on a cake stand then topping with half the whipped mascarpone, a few spoonfuls of the curd, and a few spoonfuls of the raspberry puree. Top with half the berry mixture then repeat to create a second layer. Serve immediately.
