Pavlova with Raspberries, Lychees, and Elderflower Cream

This Pavlova is a delightful dessert featuring a crisp meringue shell topped with fresh raspberries, lychees, and a light elderflower cream. It’s a perfect choice for special occasions or summer gatherings.

The recipe is simple to follow, allowing you to create an impressive dessert that balances sweetness and floral notes beautifully.

Understanding Pavlova: A Classic Dessert

Pavlova is a dessert that has captured the hearts of many with its delicate structure and delightful flavors. Originating from Australia and New Zealand, this dessert features a crisp meringue shell that is soft and marshmallow-like on the inside.

The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the fluffy interior creates a unique texture that is both satisfying and light. Topped with fresh fruits, such as raspberries and lychees, and drizzled with elderflower cream, Pavlova offers a refreshing taste that is perfect for warm weather gatherings or special celebrations.

Ingredients That Shine

The beauty of Pavlova lies not just in its presentation but also in the quality of its ingredients.

Fresh raspberries provide a burst of tartness, while lychees add a sweet, floral note that complements the elderflower cream beautifully. The meringue base is made from simple ingredients like egg whites and sugar, which transform into a light and airy structure when whipped to perfection.

Using high-quality elderflower cordial elevates the cream, giving it a subtle floral essence that harmonizes with the fruits. Mint leaves can be added for garnish, offering a pop of color and a refreshing aroma.

Creating the Perfect Meringue

Making the meringue is a crucial step in crafting a successful Pavlova.

Start by ensuring that your mixing bowl is clean and free from any grease, as this can affect the egg whites’ ability to whip properly. Whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add sugar while continuing to whisk until the mixture becomes glossy and stiff.

Incorporating vinegar and cornstarch helps stabilize the meringue, ensuring it holds its shape during baking. Shaping the meringue into a circle with a slight well in the center allows for a perfect base to hold the toppings.

Baking to Perfection

Baking the meringue requires patience and attention to detail.

Set your oven to a low temperature and bake the meringue slowly to achieve that desired crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft. Once baked, allow the meringue to cool inside the oven with the door ajar, which helps prevent cracking.

This gentle cooling process is essential for maintaining the meringue’s structure and texture, resulting in a beautiful Pavlova that is ready for assembly.

Assembling Your Pavlova

Once the meringue has cooled, it’s time to bring the dessert together.

Spread the elderflower cream generously over the meringue, allowing it to fill the well and create a luscious layer.

Carefully arrange the fresh raspberries and halved lychees on top, creating a visually stunning display. The vibrant colors of the fruits against the white meringue make for an eye-catching dessert that is sure to impress.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation

Presentation plays a significant role in the enjoyment of Pavlova.

Serve the dessert on a decorative plate, and consider scattering fresh mint leaves around the edges for a touch of green. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a refreshing aroma that complements the flavors.

For the best experience, slice the Pavlova just before serving to maintain the crispness of the meringue. Each slice should reveal the beautiful layers of cream and fruit, inviting everyone to indulge in this delightful treat.

Light and Fruity Pavlova Recipe

The Pavlova consists of a crunchy meringue base that is soft and marshmallow-like on the inside. Topped with whipped cream infused with elderflower and garnished with fresh raspberries and lychees, this dessert serves about 8 people and is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 4 large egg whites
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons elderflower cordial
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 1 cup canned lychees, drained and halved
• Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw a 9-inch circle on it.
2. Make the Meringue: In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to whisk until the mixture is glossy and stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the vinegar and cornstarch.
3. Shape the Meringue: Spoon the meringue onto the prepared parchment, using the circle as a guide. Create a slight well in the center for the toppings.
4. Bake: Bake the meringue for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and let it cool completely inside with the door ajar.
5. Prepare the Cream: Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold in the elderflower cordial.
6. Assemble the Pavlova: Once the meringue is cool, transfer it to a serving plate. Spread the elderflower cream over the top, then arrange the raspberries and lychees on top.
7. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with mint leaves. Slice and serve immediately.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 8 slices
• Calories: 250kcal
• Fat: 15g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 30g