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    Home / Desserts / Pastries & desserts

    Best Berry Pavlova recipe with mascarpone whipped cream

    Dec 21, 2022 by Fadela This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe

    How to make a the best berry pavlova recipe with a delicious mascarpone whipped cream. This pavlova is very easy to make and has no cracks, no cream of tartar, crisp on the outside and a chewy marshmallow-like center.

    This berry pavlova dessert is great with delicious sweetened whipped cream, fresh summer berries, and a fruit sauce.

    How to make perfect pavlova this recipe

    If you want to change from the classic desserts and other pastries. Then try the berry pavlova, a very original and fresh New Zealand dessert.

    A delicious meringue shell topped with a light and fluffy whipped cream and lots of fresh fruit. This is a perfect recipe for any summer dessert to share with the family.

    What is pavlova ?

    Pavlova is a traditional dessert very popular in New Zealand and Australia. It was designed as a memorial to the famous Romanian ballerina Anna Pavlova, hence the lovely name of this dessert "Pavovla". This recipe is like the ballerina's image, graceful and full of lightness.

    Pavlova is a meringue disk made of egg whites and powdered sugar whipped together and baked for a long time at very low temperature. This results in a crispy cake with a soft marshmallow center that distinguishes it from other meringue recipes like the classic meringue recipe.

    This fabulous dessert is light, delicious and full of freshness. It is often served with sweetened whipped cream, fresh seasonal fruits such as fresh berries or passion fruit, a fruit coulis and icing sugar.

    Easy pavlova berries recipe

    Best pavlova meringue recipe

    The pavlova meringue is different from a classic meringue. Although the ingredients are the same, the latter after cooking gives a crispy texture, while in this meringue, cornstarch is added which gives it that marshmallow heart. 

    But ingredients are not everything! You also have to follow the recipe correctly, which consists of whipping the egg whites well and slowly add the sugar at the right time and gradually to obtain a perfect meringue. And thus avoid having worries of hollow meringue, or cracked.

    As you can see, to obtain the perfect texture crisp on the outside with a marshmallow like soft center. You will have to follow the preparation instructions and as a bonus I share with you my 5 tips to make it successful below.

    Crispy pavlova recipe with marshmallow heart

    Secrets tips to make the perfect pavlova recipe

    1. Clean your utensils: Meringue does not like fat! Clean the bowl of your stand mixer and the whisk attachment well with hot, soapy water. You can also wipe a cloth soaked in vinegar or lemon juice to destroy all traces of grease.
    2. Fresh eggs : Egg whites that have been aged for several days rise faster when whipped but also fall back quickly, whereas fresh egg whites retain more of the air incorporated during the mixing process and give a more voluminous meringue. That's why it's best to use fresh eggs whites at room temperature in this recipe.
    3. Whip gradually : Don't rush at this stage, whip the egg whites gradually without exceeding the medium speed. They should have a foamy texture and form soft peaks before incorporating the sugar.
    4. Slow cooking : A long and gentle cooking is the key to the success of crispy meringues, they must dry without burning the sugar, so that the meringues remain white.
    5. Let dry overnight : This recipe requires a lot of preparation time and can be capricious. In fact, although I've given you a lot of advice, it can still crack on humid days when it rains, a bit like macarons. The best way to get a solid shell is to let it dry as much as possible, ideally 1 night in the oven. Make your berry pavlova ahead of time and at the end of baking turn off the oven and leave your meringue to cool in the oven overnight.
    Berries pavlova recipe

    Ingredients for berry pavlova recipe

    Pavlova is a fairly technical dessert, even though the preparation seems quite simple. The making of the meringue shell can be a bit intimidating, especially if you have never experienced meringues before. You just have to follow precisely the instructions for the preparation of the meringue, to have a nice disk without cracks with a thick and soft interior.

    Meringue

    • Egg whites at room temperature, basic ingredients, the egg whites will give its voluminous shell. Use fresh large egg whites, not several days old, separated from the yolks when they are cold, but brought to room temperature to make the French meringue.
    • Sugar : Use only white superfine granulated sugar to make the meringue shell. If you don't have fine sugar you can blend it for a few moments in a food processor to refine the size of the sugar grains.
    • White vinegar : The acidity of white vinegar helps stabilize the egg whites to make a firm meringue. You can replace the white vinegar with cream of tartar or fresh lemon juice.
    • Cornstarch : The combination of white vinegar and cornstarch helps create the marshmallow-like soft center that sets apart from other meringues.
    • Vanilla extract : The meringue base being only composed of whites and sugar, adding a little liquid or powdered pure vanilla extract will bring a little extra flavor to this dessert.

    Whipped cream

    • Heavy cream: Use full fat heavy whipping cream, not low-fat cream, with at least 30% fat content and cold.
    • Mascarpone : Use cold mascarpone.
    • Sugar: Use confectionner's sugar rather than granulated sugar to make the sweetened whipped cream.
    • Vanilla extract : Pure vanilla extract or the seeds of a vanilla bean.

    Find the quantities and complete instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.

    Perfect pavlova recipe

    Hot to make berry pavlova meringue

    1 - Beat the egg whites

    1. Place the egg whites at room temperature and pure vanilla extract in the mixing bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or in a large bowl with electric mixer.
    2. Beat the egg white on low speed until the whites begin to form bubbles for about 5 minutes.
    3. Then increase to medium speed until soft peaks form for an additional 5 minutes.

    Tip: Be careful to start at slow speed and as soon as your egg whites are frothy increase the speed until you have soft peaks.

    Stir in the sugar

    1. Slowly add the sugar gradually while letting the stand mixer run on low speed, one tablespoon at a time, making sure the sugar is well incorporated for another 10 minutes.
    2. Then increase speed to medium and mix for another 10 minutes until you have a glossy meringue.
    3. Check that the sugar is completely dissolved by touching the meringue between your fingers. You should no longer feel the grains of sugar if this is the case mix again for about 5 to 10 minutes more.
    4. Add the cornstarch, white vinegar or lemon juice to the meringue and beat on high speed for 1 - 2 minutes until stiff peaks form.

    Tip: You know the meringue is ready when it has the famous stiff peaks and holds its shape. The sugar must also be completely dissolved before baking.

    How to shaping the large pavlova

    • Using a pencil, draw a large circle (8 inches / 20 cm in diameter) on a sheet of parchment paper using a large plate.
    • Turn the paper with the markings on a baking sheet.
    • Pile the meringue in the center of the marker on the baking sheet with the parchment paper.
    • Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, shape the meringue into a pretty meringue shell with a good thickness to keep the soft inside.

    Tip: At this point, if you have trouble shaping the meringue and it doesn't hold its shape, it hasn't been whipped enough. You can then put it back in the mixer and whip it again for at least 5 minutes to firm it up.

    Perfect pavlova meringue

    How to bake the pavlova

    1. Preheat the oven to 248°F/120°C fan oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper containing the pavlova.
    2. Lower the oven temperature to 230°F/110°C and bake the meringue for 1 hour to 1h30 without opening the oven door.
    3. Turn off the oven and allow the meringue to cool completely inside with the door closed for at least 1 hour and ideally overnight to dry and crisp.
    How to shape a pavlova

    How to serve the berry pavlova

    Serve your berry pavlova with a light, sweetened whipped cream and some fresh berries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries,or strawberries and even kiwis.

    Add a fruit coulis or use the extra egg yolks to make a lemon curd. Sprinkle a bit of icing sugar on top and you have a great summer dessert.

    But for a change, here are some toppings to go with your pavlova:

    • Homemade whipped cream
    • Chocolate ganache
    • Chocolate mascarpone whipped cream
    • Chocolate sauce
    • Crushed hazelnuts or almonds

    Tip: Fill and serve your dessert at the last minute to prevent the moisture in the filling from softening the meringue.

    Berries pavlova recipe

    FAQS - Frequently asked question about

    Why does the meringue fall apart - it's not firm enough?

    If the meringue is not firm enough, it is because it has not been whipped enough to keep its nice shape when you shape it.
    After the sugar has been fully added, you should whisk at medium to high speed until the meringue is shiny and clings to the whisk to form a large, very firm mass with stiff peaks.

    How to store the meringue?

    Meringue can be stored for a long time at room temperature in a chill place and away from humidity.

    Why does my pavlova crack or split?

    Pavlova can crack during baking for several reasons, but it is mainly due to the whipping stage. Don't make the mistake of whipping all the ingredients at high speed to make the meringue rise faster. It will be firm but will fall apart during baking or even crack.
    Follow the instructions carefully by first whisking at slow speed and then gradually increasing the speed without going over medium and ending on high.
     

    Perfect crispy and soft pavlova

    More recipe

    • Mini pavlova with whipped cream and strawberry
    • Chocolate raspberry meringue cookies
    • Chocolate ganache recipe
    Marshmallow pavlova heart

    Did you like this recipe? Don't forget to rate it and leave me a review in comments! And to not miss any recipes follow @sweetlycakes on Instagram and tag me to share it if you make this recipe 😊!

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    How to make perfect pavlova

    Berry Pavlova recipe


    5 from 3 reviews

    • Author: Fadela
    • Total Time: 2 hours
    • Yield: 10 parts
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    Berry pavlova recipe with mascarpone whipped cream (for a 8 inch / 20 cm diameter ) 


    Ingredients

    Meringue base :

    • 200 g egg whites - at room temperature (about 7)
    • 320 g (1 ⅓ cup) Sugar - extra-fine powdered
    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
    • 1 tablespoon Vinegar or cream of tartar or fresh lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

    Mascarpone whipped cream :

    • 100 g (4 oz) Mascarpone -  cold
    • 200 g (⅔ cup) heavy cream - full fat and cold
    • 2 tablespoons confectioner's sugar
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 

    Fruits

    • Fresh berries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries

    Instructions

    Pavlova meringue :

    1. Prepare a sheet of parchment paper and using a large plate draw 1 large circle of 8 inches / 20 cm. 
    2. Place the egg whites and vanilla extra in the bowl of your stand mixer with the whisk attachment and whip on low speed for 5 minutes until the whites form bubbles.
    3. Then switch to medium speed and pulse again for about 5 minutes until the whites form soft peaks.
    4. Then switch to low speed and gradually add the powdered sugar a spoonful at a time until it is well dissolved in the egg whites. (for about 10 minutes)
    5. Once you have incorporated all the sugar, switch to medium speed and mix for another 10 minutes.
    6. Check to see if the sugar is dissolved by touching the meringue between your fingers, if you still feel grains of sugar, continue mixing for another 5-10 minutes.
    7. Add the cornstarch, and white vinegar and mix on high speed for 1 - 2 minutes. The meringue should be firm with stiff peaks and shiny.
    8. Place all the meringue on the baking sheet covered with the parchment paper and shape the pavlova.
    9. Preheat your oven to 248°F / 120°C and place the pavlova halfway in the oven.
    10. Lower the temperature to 230°F/110°C and bake for about 90 minutes without opening the oven door.
    11. At the end of the cooking time, turn off the oven and leave the pavlova in the oven for at least 1 hour or even overnight.

    Mascarpone whipped cream :

    1. Place the heavy cream, confectioner's sugar, mascarpone, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl and beat with a hand mixer for about 5 minutes at a slow speed, then gradually increase the speed until you have a stiff cream.
    2. Place the pavlova carefully on a large plate or serving dish.
    3. Top with a generous layer of mascarpone whipped cream.
    4. Decorate with fresh berries or fruits.
    5. Serve at the last minute with a fruit coulis and sprinkle with confectioner's sugar.

    Equipment

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    Stand mixer

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    Hand mixer

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    Notes

    Storage: Pavlova shells can be stored at room temperature under a tea towel or in a storage box away from humidity for several days.

    • Prep Time: 30 minutes
    • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
    • Category: cake, Dessert
    • Cuisine: australian

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 slice
    • Calories: 154
    • Sugar: 6
    • Sodium: 48
    • Fat: 12
    • Saturated Fat: 7
    • Carbohydrates: 40
    • Protein: 3
    • Cholesterol: 37

    Keywords: berry pavlova, pavlova recipe, pavlova, pavlova mascarpone, easy pavlova recipe, best pavlova recipe,

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    Comments

    1. Julie

      December 19, 2019 at 7:37 pm

      Hi, once the pavlova are set up with mascarpone whipped cream and fruit, how long can they be kept in the fridge? Thanks J.






      Reply
      • Fadela

        January 03, 2021 at 8:48 am

        Hello, they should be eaten immediately, the meringue will absorb the liquid from the fruit and the coulis and will soften. The best is to keep the meringues at room temperature and garnish them just before serving the dessert.

        Reply
    2. Freda

      December 26, 2021 at 11:44 am

      Hello,
      Thank you for your recipe! I love your blog, everything is well explained!
      I made the pavlova, but when I tried to move it to a dish... it started to break...
      Is this because I used room temperature egg whites (where you mark fresh eggs (fridge)) is that right?
      Thank you for your answer and wish you a happy holiday season.






      Reply
      • Fadela

        December 31, 2021 at 9:53 am

        Hello and thank you for your feedback ❤️. Pavlova is a very fragile dessert and you have to handle it carefully even if you let it dry overnight in the oven. Regarding the egg whites, fresh and not cold, it is simply eggs that are not several days old.

        Reply

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