Mary Berry Pavlova Recipe: A Perfect Dessert Delight

The pavlova, a meringue-based dessert, is a showstopper at any gathering. Its crisp exterior gives way to a soft, marshmallowy interior, making it the perfect canvas for whipped cream and fresh fruit. This recipe, inspired by the culinary queen Mary Berry herself, ensures a pavlova that's both beautiful and delicious. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this classic dessert!

Key Ingredients for a Mary Berry-Worthy Pavlova

Before we dive into the recipe, let's gather the essential ingredients. Using high-quality ingredients is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

• Egg whites: Room temperature egg whites whip up to a much larger volume, resulting in a lighter meringue. Ensure your bowl and whisks are completely clean and free of any grease.
• Caster sugar: This fine granulated sugar dissolves easily, contributing to a smooth, glossy meringue.
• Cornflour (cornstarch): This adds a touch of crispness to the meringue shell.
• White wine vinegar: A small amount of vinegar helps stabilize the egg whites, preventing collapse.
• Vanilla extract: A dash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Mary Berry Pavlova Recipe

This recipe is designed for a single, large pavlova, but it can easily be halved or doubled depending on your needs.

1. Preparing the Meringue:

1. Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F/Gas Mark 2). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Draw a 20cm (8-inch) circle on the paper as a guide.
2. Whip the egg whites: In a spotlessly clean, grease-free bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This is crucial for the meringue's structure.
3. Gradually add the sugar: Slowly add the caster sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating continuously until the meringue is thick, glossy, and holds stiff peaks.
4. Fold in the cornflour and vinegar: Gently fold in the cornflour and white wine vinegar. Be careful not to deflate the meringue.
5. Add vanilla extract: Stir in the vanilla extract.

2. Baking the Pavlova:

1. Shape the meringue: Spoon the meringue onto the circle drawn on your parchment paper, creating a nest-like shape with slightly higher edges.
2. Bake: Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, then turn the oven off and leave the pavlova inside with the door slightly ajar to cool completely. This slow cooling process helps prevent cracking.

3. Assembling the Pavlova:

Once completely cool, carefully remove the pavlova from the oven. The pavlova should be crisp on the outside and slightly soft on the inside.

1. Add the topping: Pipe or spoon your favorite whipped cream onto the pavlova.
2. Garnish with fruit: Arrange fresh fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, kiwi, or passionfruit on top of the whipped cream. A scattering of fresh berries adds a pop of color and flavor.

Tips for Pavlova Perfection:

• Room temperature eggs: This is vital for achieving maximum volume when whipping the egg whites.
• Clean equipment: Any trace of grease will prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.
• Gentle folding: Avoid overmixing the meringue, as this can deflate it.
• Slow cooling: This helps prevent cracking and ensures a soft interior.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

This Mary Berry-inspired pavlova is delicious on its own. However, you can also get creative with different toppings:

• Chocolate shavings: Add a touch of decadence with dark or milk chocolate shavings.
• Passionfruit curd: A tangy passionfruit curd complements the sweetness of the meringue perfectly.
• Pomegranate seeds: These add a beautiful jewel-toned pop of color and a slightly tart flavor.

This recipe provides a foundation for creating a stunning and delicious pavlova. With a little practice, you'll be mastering this classic dessert in no time! Don't be afraid to experiment with different fruits and toppings to find your perfect combination. Enjoy!