The Best Pavlova

This Australian dessert is a showstopper with sweetened whipped cream spread over a baked meringue crust and fresh, juicy berries spread over top.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 60 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins
• Calories: 186 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 pint fresh strawberries
• 1 cup white sugar, divided
• 3 large egg whites
• 1.25 cups heavy whipping cream
• 0.5 cup confectioners' sugar

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper; draw a 9-inch circle in the center of the paper.

Step 2

Whisk 1/4 cup sugar and cornstarch together in a small bowl.

Step 3

Beat egg whites in a glass, metal, or ceramic bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 3/4 cup sugar, continuing to beat until sugar is completely dissolved and stiff peaks form. Gently fold in cornstarch mixture and lemon juice.

Step 4

Spread a 1/4-inch-thick layer of meringue onto the prepared baking sheet to fill the circle. Pipe or spoon remaining meringue to form a taller edge around the circle to create a shallow bowl, making decorative swirls if desired.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Turn the oven off. Let meringue sit in the oven for 30 minutes; do not open the door. After 30 minutes, remove meringue from the oven; it should be hard on the outside and slightly moist on the inside.

Step 6

Beat cream and confectioners sugar in a mixing bowl with an electric mixer until thick. Spread onto meringue base and arrange strawberries over top.