Go Back
–+ servings

Pavlova

A proper pavlova is characterized by a crisp , crunchy exterior, and a spongy, marshmallowy interior. To achieve these ends, we employ a light French-style meringue and a relatively cool oven.
Although it's considered to be the national dessert of Australia, pavlova was actually concocted in New Zealand, Wellington, in fact, where the famed Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova toured in 1926. Historians say that a popular fruit-filled meringue cake, developed during colonial days when eggs were plentiful but flour was not, was rechristened in Pavlova's honor.
This recipe first appeared in Season 14 of Good Eats.
Photo by Lynne Calamia
ACTIVE TIME: 30 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 4 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Software

  • 4 ounces egg whites (about 4 large), at room temperature
  • Pinch kosher salt
  • 3/4 cup plus 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 cup whipped cream
  • 4 passion fruit, halved, fruit pulp scooped out

Specialized Hardware

  • Stand mixer with whisk attachment
  • 9-inch plate

Procedure

  • Heat the oven to 250°F. Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper. Use a 9-inch round plate and trace a circle in the middle of the parchment. Turn over the parchment.
  • Place the egg whites and pinch of salt in the bowl of a stand mixer and, using the whisk attachment on high, whisk until stiff peaks form, 4 to 5 minutes. Reduce the speed to medium and slowly add the sugar over 2 minutes. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Increase the speed to high and whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy and stiff peaks form, 6 to 7 minutes. Decrease the speed to low and add the vanilla, vinegar, and cornstarch. Mix just to combine.
  • Gently spoon the meringue onto the parchment and spread to fit the shape of the circle, forming a slight well in the center. Place the meringue into the oven and bake for 45 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat and leave in the oven for 3 hours, or until the meringue is crisp and dry on the outside. Open the oven door and cool completely before removing from the oven, approximately 30 minutes.
  • Just before serving, combine the whipped cream and the passion fruit pulp and spread in the center of the meringue. Serve immediately.