Blackberry Pavlovas Recipe

Blackberry Pavlovas are a delightful dessert featuring crisp meringue nests topped with lightly sweetened whipped cream and fresh blackberries. This elegant yet simple treat offers a perfect balance of textures—crunchy, creamy, and juicy. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a casual gathering, these mini pavlovas are sure to impress!

What Are Blackberry Pavlovas?

Pavlovas are meringue-based desserts that originated in Australia and New Zealand, named after the famous ballerina Anna Pavlova. They have a crisp outer shell with a soft, marshmallow-like center. This version is topped with fresh blackberries and a drizzle of blackberry jam for an extra burst of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light and airy – The crisp meringue melts in your mouth.
• Perfectly balanced flavors – Sweet, tart, and creamy in every bite.
• Elegant yet easy – Looks fancy but requires just a few ingredients.
• Make-ahead friendly – Prepare the meringue in advance for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients

For the Meringue:

• 3 egg whites
• ¾ cup (150g) sugar
• ½ tsp cream of tartar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh blackberries
• 1 tbsp blackberry jam (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Meringue

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy.
3. Add the cream of tartar, then gradually beat in the sugar until stiff, glossy peaks form. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Spoon or pipe the meringue into small nests on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and allow the meringues to cool inside with the door slightly ajar.

Making the Whipped Cream

1. In a bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Assembling the Pavlovas

1. Spoon a dollop of whipped cream onto each meringue nest.
2. Top with fresh blackberries and drizzle with blackberry jam if using.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for an elegant dessert.
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a touch of color.
• Serve with extra berry sauce for added sweetness.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store leftover meringues in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Assemble just before serving to keep the meringue crisp.

Freezing Instructions

• Unassembled meringues can be frozen for up to 1 month. Store in a sealed container and thaw at room temperature before using.

Recipe Variations

• Berry mix – Use a combination of raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries.
• Chocolate twist – Drizzle with melted dark chocolate for added richness.
• Lemon zest – Add a hint of lemon zest to the whipped cream for extra freshness.

FAQs

Can I make the meringue ahead of time?
Yes! Bake and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble.

Why did my meringue turn soft?
Humidity can affect meringues. Keep them in a dry place and avoid refrigerating them before serving.

Can I use frozen blackberries?
Fresh blackberries are best, but you can use thawed frozen blackberries—just drain excess moisture before adding them.

Blackberry Pavlovas are a stunning yet simple dessert that combines crisp meringue, silky whipped cream, and juicy berries. Whether you’re making them for a dinner party or a sweet treat at home, they’re sure to be a hit. Try this recipe and let us know how it turns out!

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