In our small mining town, we have a group of ladies who meet every Friday over coffee, drinks, tea and some cake, and cookies. It is a pretty eclectic group and had been my biggest support system in the US. For a short while we had an Australian in this group as well. I am sure I had tasted pavlova before, but it was the first time at her coffee that I truly started appreciating this meringue based dessert. She had made a traditional pavlova with strawberries and whipped cream and it was every bit lovely.
Ever since then I have wanted to try to make it at home, but somehow haven’t been able to. I have made something similar earlier (a msacarpone meringue layer cake) as well which was absolutely delicious, but that’s about how close I got to making a pavlova.
Even though an Australian/New Zealand dessert, it is named after the Russian ballet dancer Anna Pavlova, when it was made in her honor, probably during one of her visits to these countries.
For the most part Pavlova is an easy to make dish. Only tricky part is the low temperature long baking and of course the whipping of the egg whites.
Here are a few tricks and tips that I keep in mind whenever I whip egg whites:
- Whenever you whip egg whites remember fat and water are the enemies. So make sure all utensils, tools that come in contact with the egg whites are grease free. Wipe your beaters, bowls completely dry. It always helps to take a paper towel soaked in a little vinegar and wiping your bowls and utensils with it to be doubly sure that it is grease free.
- When you separate the eggs make sure no part of the yolk is in it. Separating cold eggs is easier than room temperature eggs. I always try to separate eggs the moment I take them from the refrigerator and then let them sit on the counter, covered, to come to room temperature. Always whip room temperature egg whites.
- When separating more than one egg I recommend to keep 3 containers/bowls in front of you. Break the egg, separate the white and the yolk in two different bowls. And then transfer the clean, yolk-free white in the third bowl. Repeat process. This helps in cases where you screw up with one egg, and land a part of the yolk in the egg white while separating, you do not spoil the other separated egg whites.
In the pictures above I used some leftover mocha whipped cream but I would suggest to pair this chocolate pavlova with a simple whipped cream filling. And add some raspberries for good measure. I also halved the original recipe that can be found here. I also decreased the sugar called for in the original recipe based on the reviews given for the recipe.
- 3 large egg whites
- ½ cup super fine sugar
- 1½ tbsp cocoa powder (sifted)
- ½ tsp balsamic vinegar
- 25 grams dark chocolate (finely chopped)
- 1 cup double cream
- 2 cups raspberries
- 1-2 tsp dark chocolate (coarsely grated)
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/350ºF and line a baking tray with baking parchment. Draw a 4.5 inch circle on the parchment paper. Turn it over.
- Beat the egg whites on medium high speed until satiny peaks form, and then beat in the sugar a spoonful at a time until the meringue is stiff and shiny.
- Sprinkle over the cocoa and vinegar, and then the chopped chocolate.
- Gently fold in the cocoa until everything is thoroughly mixed in.
- Transfer to the parchment lined baking sheet, making sure you keep within the drawn circle. Smooth the sides and top.
- Place in the oven. Turn down temperature to 150 C or 300 F. Cook meringue for about 60 - 75 mins. It should look crisp around the edges and on the sides and be dry on top. Center should look squidgy. Turn off the oven and let the meringue cool completely in the oven with the oven door slightly ajar.
- To serve, transfer baked disc to serving plate. Whisk cream to soft peaks, and pile it on top of the meringue. Top with raspeberries and coarsely grated chocolate.
Try out these other meringue based desserts:
Finding a group to connect with when living abroad is so important, so glad you found one you love. I have not seen a chocolate pavlova before and your’s looks divine. Just pinned. Take Care, BAM
Yes, BAM it is. I am sure you would know it as well as I do! Thanks for the pin 🙂
Beautiful images as always… love the tones and the font you have used. All four make this dessert look super tempting… would love to try some day !!
Actually there are a lot of recipes on your blog that I would love to try!!
Thanks Anubhav 🙂 Do let me know if you try it! Would love your feedback 🙂
Now you’re just showing off, that looks unbelievably exceptional. Wowza.
frugalfeeding recently posted..Spiced Blueberry Jam
your photography is beautiful & what a great recipe. thanks for the inspiration.
Thalia @ butter and brioche recently posted..Chocolate and Banana French Toast with Salted Caramel
First time on your blog and I am head over heels in love your styling and photography. The pavlova looks sensational! 🙂
Popping over from food photography Facebook group. I love your moody shots of this pavlova – it looks stunning. I love pavlovas – though I haven’t yet made a chocolate one. Glad to have discovered your blog – off to check out more of it!
Lucy @SupergoldenBakes recently posted..Strawberries and cream naked cake
I was just watching Nigella whipping this very pavlova on Cooking Channel a week or two back and here you are presenting it in the most perfect way. So pretty!
Tanvi@SinfullySpicy recently posted..Fish in a Light Mustard Sauce
Pingback: Very Berry Pavlova | Andrews' Family Cookery & Household Management