Baked Pavlova with Whipped Cream and Fresh Berries

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A delicate meringue dessert with a crisp crust and marshmallow-soft center, topped with lightly sweetened whipped cream and vibrant fresh berries. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 90 minutes pairs large egg whites, caster sugar, cornstarch for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 75 min Serves 6 Australian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 275°F. In a clean, dry bowl, whisk 4 large egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.
  2. Step 2: Gradually add 1 cup caster sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, whisking on high speed until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy.
  3. Step 3: Gently fold in 1 tsp cornstarch, 1 tsp white vinegar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract with a spatula until just combined.
  4. Step 4: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spoon the meringue mixture into a 7-inch circle, smoothing the edges and slightly raising the sides to form a shallow bowl.
  5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes until the outside is crisp and dry. Turn off the oven and leave the meringue inside to cool completely, about 1 hour.
  6. Step 6: Meanwhile, whip 1 cup chilled heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
  7. Step 7: Once cooled, transfer the pavlova to a serving plate, top with the whipped cream, and scatter 1 1/2 cups mixed fresh berries over the top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Pavlova with Whipped Cream and Fresh Berries take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (15 min prep + 75 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Pavlova with Whipped Cream and Fresh Berries?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large egg whites from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Pavlova with Whipped Cream and Fresh Berries?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Pavlova with Whipped Cream and Fresh Berries for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Pavlova with Whipped Cream and Fresh Berries?

Australian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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