Simple Mixed Berry Pavlova with Whipped Cream
A crisp and tender meringue topped with lightly sweetened whipped cream and fresh mixed berries for a fresh and airy dessert. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 75 minutes layers large egg whites, granulated sugar, cornstarch into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup cold heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 2 cups fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw a 7-inch circle on the back.
- Step 2: In a clean, dry bowl, beat 4 large egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Step 3: Gradually add 1 cup granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved, about 5-6 minutes.
- Step 4: Gently fold in 1 tsp cornstarch, 1 tsp white vinegar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until just combined.
- Step 5: Spoon the meringue onto the parchment paper inside the circle, shaping it with spatula to form a nest with a slight well in the center.
- Step 6: Bake for 60 minutes, then turn off the oven and leave the meringue inside for another hour to cool completely and dry out.
- Step 7: In a chilled bowl, whip 1 cup cold heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Step 8: Carefully transfer the meringue to a serving plate, fill the center with the whipped cream, and top generously with 2 cups fresh mixed berries.
- Step 9: Serve immediately for crisp texture or within a few hours to enjoy the contrasting textures.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simple Mixed Berry Pavlova with Whipped Cream take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Simple Mixed Berry Pavlova with Whipped Cream?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Simple Mixed Berry Pavlova with Whipped Cream?
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 Simple Mixed Berry Pavlova with Whipped Cream 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 Simple Mixed Berry Pavlova with Whipped Cream?
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.
