Strawberry-Rose Water Pavlova with Whipped Cream
A delicate pavlova with a crisp meringue shell and marshmallow interior, topped with fresh strawberries and subtly scented rose water whipped cream. This french-inspired mother’s day (vegetarian) ready in about 95 minutes pairs large egg whites, granulated 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.
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp rose water
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 2 cups, sliced fresh strawberries
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 275°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, beat 4 large egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Step 2: Gradually add 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, beating on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Gently fold in 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tsp white vinegar.
- Step 3: Spoon the meringue onto the parchment paper in a 9-inch circle, shaping the edges slightly higher than the center to form a nest. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes until crisp on the outside.
- Step 4: Turn off the oven and let the pavlova cool inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Step 5: Whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar and 1/2 tsp rose water until soft peaks form.
- Step 6: Just before serving, top the pavlova with the rose water whipped cream and scatter 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries over the top.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Strawberry-Rose Water Pavlova with Whipped Cream take to make?
Total time is about 95 minutes (20 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 Strawberry-Rose Water Pavlova with Whipped Cream?
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 Strawberry-Rose Water 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 Strawberry-Rose Water 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.
Is Strawberry-Rose Water Pavlova with Whipped Cream vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
As a Japanese chef, I was skeptical of the rose water, but it complemented the strawberries beautifully. The texture was perfect. 5 stars!
- ★★★★★
This pavlova was a hit at my family gathering! The strawberry and rose water combination was divine. Will make again for every special occasion.
- ★★★★★
The rose water was the perfect touch, and the pavlova was light as a cloud. My mother loved it for Mother's Day!