Summer Fruit Pavlova Parfaits
This delightful Summer Fruit Pavlova Parfait is a whimsical twist on the traditional pavlova, perfect for warm weather gatherings. Layered with airy meringue, luscious whipped cream, and a medley of fresh fruits, this dessert offers a refreshing blend of textures and flavors that will impress your guests. Enjoy the lightness of the meringue combined with the sweetness of seasonal fruits like strawberries, kiwi, and mango in individual glasses, making it not only gorgeous but also easy to serve. Perfect for summer picnics or casual dinner parties, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Egg whites
5 (Room temperature)
Powdered sugar
1/2 cup (Sifted)
Vinegar
1 teaspoon (White or apple cider vinegar preferred)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Regular table salt)
Whipped cream
2 cups (Whipped to soft peaks)
Assorted fresh fruits
2 cups (Chopped (e.g., strawberries, bananas, mangoes, kiwi))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat 5 egg whites on medium speed until foamy.
3
Gradually add in 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4
Add 1 teaspoon of vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and continue to whisk until the mixture forms stiff peaks and is glossy.
5
Spoon the meringue mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping it into a round disc about 9 inches in diameter. Use a spatula to create peaks and swirls on the surface.
6
Reduce the oven temperature to 140°C (280°F) and bake the meringue for 90 minutes, or until it is dry on the outside and slightly chewy on the inside.
7
Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the meringue inside to cool completely. This prevents cracking.
8
Once cool, gently break the meringue into bite-sized pieces.
9
In serving glasses, layer pieces of meringue with a dollop of whipped cream and an assortment of chopped fresh fruits, like strawberries, bananas, and mangoes.
10
Repeat the layers until the glasses are filled, finishing with a layer of fruit on top. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Summer Fruit Pavlova Parfaits?
This dessert is a whimsical twist on the traditional pavlova, layered with airy meringue, luscious whipped cream, and fresh seasonal fruits.
What kind of fruit is best for these parfaits?
A medley of fresh fruits like strawberries, kiwi, mango, and bananas works beautifully.
How many egg whites are needed for the meringue?
The recipe calls for 5 egg whites at room temperature.
What type of sugar should I use?
You should use 1/2 cup of sifted powdered sugar for the meringue.
What is the purpose of vinegar in the meringue?
Vinegar helps stabilize the egg whites and creates a chewy, marshmallow-like texture inside.
What oven temperature is used for baking?
Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F), then reduce it to 140°C (280°F) when you start baking.
How long does the meringue take to bake?
The meringue should bake for 90 minutes until dry on the outside.
Why should I leave the meringue in the oven after turning it off?
Leaving it in the oven to cool completely helps prevent the meringue from cracking.
How do I assemble the parfaits?
Gently break the cooled meringue into bite-sized pieces and layer them with whipped cream and fruit in glasses.
Can I make the meringue in advance?
Yes, you can bake the meringue ahead of time and store it in an airtight container until you are ready to assemble.
Is this dessert suitable for summer parties?
Absolutely, it is refreshing, light, and easy to serve in individual glasses for picnics or dinner parties.
Should the whipped cream be sweetened?
The recipe uses 2 cups of whipped cream; you can whip it to soft peaks without extra sugar since the meringue is sweet.
What size should the meringue disc be?
The mixture should be shaped into a round disc about 9 inches in diameter before baking.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
White vinegar or apple cider vinegar are preferred for this recipe.
How do I know the egg whites are ready for sugar?
Beat the egg whites on medium speed until they are foamy before gradually adding the sugar.
How do I achieve stiff peaks?
Whisk the mixture until it is glossy and stands upright when the beaters are lifted.
Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?
Fresh fruit is highly recommended to maintain the texture and prevent the meringue from becoming soggy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed—eggs, sugar, vinegar, salt, cream, and fruit—are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use a hand mixer?
Yes, an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer works perfectly for beating the egg whites.
How many servings does this make?
While the exact serving count depends on glass size, the 9-inch meringue disc usually serves 6 to 8 people.
Can I add salt to the meringue?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is added to help balance the sweetness of the sugar.
What should I do if my meringue cracks?
Since you are breaking the meringue into pieces for parfaits, cracking does not matter for this recipe.
Should I serve this immediately?
For the best texture, serve immediately after assembly or chill briefly until ready.
How do I create swirls on the meringue?
Use a spatula to lift and swirl the surface of the meringue mixture before putting it in the oven.
Can I substitute the powdered sugar?
Powdered sugar is recommended for a smooth texture, but superfine caster sugar can also be used.
How do I prevent the meringue from sticking to the pan?
Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
What speed should I beat the egg whites?
Start on medium speed for foaminess, then increase to high as you add sugar to reach stiff peaks.
Can I add vanilla extract?
Yes, a splash of vanilla can be added to the meringue or the whipped cream for extra flavor.
What fruits are best for the top layer?
Finish with a colorful mix like strawberries and kiwi for a gorgeous presentation.
Is this dessert heavy?
No, it is a very light and airy dessert, making it perfect for warm weather gatherings.