DIY pavlova station
Back when I was a fussy eater, I loved meringue. They were my bakery treat of choice whenever we were given a treat and the coloured ones with sprinkles or dipped in chocolate were always my favourites. Add cream and fruit to it though and I would turn my nose in disgust.
Fast forward a few years and I can’t get enough of cream and berries. Simply combining them with a sweet crunchy meringue makes one very easy, casual and seriously tasty dessert.
DIY pavlova station
Since discovering my love of cream with meringue I’ve made a few versions of the humble pavlova and it’s turned into one of my favourite summer desserts. Most recently, I created a little make-your-own-pavlova bar for Father’s Day.
It makes deciding how to top the pavlova easy – the guests do all the work. Plus everyone gets to have theirs just the way they like it.
Fruit selection
That night, the cream had all been eaten but I still had some berries and meringue left. I added a bit of yoghurt instead of cream and it made a delicious dessert that I like to think is healthier than the cream version.
Chocolate or lollies could work as toppings for an even sweeter treat too and if you’re short on time, you can buy pre-made meringue nests at the supermarket then all you have to do is whip the cream and cut up the fruit. It’s the perfect summer dessert to feed a crowd.
What about you? What’s your favourite pavlova topping?
DIY pavlova station
- 4 egg whites
- 1 cup caster sugar
- selection of fruit and berries
- 1 cup thickened cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp icing sugar
- Pre-heat the oven to 130C fan-forced and line two baking trays with paper.
- Beat the egg whites in the bowl of an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Add the caster sugar a little at a time and beat until the meringue is thick and glossy.
- Place big blobs of meringue onto the baking sheets and smooth out the tops. Make sure they’re all roughly the same size.
- Bake the meringues for 35 minutes and then open the oven a little, turn it off and leave them to cool completely in the oven.
- Whip the cream until it is thick then add the icing sugar and vanilla and keep whipping until it just almost holds its shape.
- Set up your pavlova bar and instruct guests to start with a meringue, top it with cream then cover it in fresh fruit.
If you liked this post, why not subscribe and receive updates straight to your inbox?
The post Make-your-own pavlova desert bar appeared first on Claire K Creations.