Mini Pavlovas with Strawberries (Print Version)

Crisp meringue nests with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, perfect for festive gatherings.

# What You Need:

→ Meringue

01 - 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
02 - 1 cup superfine sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon cornstarch
04 - 1 teaspoon white vinegar
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Topping

06 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
07 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Strawberries

09 - 1.5 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
10 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
11 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 250°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.
03 - Add superfine sugar 1 tablespoon at a time, beating continuously until stiff, glossy peaks form and sugar is completely dissolved.
04 - Gently fold cornstarch, vinegar, and vanilla extract into the meringue until just combined.
05 - Spoon or pipe meringue into 6 small nests on the prepared baking sheet, creating a shallow indentation in the center of each nest.
06 - Bake for 1 hour. Turn off oven and allow meringues to cool completely inside with the door slightly ajar for 30 minutes.
07 - While meringues cool, toss sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice. Let sit for 15 minutes to release juices.
08 - Whip cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
09 - Place each cooled meringue on a serving plate. Fill the center with whipped cream and top with macerated strawberries.
10 - Serve immediately for optimal texture and freshness.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly for diverse dietary needs
  • Make-ahead meringues simplify entertaining
  • Stunning presentation with minimal effort
  • Perfect balance of textures: crisp, creamy, and fresh
  • Customizable with your favorite seasonal berries
02 -
  • Use superfine sugar for faster dissolving and a glossier meringue
  • Test your meringue peaks by turning the bowl upside down—they should stay put
  • Don't open the oven door while baking to prevent temperature fluctuations
  • Store unfilled meringues in an airtight container for up to a week
  • Assemble just before serving to keep the meringue crisp and prevent sogginess
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