Golden Pavlova with Seasonal Berries

This recipe is probably what sunshine and clouds taste like in your sweetest dreams. Discover the secrets to making the perfect light meringue and pair it with luscious strawberries for a dessert you don’t simply eat; this is an experience.

Prep Time
45 minutes
6 hours (preferably overnight) cooling time
Bake Time
1 hour 30 minutes
Image
Pavlova topped with raspberries and strawberries and flowers on a white cake stand, shown with a vase of flowers and a bowl of berries

Redpath® Golden Yellow Sugar & Redpath® Icing Sugar

Redpath® Golden Yellow Sugar

Redpath® Golden Yellow Sugar

Light-coloured and just right for baking, the subtle notes of caramel and moist texture make it ideal for allowing delicate flavours to shine through in your creations.

Redpath® Golden Yellow Sugar

Redpath® Icing Sugar

Redpath® Icing Sugar

Use it to make the smoothest frostings, icings, and glazes you’ve ever seen for the finishing touch on your cakes, cupcakes, and more.

Parchment paper 

Pencil OR marker

Baking sheet

Scale OR dry measuring cups

Measuring spoons

Liquid measuring cup

Food processor with metal blade attachment OR blender

Stand mixer with whisk attachment OR large bowl with handheld mixer

Rubber spatula

Large offset spatula

Small offset spatula OR tablespoon OR butterknife 

Serving plate OR cake stand

Large chef’s knife

Servings
8 to 12 servings
For the golden pavlova:
  • ½ cup + 2 tbsp (136 g) Redpath® Golden Yellow Sugar, packed
  • ⅔ cup (133 g) Redpath® Special Fine Granulated Sugar
  • 1 tbsp (8 g) cornstarch
  • 5 egg whites
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) white vinegar (see Chef’s Tips)
For the topping:
  • 2 cups (332 g) sliced strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries
  • 2 tbsp (28 g) Redpath® Golden Yellow Sugar, packed
  • 1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp (16 g) Redpath® Icing Sugar
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) pure vanilla extract (see Chef’s Tips)
Garnishes (optional):
  • Redpath® Icing Sugar
  • Lemon zest, finely grated
  • Edible flowers
  • Thyme or basil leaves
Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).

Step 2

With a pencil or marker, draw an 8- or 9-inch circle in the centre of a sheet of parchment paper. Line a baking sheet with that parchment paper, flipping the paper over so that the marking is on the underside.

For the golden pavlova:

Step 1

In the bowl of a food processor, combine the Redpath® Golden Yellow Sugar, the Redpath® Special Fine Granulated Sugar, and cornstarch. Process until the granules of both sugars are fine, and the cornstarch is thoroughly mixed into the sugars; the finer the sugar granules, the more readily the granules dissolve into the egg whites. Set aside. Note: let the sugars and cornstarch settle before opening the lid.

Step 2

Add the egg whites to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (see Chef’s Tips). Whisk at medium-low speed until soft peaks form (see Chef’s Tips). When they are at that stage and the mixer is still on, drizzle in the vinegar. Slowly increase the speed to medium and whip for a few seconds until the vinegar is incorporated.

Step 3

While the mixer is on, slowly add about a tablespoon of the brown sugar mixture to the egg whites. Wait at least 30 seconds to allow the sugar to incorporate before sprinkling in another tablespoon (see Chef’s Tips). Scrape down the sides and edges of the bowl with a clean rubber spatula to ensure all the meringue and granules of sugar are incorporated. Repeat the process until all the sugar is added.

Step 4

Gradually increase the speed to medium-high after all the sugar has been incorporated. Whip until egg whites are smooth, thick, glossy, and stiff peaks form; about 5 minutes. Ensure all sugar is dissolved by rubbing a small amount of meringue between your fingers (see Chef’s Tips). If still granular, reduce to medium speed and continue to whip until no longer gritty; watch closely as meringue can over-whip in seconds.

Step 5

Place a small dab of meringue at each corner of the parchment paper to secure the paper to the baking sheet.

Step 6

Working quickly, gently mound about a third of the brown sugar meringue into the centre of the circle drawn on the parchment paper. Gently spread to the shape and size of the circle using a large offset spatula. Add another third of the meringue, being careful not to deflate the volume. Transfer the remaining meringue on top of the rest of the meringue. Quickly smooth out the meringue. Aim for a slightly domed shape no higher than 2 or 3 inches or risk cracking.

Step 7

Using the tip of a small offset spatula, make vertical or gently sloping ridges up the sides of the dome towards the middle of the mound. Sweep the tip of the spatula from the base of the pavlova to the top of the dome, creating long divots that are about ½-inch deep. Ridges will become less defined as the pavlova bakes, as it tends to puff and smooth out slightly. Repeat process until the entire pavlova is ridged.

Step 8

Clean off the small offset spatula and create a wide, shallow dent in the middle of the dome by gently pushing down and turning the baking sheet.

Step 9

Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven, being careful not to slam the oven door shut. Immediately reduce heat to 225°F (107°C) and bake for an hour and a half; do not open the oven door during the baking process. Turn off the oven and allow the pavlova to cool completely in the oven with the door shut; 6 hours to overnight (preferably). To ensure that the pavlova slowly cools down, turn on the oven light once you turn off the oven. The light emits a small amount of heat and prevents a sudden drop in temperature. Keep the light on for 30 minutes after the oven has been turned off; it can be turned off for the remaining 5+ hours.

Step 10

Once completely cooled, serve immediately or place into an airtight container lined with parchment paper for up to 2 days; do not place into the fridge or freezer.

Assembly:

Step 1

Gently peel the parchment paper from the bottom of the completely cooled pavlova; it should come off easily. Carefully place the pavlova onto a serving plate.

For the topping:

Step 1

In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries with the Redpath® Golden Yellow Sugar. Mix to evenly coat the berries with the sugar and set aside to macerate.

Step 2

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (see Chef’s Tips), whip the whipping cream on medium speed until slightly thickened.

Step 3

Sprinkle in the Redpath® Icing Sugar and vanilla extract, if using. Continue whipping on medium to medium-high speed until cream is thick and smooth and just begins to hold its shape when mounded; do not beat until stiff peaks form.

Step 4

Just before serving, gently spread the cream on top of the pavlova. Carefully top the cream with the mixed berries. If desired, garnish with a dusting of icing sugar, a sprinkling of lemon zest, edible flowers, and/or thyme or basil leaves.

Step 5

Use a sharp chef’s knife to cut wedges. Serve immediately.

Image
Top view of a Pavlova topped with raspberries and strawberries and flowers, shown with a bowl of berries, a bowl of whipped cream, and a gold spoon