Ycaroh Kitchen Blog

Berry Pavlova with Sicilian Lemon Chantilly

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time

1 hour 50 minutes (plus cooling time)

Servings

8

Yield

1 large pavlova

Calories

Approximately 250 calories
The Berry Pavlova with Sicilian Lemon Chantilly is a symphony of textures and flavors, designed to delight the senses. This dessert features a crisp, meringue base that gives way to a marshmallow-like center, topped with a zesty Sicilian lemon-infused Chantilly cream and a colorful medley of fresh berries. The contrast between the sweet meringue, the creamy tartness of the lemon Chantilly, and the natural sweetness of the berries creates a dessert that is as refreshing as it is indulgent. Perfect for any occasion, from a summer garden party to an elegant dinner, this pavlova promises to be a memorable finale to any meal.

Ingredients

  • For the Meringue:
    • 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
    • 1 cup of granulated sugar
    • 1 teaspoon of white vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
    • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • For the Sicilian Lemon Chantilly:
    • 1 cup of heavy cream
    • 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
    • Zest of 1 Sicilian lemon
    • 1 tablespoon of Sicilian lemon juice
  • For the Topping:
    • 2 cups of mixed fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries)
    • Optional: Mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

  • Meringue:
    • Preheat your oven to 250°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, beating until the meringue is glossy and stiff peaks form.
    • Fold in the vinegar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract gently.
    • Spoon the meringue onto the prepared baking sheet, forming a circle with a slight well in the center.
    • Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes, then turn off the oven and let the meringue cool completely inside.
  • Sicilian Lemon Chantilly:
    • In a bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the lemon zest and juice.
  • Assembly:
    • Place the cooled meringue on a serving plate. Fill the center with the Sicilian lemon Chantilly.
    • Top with fresh berries and garnish with mint leaves, if using.

Tips & Tricks

  • Ensure your bowl and beaters are completely grease-free before whipping the egg whites to achieve the perfect meringue.
  • The meringue base can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container to maintain its crispness.
  • For an extra burst of flavor, macerate the berries in a little sugar and lemon juice before topping the pavlova.
  • The Sicilian lemon zest adds a vibrant flavor to the Chantilly, but be sure to zest only the yellow part to avoid bitterness.

Mise en Place

Ingredients

Utensils

  • Egg whites
  • Granulated sugar
  • White vinegar
  • Cornstarch
  • Vanilla extract
  • Heavy cream
  • Powdered sugar
  • Sicilian lemon zest
  • Sicilian lemon juice
  • Mixed fresh berries
  • Mint leaves (optional)
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer
  • Spatula
  • Serving plate

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