Three-Layer Berry and Brown Sugar Pavlova
So many textures and so many flavors are in this AMAZING showstopper of a dessert!
Prep Time25 minutes mins
Cook Time1 hour hr
Macerate Time30 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr 55 minutes mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Blackberries, Brown Sugar, Buttercream, Creme fraiche, Egg Whites, Meringue
Servings: 8
Author: Nicole
For the Meringue
- Unsalted butter and confectioners' sugar for the pans
- 1 cup superfine granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar
- ¾ cup egg whites from 5 extra-large eggs at room temperature for 30 minutes
For the Berries
- 1 ½ pounds strawberries trimmed and thinly sliced
- 1 pound blackberries
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
For the Cream
- 1 cup chilled heavy cream
- ⅓ cup chilled Crème Fraîche or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Meringues
In the bowl of a food processor, pulse the superfine sugar, brown sugar, and cornstarch until well combined; set aside. In a small bowl, combine the vanilla and vinegar; set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites with a pinch of salt at medium speed until they hold soft peaks. Increase speed to medium-high and add the sugar mixture one tablespoon at a time. After all the sugar is incorporated, continue to beat for one minute more. Add the vinegar mixture, then beat at high speed until meringue is glossy and holds stiff peaks, about 5 minutes. Spoon the meringue into the prepared pans (about 2 ½ cups or 173 grams per pan) and smooth the tops using an offset spatula.
Bake until the meringues have a crisp crust and feel dry to the touch, about 1 hour (insides should be moist and marshmallow-like). Turn the oven off and prop the door open slightly with a wooden spoon. Cool the meringues completely in the oven. (They will slightly collapse and crack.)
Run a knife along the insides of the pans and carefully turn out the meringues and remove parchment paper. (Meringues will be fragile and may crack further). Carefully turn meringues right side up; set aside until ready to assemble.
For the Cream
In a large chilled bowl, beat together the heavy cream, crème fraîche, sugar and vanilla using a wire whisk or an electric mixer until it just holds soft peaks.
Calories: 352kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 55mg | Potassium: 320mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 50g | Vitamin A: 629IU | Vitamin C: 62mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 1mg