These Pavlova Mini Cakes with Strawberries, Peaches, and Cream are the perfect light, sweet, and refreshing summer dessert. Ideal for summer picnics, bridal showers, parties, or any celebration that calls for something special!
Strawberry season is in full bloom, especially here in the Pacific Northwest, with juicy peaches soon to follow. This means we’re gearing up for lots of summer outdoor entertaining, and that includes plenty of delicious summer recipes that feature the freshest, hand-picked fruits!
Consider my Peach Bourbon Grilled Chicken for a flavorful main dish at your upcoming summer gatherings. And if you’re searching for a dessert that’s light, bright, and bursting with flavor to beautifully complement your summer menus, you simply must try my Pavlova Mini Cakes with Strawberries, Peaches, and Cream.
Pavlova Mini Cakes: A Summer Dessert Delight
Pavlova is a stunning meringue-based dessert, named after the renowned Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. What makes it so special? It features a delicate, crisp outer crust that gives way to a soft, marshmallow-like interior. Traditionally, it’s adorned with fresh fruits and a generous dollop of whipped cream.
My Pavlova Mini Cakes with Strawberries, Peaches, and Cream elevate this classic dessert. We start with individual vanilla meringue cookies. These cookies are then generously layered with fluffy whipped cream.
I’ve added a simple, yet elegant, vanilla and balsamic vinegar fruit mix to further enhance the filling. These steps are then artfully repeated to create a mini cake experience that’s both delicious and visually stunning.
Meringue Magic: Tips for Baking Success
Meringues are surprisingly simple to make, but they can be a little temperamental. To ensure your meringues turn out perfectly, here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Temperature Matters: If it’s overly hot or humid, your delicate meringue cookies can crack after baking. Avoid making them on hot, humid days without air conditioning.
- Cleanliness is Key: Before you start, make sure your mixing bowls are impeccably clean and completely dry. Any trace of water or grease can prevent the egg whites from whipping up properly.
- Egg White Prep: Separate the egg whites immediately after removing the eggs from the refrigerator. Then, let the whites warm up slightly at room temperature for a few minutes before beating them. This helps them achieve maximum volume.
- Yolk-Free Zone: Be extra careful when separating the eggs to prevent any yolk from getting into the mixing bowl. Even a tiny bit of yolk can hinder the egg whites from whipping to stiff, glossy peaks. If any yolk accidentally slips in, carefully remove it with a spoon or an eggshell.
The Perfect Pairing: Gloria Ferrer Bubbly
The sweet, summery flavors of peaches and strawberries in these mini pavlova desserts create a beautiful harmony with the refreshing bubbles of sparkling wine. A bottle of bubbly really elevates the whole experience!
I especially love pairing these Pavlova Mini Cakes with the Gloria Ferrer Brut Rosé. This particular sparkling wine is a newer offering from the winery, and its bright berry notes beautifully complement the fruit flavors in the pavlova.
If you prefer a less pronounced berry flavor, but still desire that crisp, bright summer sweetness, I highly recommend pairing this dessert with the Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Blanc.
Discover Gloria Ferrer Wines
Have you had the pleasure of trying Gloria Ferrer wines? Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards holds the distinction of being Carneros’ first sparkling wine house. It’s owned and was founded by the Ferrer family of Spain. The winery is named in honor of José Ferrer’s wife, Gloria. The winery first opened its doors in 1986 in Sonoma County, California.
I can always rely on Gloria Ferrer wines to be truly exceptional. Over the past five years, they’ve garnered more than 500 gold medals and received over 50 scores of 90 or higher. That’s incredibly impressive within the world of wine!
Recipe: Pavlova Mini Cakes with Strawberries, Peaches, and Cream
Ready to create these amazing Pavlova Mini Cakes?
Pavlova Mini Cakes with Strawberries, Peaches, and Cream
Ingredients:
For the Meringues:
- 8 egg whites
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- pinch salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled, de-stemmed, and cut into small pieces
- 3 medium peaches, pitted, peeled, diced into small pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 270 F.
- Place parchment paper over two baking sheets and set aside.
- In a stand mixer, beat egg whites, sugar, cornstarch, salt, and vanilla on high for about 10 minutes, until the meringue batter is thick and forms stiff peaks.
- Carefully pour meringue batter onto the prepared baking sheets covered with parchment paper into circles approximately 3 inches in diameter.
- Bake at 270 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 minutes, then reduce heat to 220 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for an additional 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the filling.
To Make the Strawberries and Peaches Filling:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the strawberries, peaches, vanilla, balsamic vinegar. Set aside.
To Make the Whipped Cream:
- In a mixer, whip heavy cream and sugar together until thick.
Assemble the Mini Pavlova Cakes:
- Once meringues are done, remove from the oven and allow to cool for a minute or two before assembling. When meringue cookies are done, gently lift from the parchment paper.
- Top one meringue cookie with whipped cream, then with a couple of spoonfuls of the strawberry/peach mixture. Top with another meringue cookie and repeat.
Notes: To create even circles, trace the outside of a juice glass onto the parchment paper and then fill the circles with meringue batter.
Calories: 617kcal, Carbohydrates: 86g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 29g, Saturated Fat: 18g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 90mg, Sodium: 99mg, Potassium: 309mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 82g, Vitamin A: 1416IU, Vitamin C: 32mg, Calcium: 67mg, Iron: 1mg
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Enjoy your delicious Pavlova Mini Cakes with Strawberries, Peaches, and Cream! This recipe is a surefire way to impress your guests and add a touch of elegance to any summer occasion.