There’s something enchanting about the simplicity of a well-crafted dessert—the kind that brings elegance and comfort to your table in equal measure. This Chestnut Pavlova does just that, offering a symphony of textures and flavors perfect for any festive occasion.
With its crisp, delicate meringue base topped with a luxurious layer of sweet chestnut spread, airy whipped cream, and a scattering of bittersweet chocolate shavings, it’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving a harmonious balance of nutty sweetness and rich chocolatey notes.
What makes this pavlova truly unforgettable? The way its light, ethereal structure contrasts with the indulgent toppings, creating a dessert that feels both decadent and effortless. It’s an ideal way to elevate your celebrations, whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or a grand holiday feast.
This recipe captures the joy of simple sophistication, making it a timeless addition to your dessert repertoire. So, let’s bring a touch of magic to your gatherings with a dessert that’s as delightful to create as it is to savor.
What I Love About This Recipe?
- The combination of the crisp meringue shell and creamy toppings creates a delightful contrast in texture.
- The sweet, nutty chestnut spread adds a unique and luxurious flavor to this elegant dessert.
- Whipped cream and bittersweet chocolate shavings bring a touch of decadence that pairs beautifully with the lightness of the pavlova.
- The visually stunning presentation makes it a perfect centerpiece for special occasions and celebrations.
- The recipe’s simplicity allows the high-quality ingredients to shine, making it both easy to prepare and impressive to serve.
Chestnut Pavlova
Equipment
- Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
- Microplane shaver
- Offset spatula
- Rubber spatula
Ingredients
- ½ tsp vanilla extra
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 cup superfine sugar
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
- pinch of fine sea salt
Toppings
- ⅛ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 small bar bittersweet (70% cacao) chocolate, for shaving
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 can can sweetened chestnut spread
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw an 8-inch circle; flip paper.
- Beat egg whites and a pinch of salt until firm peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff and glossy (about 10 minutes).
- Gently fold in cornstarch, vinegar, and vanilla.
- Shape meringue into an 8-inch round with a flat top and straight sides on the prepared parchment.
- Reduce oven temperature to 300°F. and bake for 1 hour until crisp and slightly cracked.
- Cool completely on a wire rack (2–6 hours).
- Spread chestnut spread over the cooled pavlova base, leaving a border.
- Whip cream to medium peaks and spread over the chestnut layer, leaving some border visible.
Notes
- Ensure the mixing bowl is grease-free for the egg whites to whip properly. Using lemon to wipe the bowl can help eliminate grease residue.
Nutrional Information:
Calories: 350 || Total Fat: 45g || Carbohydrates: 18g || Protein: 6g
Helpful Tips For You!
Room Temperature Egg Whites: Ensure egg whites are at room temperature before beating; this helps achieve maximum volume and stability.
Superfine Sugar: Use superfine sugar to dissolve more easily into the egg whites, creating a smooth, glossy meringue.