Thermomix Pavlova

This Thermomix Pavlova is sure to wow your guests at a dinner party - and is super easy to make thanks to the Thermomix.

Pavlova has the reputation for being difficult to make and people often avoid making it as they are scared of it all going wrong.

But it is actually really easy to make a pavlova, especially by using the Thermomix and following a few basic steps.

I think the most important thing when making a pavlova is to have a low-heat oven, and to leave the pavlova in the oven after cooking until it is completely cooled.

And even if you think your pavlova is not perfect - maybe it cracks a little - nobody cares! You can cover it over with cream and fruit and everyone will still rave about how delicious it is, I promise you.

Ingredients

There are four essential ingredients for making the meringue base to a pavlova - egg whites, sugar, cornflour and white vinegar.

I also include vanilla to add a little extra flavour (completely optional).

When making meringues you can get away without the cornflour and vinegar, but for a pavlova they are more important as they help to stabilise the base (ie prevent it from collapsing) and help get that lovely chewy soft inside that makes a pavlova sooo irresistible.

You CAN also make a completely delicious meringue base with just egg whites and sugar - it will just be more crunchy/dry and a little less chewy and soft. You might just want to add on a little extra cream in this case.

This is what you will need for this Thermomix pavlova:

• Egg whites - make sure when you separate the egg whites from the yolks that you don't get even a speck of egg yolk into the whites, or the eggs won't whip properly.
• Sugar - I use caster sugar, but as you mill it in the beginning anyway, you can also use granulated white sugar.
• Vanilla extract
• Cornflour
• White vinegar

How to make the Pavlova Base

Making the pavlova base in the Thermomix is super simple and this easy recipe takes just a few minutes.

Start by whizzing up the sugar - you can make meringue with caster sugar as it is, but I think it mixes in even better if you mill it further.

Set the sugar aside and ensure the bowl is completely clean and dry before you place egg whites in there. (This is where a second bowl would be handy.)

You will need the butterfly whisk in the bowl and whisk the egg whites for 2 minutes / 37 degrees / speed 3.5 with the measuring cup off to allow the air to circulate. The eggs should be stiff and fluffy.

Now set the timer to 3 minutes and the speed to 3. With the measuring cup off, slowly - one tablespoon at a time - add the sugar through the hole in the lid of the mixing bowl.

The mixture should be smooth, glossy and shiny.

Next add the cornflour and vinegar to the Thermomix bowl and mix for a further 30 seconds / speed 3.

It is now ready to bake.

Line a baking tray with baking paper and spoon out the mixture into a circle (you can draw a circle on the paper first if you think it will help). It should be around 20cm in diameter.

Now place it in the oven. The oven should be pre-heated to 150C / 300F. But as soon as you put the pavlova in the oven, you need to reduce the temperature to 100C / 250F.

Cook the pavlova for 1 hour and a half and then turn off the oven but don't open the door and leave the pavlova in the oven until it is completely cool - this will take several hours.

Don't keep peeking in the oven while it is cooking!

Assembling the pavlova

What makes pavlova so amazing is the incredible combination of meringue with fresh whipped cream and fruit.

Whipping cream in the Thermomix is super quick and easy but you do need to keep a close eye on it to make sure it doesn't split.

To do this, just keep the measuring cup off and look through the hole in the lid while it is whipping - you will notice it starting to change in texture as it is nearly ready.

To assemble the pavlova, all you need to do is pile the cream on top of the meringue base and top it with fresh cut fruit.

Best toppings for pavlova

I love fresh fruit on a pavlova - either berries or tropical fruit are the most popular, but you can have fun experimenting with different toppings.

Because of the sweetness of the meringue, including a sharper fruit like raspberries or passion fruit always works well.

Here are some ideas:

• Berries - strawberries, raspberries and blueberries
• Tropical fruit - mango, passionfruit and pineapple or kiwi fruit
• Cherries & chocolate - cherries, chocolate flakes and coconut flakes
• Banoffee - sliced bananas, creme de leche and chocolate flakes
• Lemon & berry - lemon curd, rasperries and fresh mint leaves

What is the Secret to a good pavlova?

Making pavlova is really not that difficult but there are a few rules you should follow. Here are my top tips:

• Make sure your bowl is completely clean and dry before starting.
• Egg whites whisk best when they are at room temperature (but eggs are easier to separate when cold from the fridge).
• Be very careful when you separate the eggs. The slightest speck of egg yolk in the whites will stop them from whisking properly.
• Add the sugar slowly - one spoonful at a time to ensure the sugar gets incorporated properly.
• If possible, try to avoid overly humid days.
• Bake the pavlova base at a low oven temperature.
• Leave it in the oven to cool completely.

FAQs and Tips

Love Meringues? You may like these recipes:

• Thermomix Meringues
• Eton Mess
• Mini Lemon Meringue Tarts
• Lemon Meringue Cupcakes