Pear and Pomegranate Pavlova

This beautiful dessert from Pascale Beale features seasonal fruits in a meringue shell with fresh whipped cream. 

November 21, 2018

Ingredients

SERVINGS: 8 to 12 people Serving(s)
For the pavlova
  • 4 egg whites at room temperature
  • Pinch of salt
  • 8 ounces (1 cup plus 2 tablespoons) ultra-fine sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or pure vanilla extract
For the whipped cream
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
For the fruit topping
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3–4 pears — peeled, cored and sliced.
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
For the fruit topping:
  • Seeds of 1 pomegranate

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 300°. Draw a 9-inch circle on parchment paper, using a compass or dinner plate. Place the parchment paper on a baking sheet with drawn circle side down.

Using a standing mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until satiny peaks form. Then beat in the ultra-fine sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until the meringue is stiff and shiny. Sprinkle the cornstarch, vinegar and vanilla over the whipped egg whites. Fold in lightly using a rubber spatula.

Mound the meringue mixture onto the parchment paper and spread it to the edge of the circle. Flatten the top and smooth the sides. Place the meringue on the bottom rack of the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 250°. Bake for 1-1/4 hours. Turn off the oven. Let the meringue cool with the door slightly ajar. Remove from oven when the meringue has cooled completely.

Whip the cream with the sugar until it forms soft peaks. Top the meringue with whipped cream.

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium- high heat. Add the sugar and the pear slices. Cook until golden and caramelized. Let cool in the pan. When the pear slices are cool, place them on top of the whipped cream. Top with pomegranate seeds.

Note: To make ultra-fine sugar, process granulated sugar in food processor for 1 minute.

About this recipe

Recipe from Pascale Beale, from Les Fruits: Savory and Sweet Recipes from the Market Table, copyright 2016 by Pascale Beale. 

Ingredients

SERVINGS: 8 to 12 people Serving(s)
For the pavlova
  • 4 egg whites at room temperature
  • Pinch of salt
  • 8 ounces (1 cup plus 2 tablespoons) ultra-fine sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or pure vanilla extract
For the whipped cream
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
For the fruit topping
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3–4 pears — peeled, cored and sliced.
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
For the fruit topping:
  • Seeds of 1 pomegranate
We will never share your email address with anyone else. See our privacy policy.