Strawberry and Ganache Layered Pavlova
Instead of getting the usual box of chocolates for that special someone this Valentine's Day, try making a homemade dessert. This Strawberry and Ganache Layered Pavlova will be sure to impress and is absolutely delicious!
PREP TIME: 30 minutes
COOK TIME: 3 hours
LEVEL: Intermediate
YIELD: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites
- 3 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 1 teaspoon plus 1 cup sugar, divided
- 1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Method of Preparation
- Place egg whites in a large bowl and let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine strawberries and 1 teaspoon sugar. In another bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners’ sugar and vanilla; beat until soft peaks form. Refrigerate strawberries and whipped cream, covered, until assembly.
- Preheat oven to 250°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Trace 12 three inch circles, 1 inch apart on paper; set aside. Add cream of tartar and salt to egg whites; beat on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high after each addition until sugar is dissolved. Continue beating until stiff glossy peaks form. Spread evenly over circles.
- Bake until set and dry, 70-80 minutes. Turn off oven (do not open oven door); leave meringues in oven 1-1/2 hours. Remove from oven; cool completely.
- In a small saucepan, melt chocolate chips. Add ¼ cup heavy cream stir until smooth. Spread evenly over tops of meringues. Carefully remove one meringue to a serving plate. Remove whipped cream from refrigerator; beat until stiff peaks form. Spread desired amount of the whipped cream over the meringue, top with strawberries. Repeat layers. Serve immediately.
*Chef Tips*
This recipe can easily be made in advance, although we recommend making the whipped cream within a day of use.
Check out our Oysters Rockefeller appetizer to go along with Cacio e Pepe as an entrée to round out the perfect Valentine’s Day meal!
