Vanilla cream is a classic topping for pavlova, adding a rich and creamy flavor to the light and airy meringue base.
Here are a few ways to make vanilla cream for your pavlova:
Whipped Cream
One of the simplest ways to make vanilla cream is by whipping heavy cream with sugar and vanilla extract. In a large bowl, beat 2 cups of heavy whipping cream with 1/4 cup of sugar until stiff peaks form. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
This creamy topping can be slathered onto your pavlova and adorned with delectable fruits or grated chocolate for an extra special touch.
Cream Cheese Frosting
For a tangy twist on vanilla cream, try making a cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat 8 ounces of cream cheese with 1/2 cup of unsalted butter until smooth. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 3 cups of powdered sugar.
You can pipe this frosting onto your pavlova in a delightful pattern of swirls, or spread it over the whole thing for a fully coated dessert.
Custard
For a more decadent vanilla cream, try making a custard. In a medium saucepan, heat 2 cups of whole milk with 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 egg yolks and 1/4 cup of cornstarch.
Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Then, pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens.
You can serve this custard on top of your pavlova and garnish it with fresh berries or a delightful chocolate sauce!
Pastry Cream
Similar to custard, pastry cream is a thick and creamy filling that can be used as a vanilla cream for pavlova. In a medium saucepan, heat 2 cups of whole milk with 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 egg yolks, 1/4 cup of cornstarch, and 1/4 cup of sugar. Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Then, pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens.
Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until melted.
Coconut Cream
For a dairy-free option, try making a coconut cream. Chill a can of full-fat coconut milk in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, scoop out the solid coconut cream from the top of the can and place it in a large bowl. Beat the coconut cream with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
This coconut cream is perfect for slathering onto your pavlova and can be adorned with toasted coconut flakes or even sliced bananas – a delicious combination.
How Long Can I Store Pavlova Base?
Pavlova is a light, crispy, and airy, marshmallowy, meringue-based dessert that has become popular over the last few years. It’s made up of meringue, whipped cream or custard, and fresh fruit. But how long can I store pavlova base? What are the best ways to store it?
We’ll get to these questions in this blog post!
About Pavlova
What is Pavlova?
Pavlova is a popular Australian desserts. Both New Zealand and Australia like to say the Pavlova is their own.
The dessert was created in the 1920s. They are light and airy dessert. The name comes from Anna Pavlova, a Russian ballerina who toured New Zealand and Australia.
Actually, there were other recipes that are called pavlova before in Europe. These “pavlovas” were more like cake-like dishes. The desserts we know today as pavlova (a light and airy meringue-based dessert) did not exist yet.
But we all agree that Pavlovas are the best dessert.
What’s the difference between meringue vs pavlova?
Both meringue and pavlova are egg white desserts. They both need to be whipped with sugar until they are fluffy and then baked at a low temperature.
However, meringue is crispy and dry throughout while pavlova is crispy on the outside but fluffy, soft, and marshmallow-like on the inside.
What is Pavlova Base?
What is a pavlova base?
It’s like a meringue. It is the foundation of pavlovas and other desserts, such as Eton Mess (which has more cream on it).
What is the pavlova base made of?
The classic Pavlova is composed of egg whites, sugar, and a dash of vinegar. This last ingredient alters the texture of the Pavlova, ensuring the outside remains crisp and not soggy.
What does a Pavlova Base look like?
The base of a pavlova has a texture somewhere between meringue and sponge cake. It is firmer than the latter, but not quite as crunchy due to the sugar content which creates a delightful, caramelized crust when it is baked.
The base should also be dry on the outside to hold whipped cream properly!
How to make a pavlova base?
Pavlova base is made by whipping egg whites with sugar and a small amount of vinegar. The mixture gets baked at low heat to form the crispy crust on top, as well as a marshmallow-like texture inside.
When you make pavlovas or other desserts from this meringue-based batter, it should be cooked for a long time. The egg whites need to be baked at a low temperature for one hour and then turned off so that the base can dry out in an oven overnight.
What are good substitutes for egg whites in the pavlova base?
If you don’t want to make a meringue with raw eggs, there are many other ways that you can substitute it. You could use pasteurized egg whites or some type of vegetable oil blend to keep the texture similar.
How do I get a crispy outside and marshmallow inside like a pavlova base?
The best way to get a crispy on the outside, soft and fresh-tasting inside of your meringue is by adding vinegar! This will help keep it crisp. You can also do this with a cream of tartar if you don’t have vinegar in the house.
How Long Can I Store Pavlova Base?
When it comes to pavlova, there are two types of bases: homemade and store-bought.
A home-cooked version has better flavor because this recipe doesn’t use any artificial ingredients or preservatives to keep them fresh for longer periods of time before consumption
A store-bought one will always be cheaper, but it’s not as good for you since there is usually added sugar in the mix which makes your dessert more sugary than sweet!
Storing Your Homemade Pavlova Base
Please note that meringues soften quickly in humid conditions. So take this into account if you want to store your base for later use.
Storing Overnight
More often than not, you want to make the pavlova base days in advance, or usually one day before. Here are what to do.
Once the meringue is cold carefully transfer the undecorated pavlova to an airtight plastic container, such as a cake box. If you don’t have a container of a suitable size then wrap the meringue, still on its baking sheet, with a double layer of clingfilm.
We suggest “overwrapping” where the clingfilm is wrapped over the top of the meringue and underneath to the bottom of the baking sheet, to make it as airtight as possible.
Assembled leftover pavlova should be stored in the fridge and are best eaten within 24 hours.
Another tip is to keep it in the oven (a cool, turned-off oven), as it’s not airtight but it is ‘out of the air. Undecorated pavlova can safely be left overnight in the oven in which it was baked, to be decorated in the morning.
Storing in Refrigerator
You can store the pavlova base in the fridge for up to two days.
If you store your pavlova in an airtight container or wrap it with cling film, then it should keep its shape and taste for up to 2 days. To make sure that it doesn’t get destroyed, cover the top of the pavlova with a plastic wrap or a lid that is airtight.
Make sure no condensation gets on your pavlova base because this will make them moist and soggy. For soggy pavlova, you can try to dry them out in the oven.
The pavlova will taste best if eaten the day after you make it. After you add fruit and whipped cream to your pavlova, you’ll need to eat it within a few hours.
Storing in the Freezer
Pavlova can be frozen for up to three months. You should only freeze the base of your pavlova, as you might have guessed. If you’re going to top it with fruit, cream, or ice cream, freeze these items separately.
Make sure it has completely cooled down before serving! It’s also a good idea to wrap it up tightly with plastic or foil so that no moisture gets on your dessert.
Storing Your Ready Made Pavlova Base
Pavlova ready made bases that you buy from the store will keep in their box, unopened, for up to three months. Once you open it, it should be eaten within 24 hours. If storing pavlova base overnight in a cake or bread tin: make sure there is no dampness, cover with a lid or baking paper, and store in an air tight container.
To freeze pavlova base: open the box of stock cubes and remove from its foil wrapper. Place it into a freezer bag which is labeled with the date, seal tightly then place back into your freezer for up to three months.
When you’re ready to use it, take out your frozen meringues and just add liquids.
If I want to bring my pavlova base somewhere or store it before using it again, what should I do?
Put it in a container and cover it with plastic wrap.
After refrigerating or freezing the Pavlova Base, let it come back to room temperature hours in advance, before you use it again. You can also eat straight from the freezer if needed.
How to Make Perfect Classic Pavlova, Step by Step
These are the step by step guide to make the beautiful dessert.
- A basic meringue pavlova recipe has 55g (1/4 cup) of castor sugar or superfine sugar for every egg white. The addition of acidic ingredient such as cream of tartar and vinegar helps create a soft marshmallow center and a crisp crust.
- Begin by whisking the egg whites in a clean, dry mixer bowl at medium speed. Whisk until it forms stiff peaks. The eggs will not rise if there is any grease or moisture on them.
- 1 tablespoon of sugar should be added at a time. Scrape it down the side of the bowl. Add all the sugar to the mixture. Whip for 2-3 minutes or until it is thick and glossy. Undissolved sugar crystals causes pavlova weeping (when moisture forms on the meringue) so if the mixture is grainy, continue whisking.
- Line the baking tray with parchment paper that does not stick to whatever is baked. Draw a circle on the paper and spoon the meringue mixture into it.
- Use the knife to make lines on the edge of meringue. This will help your pavlova not crack too much and collapse.
- After you bake the meringue, turn off the oven. You can leave the baked meringues for up to 5-6 hours to cool. If you take it out while it’s still warm, it will cool too quickly and might crack and collapse.
- Once the pavlova is cooled, put whipped cream on top of it. Then put fruit that you like on top. If you are celebrating Christmas, you might want to use seasonal fruits, mango, kiwi fruit, or fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries.
- Drizzle the pie with passionfruit pulp or lemon juice, or for something different, salted caramel sauce.
Perfect Pavlova Base Tips & Tricks
- Make sure your eggs are fresh
- Use a clean bowl, clean spatula, and beaters
- Avoid humid days
- Use cornflour and vinegar as an insurance policy
- Use caster sugar, and make sure it dissolves completely
- Like lots of soft centers? Pile it high.
- It’s done when it lifts off the baking paper easily. If it doesn’t come away, keep cooking, but check every few minutes.
- Let the pavlova cool completely in the oven after baking.
- If your pavlova collapse and meringue shells have cracked, it’s possible it was cooled too quickly. Other reasons for collapse include using older eggs whites. Use the fresh egg whites, as freshest as possible.
FAQs
How long will a meringue base keep?
A meringue base will keep for up to three days in an airtight container, and refrigerated.
How long does a pavlova base stay fresh?
Pavlova base can stay fresh for up to three days in an airtight container, and refrigerated.
How do you store a cooked pavlova base?
Once the Pavlova has cooled down completely, store in an airtight container.
See also: Annabel Langbein Ultimate Pavlova Recipe: The Delicious All-Time Favourite