Delia Smith Pavlova Recipe

Delia Smith's Pavlova recipe is an elegant dessert perfect for special occasions, combining the crispness of a meringue base with the richness of a mascarpone filling and the freshness of strawberries. This dessert serves about 6-8 people and is a showstopper for any gathering, balancing sweet and tart flavors wonderfully.

Ingredients for Delia Smith's Pavlova Recipe

For the Meringue:

• Egg Whites: 4 large, at room temperature
• Golden Caster Sugar: 225g

For the Filling:

• French Fromage Frais: 200g, natural preferred
• Vanilla Extract: 1 1/2 teaspoons
• Mascarpone Cheese: 1 x 250g tub, chilled
• Golden Caster Sugar: 20g

For Assembly:

• Strawberries: 400g, fresh, ripe & hulled
• Caster Sugar: 10g
• Icing Sugar for dusting

Preparation Instructions for Delia Smith's Pavlova

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 150°C (300°F) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Meringue: Whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gradually add the golden caster sugar, continuing to whisk until the mixture is glossy and thick.
3. Shape and Bake the Meringue: Spoon the meringue onto the prepared baking sheet in a circle or oval shape with a slight well in the center for the filling. Bake after reducing the oven temperature to 140°C (275°F) for about 1 hour. Let it cool completely inside the turned-off oven.
4. Prepare the Filling: Mix the mascarpone, vanilla extract, fromage frais, and golden caster sugar until smooth.
5. Assemble the Pavlova: Carefully place the cooled meringue on a serving platter, fill the center with the creamy filling, and top with the sweetened strawberries.
6. Final Touches: Dust with icing sugar just before serving for an elegant finish.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and consume within 1-2 days for the best texture. Reheating isn't recommended as it can affect the meringue's crispness.

Nutritional Information

An estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming 8 servings) includes around 384 calories, with 47g of carbohydrates, 6g of protein, 19g of fat, 1g of fiber, and 45g of sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I make the meringue in advance? Yes, you can make the meringue a day ahead and store it in an airtight container to keep it dry and crisp. Assemble with the filling and fruits just before serving.
• What can I substitute for mascarpone cheese? Cream cheese can be used as a substitute for mascarpone.
• Can I use frozen strawberries? Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture, but thawed frozen strawberries can be used if fresh ones aren’t available.

Delia Smith’s Pavlova is a timeless classic that brings joy with every bite, perfect for impressing guests and adding a touch of elegance to any celebration​​​​​​.