Pavlova Dessert with Mandarin Curd Classic Margherita Pizza Recipe

Enjoy the exquisite layers of crisp pastry paired with luscious custard in this classic Napoleon cake recipe! Wonderful for special events or a simple sweet snack.

Preparation Time

Total: 5 hours
Active: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients for the Pastry

Vinegar (9%): 1 tablespoon
Salt: ¼ teaspoon
Unsalted butter: 8.8 oz (250 g)
Water: 5.1 fl oz (150 ml)
All-purpose flour: 12.3 oz (350 g)

Ingredients for the Custard Cream

Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons heaped
Milk: 13.5 fl oz (400 ml)
Sugar: 7.1 oz (200 g)
Unsalted butter: 6.3 oz (180 g)
Eggs: 2
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meringue:

   • Preheat the oven to 248°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • In a clean, dry bowl, whip the egg whites with a mixer for 2–3 minutes until soft peaks form.
   • Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to whip for 5–7 minutes until thick and glossy, with all sugar crystals dissolved.
   • Add lemon juice and vanilla extract, and whip for another minute.
   • Spoon the meringue onto the prepared baking sheet, forming a dome shape (about 8–8.5 inches in diameter). Smooth the top and create a slight indentation in the center.
   • Bake for 2 hours, then turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the meringue cool completely (about 3–4 hours).

2. Prepare the Mandarin Curd:

   • Zest the mandarins and squeeze out the juice. Measure out 2 tablespoons of zest and 120 ml of juice.
   • In a small saucepan, combine egg yolks, sugar, salt, mandarin juice, and zest. Cook over low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly until thickened.
   • Remove from heat and stir in the cubed butter until smooth.
   • Let the curd cool, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface), and refrigerate.

3. Prepare the Whipped Cream:

   • In a cold bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and whip until stiff peaks form.

4. Assemble the Pavlova:

   • Carefully crack the top of the cooled meringue by gently tapping it with a spoon.
   • Spread the whipped cream on top of the meringue, drizzle with mandarin curd, and decorate with fresh mandarin slices and pomegranate seeds.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the Pavlova immediately or chill it for a short time before serving.

Enjoy your beautiful Pavlova with mandarin curd! 🍊✨