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Nothing captures the warmth of fall quite like dreamy Dulce de Leche paired with crisp, delicate meringue. This Quick and Easy Pavlova is all about bringing together the sweetness of caramel, the lightness of whipped cream, and a seasonal twist of fresh fruit to create a dessert that looks fancy without all the fuss.
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cold heavy cream
- ½ cup Dulce de Leche (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced (or apples if you prefer)
- Pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a clean mixing bowl, whip the room-temperature egg whites until they start to turn white and frothy, then gradually add sugar, spoonful by spoonful, continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. The meringue should look thick and smooth.
Gently fold in the cornstarch, vinegar, and vanilla extract. Spoon the meringue onto the parchment paper, shaping it into a rough circle about eight inches in diameter. You can use a spatula to create swoops and ridges on top—that’s what gives Pavlova its trademark appearance.
Lower the oven temperature to 250°F (120°C), then bake the meringue for approximately 60 minutes, or until the exterior is dry to the touch and lightly golden. Turn off the oven and let the Pavlova cool completely inside for at least another hour (this prevents cracks).
Once cooled, transfer your crisp meringue base to a serving plate. Whip the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. Spread a generous layer of whipped cream over the Pavlova, followed by dollops of Dulce de Leche. Arrange fresh pear slices on top and finish with a light sprinkle of cinnamon if you’d like an extra seasonal flair.
This Pavlova is best served right away, as the cream and caramel can soften the meringue if left for too long.
In a hurry? You can prep the meringue base a day in advance, then top it just before serving to keep the Pavlova crisp.
It’s also delicious if you want to toss your pear slices in a bit of lemon juice and brown sugar for extra flavor, or swap pears for other fall fruits like apples or figs.
Feel free to enjoy a little extra Dulce de Leche on the side—no one’s judging!
Enjoy the sweet crunch, the creamy layers, and the autumn charm.
Recipe note: Pavlova is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those on restricted diets. If you’re watching sugar intake, serve smaller portions or consider using a lighter whipped topping. However you slice it, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser—perfect for an intimate dinner party or even as a festive weeknight treat when you’re craving something sweet under the crisp fall skies.
