Pavlova cake with caramelized nuts

Pavlova Cake with Caramelized Nuts

If you're looking for a dessert that combines delicacy with a crunchy note, then the Pavlova Cake with caramelized nuts is the perfect choice! This dessert, with a light meringue base, is a true delight for the senses and an excellent way to use up leftover egg whites. Start your culinary adventure and let its flavors carry you away!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

For the base:
- 144 g egg whites (about 5 egg whites)
- 300 g brown powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon (tsp) vinegar
- 1 tablespoon (tbsp) cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons (tbsp) cocoa powder
- 20 g dark chocolate, grated
- A pinch of salt

For the caramelized nut filling:
- 100 g sugar
- 50 ml water
- 100 g walnut halves
- 50 g walnut halves (for decoration)

For the cream:
- 400 g whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons (tsp) powdered sugar
- 100 g caramelized nuts (chopped)

Helpful tips for ingredients:
- Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature for a fluffier meringue.
- Use high-quality powdered sugar, as it dissolves more easily and provides a fine texture.
- The walnuts can also be toasted before caramelizing to enhance the flavor.

A brief story about Pavlova:
The Pavlova Cake has its origins in the culinary tradition dedicated to the dancer Anna Pavlova, famous in the 1920s. It is said that this dessert was created in her honor, featuring a delicate texture that symbolizes her grace and beauty. Today, Pavlova remains a beloved dessert, often topped with fresh fruits, but we will add a touch of originality by incorporating caramelized walnuts.

Making the meringue base:
1. Preheat the oven to 140°C. Prepare a baking tray with parchment paper, forming a circle with a diameter of 20 cm. It is important that the circle is slightly smaller, as the meringue will spread while baking.
2. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you achieve a firm foam.
3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, continuing to mix until the mixture becomes glossy and forms stiff peaks.
4. Incorporate the vinegar, mixing with the mixer to integrate it well.
5. Mix the cornstarch with cocoa powder and gradually add them to the mixture, using a spatula and gentle movements to avoid losing air from the meringue.
6. Finally, add the grated chocolate and mix gently.
7. Pour half of the mixture into the prepared circle and form a tall border with the remaining mixture, using a piping bag.

Baking the base:
1. Reduce the oven temperature to 120°C and place the tray inside. Bake for one hour.
2. Turn off the heat and leave the meringue in the oven with the door slightly open for another hour. This step will help achieve a perfect texture, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Making the caramelized nut filling:
1. In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar, stirring over medium heat until the mixture turns golden.
2. When the caramel is ready, add the walnut halves (50 g) and stir well to coat them.
3. Remove the nuts onto parchment paper to cool.
4. Add the remaining walnut halves to the caramel, mixing well and placing them on paper to cool. After cooling, crush or chop the caramelized nuts into smaller pieces.

Making the cream:
1. Whip the cream with the powdered sugar until it becomes fluffy and increases in volume.
2. Gently fold in the chopped caramelized nuts into the cream.

Assembling the cake:
1. On the meringue base, add a generous layer of cream with caramelized nuts.
2. On top, add another layer of whipped cream and arrange the caramelized nuts for decoration.

Serving suggestions:
Pavlova with caramelized nuts is wonderful to serve alongside a fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee. You can also add a teaspoon of caramel syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I substitute the nuts with other types of fruits? Of course! You can use almonds or hazelnuts, but choose the ones you like best!
- How can I store Pavlova? It is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store the cake in the fridge for a few days. Make sure to cover it well!

Nutritional benefits:
This dessert, although sweet, also offers some benefits due to the nuts, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and proteins. However, moderate consumption is essential due to the sugar content.

Let your creativity flow and enjoy every bite of this Pavlova with caramelized nuts, a dessert that will bring a smile to your face! Bon appétit!