Pavlova With Lemon Curd
This Pavlova with Lemon Curd is a meringue shell topped with curd, whipped cream & berries. A Lemon Dessert that will dazzle all who indulge!
Have you ever tasted a pavlova? Made a pavlova? Even heard of a pavlova? If you’re new to this dessert check out my Chocolate Raspberry Pavlova post that has all the information you need about this dessert from down under!
Pavlova with Lemon Curd
I remember the first pavlova I made. I took it to a Memorial Day gathering next door and it disappeared in a flash. The crispy meringue shell topped with a billowy cloud of whipped cream and juicy, ripe berries was a new dessert for many in attendance.
My family barely got a taste so I made another just for them the next day. It has become one of our favorite desserts and I’ve made mini versions as well as a few other twists on a classic. If you’ve never made this iconic Australian/New Zealand (there is controversy on where this originated!) dessert, you MUST make one while berries are at their peak! And to add an extra dimension, sandwich some lemon curd between the berries, cream, and meringue! This pavlova with lemon curd is irresistible!
Lemon Meringue Dessert
I first made this pavlova recipe in 2011 for a teacher’s Christmas luncheon which I chaired for a number of years. I had numerous requests for this pavlova with lemon curd recipe that day, and one kind soul told me it was the best dessert he’d ever tasted. If you love lemon desserts, you’ll adore this exquisite creation.
What is Lemon Curd?
Lemon curd is a creamy mixture made from lemon juice, sugar, butter, and egg yolks. As this combination cooks, it becomes thicker and when chilled is thick enough to use as a spread on scones, muffins, and other baked goods. Zest can also be added for an extra boost of flavor. Besides lemons, curd can be made from limes, oranges, and grapefruit.
How to Make Lemon Curd
When making recipes like lemon curd, pudding, creme brulee, and custard where you must add eggs to a hot liquid, it must be done carefully. Tempering the egg yolks by adding some of the hot mixture and quickly whisking, helps warm the yolks without cooking them.
- To make this lemon curd, first combine the sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan. Add lemon juice and butter and bring to a simmer, whisking constantly.
- Next, whisk the egg yolks in a heatproof bowl. Slowly drizzle in about 1/4 cup of the hot liquid while whisking constantly. If you dump it in all at once, the eggs will cook and scramble. This is why we “temper” or slowly warm the yolks.
- Return this mixture to the saucepan, reduce heat, and cook till the curd is thickened without boiling.
- Pass the curd through a mesh strainer to remove any bits of cooked egg.
- Stir in zest.
- Put the curd into a bowl, cover, and cool for about 1 1/2 hours.
Tips for Making This Lemon Curd Pavlova
- I have a love-hate recipe with this particular meringue recipe. I love how it bakes up with a crispy exterior and marshmallow-like center. Nigella Lawson often refers to the inside of her meringues as “squidgy” with a “marshmallow” texture. This is the only pavlova recipe that reflects her description.
- What I dislike about this meringue shell is that it cracks as it cools and cracks even more as you slice it. So, it’s up to you whether you use this recipe for the meringue shell or try this less fragile pavlova recipe which also uses 4 egg whites.
- When you’re shaping your pavlova, make sure to make the edges higher than the center to create a “well” for the lemon curd to be contained.
- You can either make lemon curd with the leftover egg yolks as I did. It’s delicious!! Or take a shortcut and buy some jarred lemon curd which will be paler in color but just as lovely to eat.
- PRO-Tip: When making a pavlova, the key is to use very clean bowls and beaters. One speck of oil, fat, or egg yolk (which contains fat) will prevent your egg whites from whipping properly. This is important any time you’re whipping egg whites for meringue cookies, pie toppings, or pavlova.
- PRO-Tip: Draw an outline on your parchment using a bowl as a template. Flip it over and use it as a guide to make a nice round meringue.
Me at the CHS Faculty Luncheon in 2011
More Meringue Desserts
- Meringue Hearts from What a Girl Eats
- Mini Pavlovas
- Christmas Wreath Pavlova
- Layered Chocolate Meringue Cake
- Strawberry Topped Chocolate Pavlova
- More of the Best Dessert Recipes
Pavlova With Lemon Curd
Meringue shell topped with lemon curd, whipped cream and an array of fresh berries. Recipe adapted from Gourmet Prep time includes cooling time.
Ingredients
Meringue Shell:
- 1 cup superfine sugar (just process regular sugar in the food processor for a minute)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 egg whites, at room temperature
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Curd:
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 stick butter (4 tablespoons)
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- (Or you can substitute 1-1 1/2 cups of your favorite jarred lemon curd)
Toppings:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 4 cups fruit of choice (mixed berries, kiwi)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300º. Trace a 7-inch circle on one side of a piece of parchment paper, flip it over and place it on a baking sheet.
- Beat egg whites with a pinch of salt using an electric mixer on medium till soft peaks form. Add water, and beat until soft peaks reform. Increase speed to medium-high and start mixing in the sugar and cornstarch, slowly, till all is incorporated.
- Beat one minute longer. Add vinegar and mix on high speed until meringue is glossy and stiff peaks form (may take 5 minutes).
- Carefully spread meringue on the inside of the circle on the parchment, with the edges higher than the center. Bake till pale golden, about 45 minutes. Turn off oven and prop door open slightly. Cool for an additional hour in the oven.
- The meringue can be made up to two days ahead. Just wrap well in plastic and freeze. Defrost before serving.
- To make curd, combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan. Add lemon juice and butter and simmer, while whisking constantly. When it starts to simmer, cook for one more minute while continuing to whisk. In a small bowl or glass measuring cup, whisk egg yolks.
- Very slowly add about 1/4 cup of the hot liquid while whisking constantly (if you add too quickly, the egg will cook instead of incorporating). Return this mixture to the saucepan, reduce heat, and cook till the curd is thickened (do not allow to boil).
- Pass the curd through a mesh strainer to remove any bits of cooked egg. Stir in zest. Put curd into a bowl, cover, and cool for about 1 1/2 hours.
- Curd can also be made two days ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- To assemble pavlova, place meringue on a serving plate. Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla to stiff peaks. Fold 1/4 cup of the whipped cream into lemon curd. Top meringue with curd, then the remaining whipped cream, and finally with the berries/fruit.
Notes
The meringue can be made up to two days ahead. Just wrap well in plastic and freeze. Defrost before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
10Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 331Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 92mgCarbohydrates: 49gFiber: 1gSugar: 44gProtein: 3g
76 Comments on “Pavlova With Lemon Curd”
This looks amazing! I’ve been wanting to make a pavlova for awhile. I can’t wait to try out this recipe!
You look beautiful.
Gorgeous pavlova and love the lemon fresh flavor. They are easier to make then they look but hard to travel with, learned by experience :-S
Lizzy, that is one perfect pavlova!!
xo
I just love pavlova. They are so elegant at the same time they are rustic. It’s just perfection.
this is a beautiful dessert! i’ve always loved the look of pavlovas but have never made one. the lemon curd & berries seem like the perfect pairing! yum!
Congrats on the Top 9. This is stunning. I bet it tastes delicious too, I want some.
Good tip about the pasteurized eggs, although I think the 45 minutes at 300º actually will get the eggs up to 160º. But that doesn’t happen when making meringue toppings…so it’s best to use pasteurized eggs with those.
Thanks, everyone!! I need to make this one again for my family 🙂
I love pavlovas they are so wonderfully rustic and beautiful.
A beautiful dessert anytime of year… and one of my faves. Liv loves meringue and I love the topping! We make a good team. Congrats on the Top 9!
I love your lovely pavlova, Lizzy! It really is such an elegant dessert. Congrats on Top 9 and I REALLY like the pic of you in front of your tree – what a pretty tree!! 🙂
I love Pavlova! I’ve made it a few times and it’s not quite as difficult as it might seem. I cook for a lot of people including pregnant women, children and elderly people so I always use pasteurized eggs for extra safety since the eggs don’t reach reach 160 degrees in this recipe.
Suddenly I’m no longer getting your posts sent to me by email. I wonder why. I guess I will need to sign up again.
Anyway, your pavlova looks fantastic especially covered with fresh berries and lemon curd – my favorite! Now I need to make this. The perfect dessert during the fattening holidays. A great way to indulge without the guilt!
Oh I am so drooling!!!
Pavlova’s are such an elegant dessert and with flavors of lemon curd and berries, a refreshing alternative to chocolate during the holidays! Congrats on the Top 9 🙂
Lizzy this is so delicious looking! The first I really learned about Pavlova was last year from a friend in New Zealand who did a guest post for me on how they spend Christmas. It’s such a unique dessert. I love lemon curd so am sure this is to die for!
Also say you are number 1 in the FB Top 9 today! So well deserved as always!