Irish Cream Layered Pavlova

Introduction

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth, look no further than this Irish Cream Layered Pavlova. This dessert is a beautiful fusion of light, crispy meringue, rich Irish cream, and fresh fruit, all layered together for an unforgettable treat. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or just craving something indulgent, this pavlova is the perfect choice. With its elegant presentation and irresistible flavors, it’s sure to become your new favorite dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to love this Irish Cream Layered Pavlova. Here are just a few:

• Light and Fluffy: The meringue base is wonderfully crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, creating the perfect contrast with the creamy layers.
• Rich and Creamy: The Irish cream adds a decadent, velvety flavor that complements the delicate meringue and fresh fruit.
• Customizable: Feel free to switch up the fruit depending on the season or your preferences. Berries, citrus, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce would work beautifully.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: With its stunning presentation, this pavlova is ideal for holidays, dinner parties, or any event where you want to impress.
• A Balanced Dessert: The sweetness of the meringue and cream is perfectly balanced by the tangy fruit, making each bite a harmonious experience.
• Easy to Make: While it may look fancy, this dessert is surprisingly simple to put together with just a few key ingredients.
• Great for Sharing: This dessert is perfect for sharing with family and friends, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 8-10
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fiber: 2g, Fat: 18g, Carbohydrates: 40g, Protein: 5g

Ingredients

Before you start making this Irish Cream Layered Pavlova dessert, gather the following ingredients:

For the Meringue Base:

• 6 large egg whites
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

the Irish Cream Filling:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup Irish cream liqueur (like Baileys)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Fruit Layer:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• Optional: mint leaves for garnish

Ingredient Highlights

• Egg Whites: The key to a perfect meringue, creating a light and airy base.
• Irish Cream Liqueur: Adds a rich, creamy flavor with a hint of sweetness, elevating the dessert to a new level.
• Fresh Fruit: Provides a refreshing contrast to the rich cream and crispy meringue, adding color and texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Gives the cream a smooth and velvety finish, making it perfect for layering.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to create this beautiful and delicious Irish Cream Layered Pavlova? Follow these steps for a flawless dessert:

1. Prepare the Meringue Base

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw a large circle (about 8-10 inches in diameter) as a guide for your meringue.
2. Whisk the Egg Whites: In a large, clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar, a little at a time, continuing to beat the egg whites until stiff, glossy peaks form (about 5-6 minutes).
4. Add Flavor and Structure: Gently fold in the vanilla extract, vinegar, and cornstarch. These will help stabilize the meringue and give it a smooth texture.
5. Shape the Meringue: Spoon the meringue mixture onto the parchment paper, using the drawn circle as a guide. Spread it out evenly and smooth the top to form a flat surface with slightly raised edges.
6. Bake: Bake the meringue in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, until the meringue is dry to the touch and can be easily lifted from the parchment paper. Turn off the oven and let the meringue cool completely inside the oven with the door slightly ajar. This prevents cracking by allowing it to cool slowly.

2. Prepare the Irish Cream Filling

1. Whip the Cream: While the meringue is cooling, pour the heavy whipping cream into a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream on medium speed until it begins to thicken (about 2-3 minutes).
2. Add the Liqueur and Sweeteners: Add the Irish cream liqueur, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Continue beating until the cream reaches soft peaks (about 2-3 minutes more). Be careful not to overwhip, or the cream may become too stiff.
3. Chill: Place the whipped Irish cream filling in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the pavlova.

3. Assemble the Pavlova

1. Place the Meringue on a Serving Platter: Once the meringue is cool and crispy, carefully transfer it to a large serving platter or cake stand.
2. Spread the Irish Cream Filling: Using a spatula, spread the Irish cream filling evenly over the top of the meringue, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Top with Fresh Fruit: Arrange the fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries on top of the cream layer. Feel free to get creative with the arrangement – a swirl of berries or a neat, symmetrical pattern both look beautiful.
4. Garnish: For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of extra Irish cream liqueur.
5. Chill: Refrigerate the assembled pavlova for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. Serve and Enjoy

• Slice and Serve: When you’re ready to serve, use a sharp knife to slice the pavlova into wedges. The meringue should be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the cream should be smooth and indulgent.
• Pair with Drinks: This dessert pairs wonderfully with a glass of sparkling wine, coffee, or even more Irish cream liqueur for a truly luxurious experience.
• Perfect for Sharing: This pavlova is ideal for parties or gatherings. The layers look stunning and are perfect for sharing with friends and family.

How to Serve

Here are a few ways to present your Irish Cream Layered Pavlova:

1. On a Beautiful Cake Stand: Display the pavlova on a tall cake stand for an elegant presentation.
2. Individual Servings: If you prefer, slice the pavlova into individual portions and serve them on small dessert plates.
3. With a Cup of Coffee: This dessert pairs beautifully with a strong coffee or espresso, making it perfect for a brunch or after-dinner treat.
4. With Extra Whipped Cream: Add an extra dollop of whipped cream on top of each slice for an even more indulgent experience.

Additional Tips

Make your Irish Cream Layered Pavlova even better with these helpful tips:

1. Use Room Temperature Eggs: For the best meringue, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature before whipping.
2. Check for Doneness: The meringue should feel dry and crisp on the outside and sound hollow when tapped.
3. Add Your Favorite Fruits: While this recipe uses berries, feel free to swap in other seasonal fruits like kiwi, peaches, or citrus slices for variety.
4. Stabilize the Meringue: If you live in a humid climate, you can add a pinch of cream of tartar to the egg whites to help stabilize the meringue.
5. Make Ahead: You can prepare the meringue and cream filling a day in advance. Just assemble the pavlova right before serving to keep the meringue crisp.

Recipe Variations

For different twists on this classic dessert, try these variations:

• Chocolate Pavlova: Add cocoa powder to the meringue for a chocolatey twist. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the assembled pavlova.
• Tropical Pavlova: Swap the berries for tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and passion fruit for a sunny, exotic version.
• Nutty Version: Sprinkle toasted nuts, such as pistachios or almonds, on top of the fruit for an added crunch.
• Vegan Pavlova: For a vegan version, replace the egg whites with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) and use dairy-free cream and Irish cream liqueur alternatives.

Freezing and Storage

Proper storage ensures your Irish Cream Layered Pavlova stays fresh:

• Storage: Store any leftover pavlova in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the meringue will soften over time due to the cream, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
• Freezing: You can freeze the meringue base for up to 1 month. Wrap it carefully in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, defrost the meringue at room temperature and top with the cream and fruit.
  

Freezing and Storage

Here are some frequently asked questions about making this Irish Cream Pavlova. Whether you’re a first-timer or looking for some extra tips, these answers should help you out!

• Can I make the meringue ahead of time?
  Yes, you can! Just store the meringue in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day.
• What can I use instead of Irish cream liqueur?
  Non-alcoholic Irish cream flavoring, or a mixture of heavy cream with vanilla extract and sweetened condensed milk, will give you a similar creamy flavor.
• How can I prevent the meringue from cracking?
  To avoid cracks, let the meringue cool slowly in the oven with the door slightly ajar. Don’t open the oven door too early!
• Can I use frozen fruit?
  While fresh fruit is best, you can use thawed and drained frozen fruit if needed. Just make sure to remove any excess moisture to prevent the meringue from becoming soggy.
• How long can I store leftover pavlova?
  Leftover pavlova can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, but the meringue may soften over time.
• Can I make individual servings of this pavlova?
  Absolutely! You can shape smaller meringue discs and layer them with the Irish cream and fruit for individual servings.
• Can I make the pavlova gluten-free?
  Yes! Pavlova is naturally gluten-free since it’s made with egg whites, sugar, and cornstarch.

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Conclusion

This Irish Cream Layered Pavlova is truly a dessert that’ll take your taste buds on a journey. Light, creamy, and filled with rich flavor, it’s perfect for any celebration or as a treat to enjoy with family and friends. I’d love to see how you make this pavlova your own—whether you stick with the classic fruit or add your twist. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations!