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Pink Pepper Pavlova With Roasted Strawberry Balsamic Glaze
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Pink Pepper Pavlova With Roasted Strawberry Balsamic Glaze

Recipe by Chef zouheir

From the Blog Author

This Pink Pepper Pavlova With Roasted Strawberry Balsamic Glaze is truly one of my signature desserts, and it’s a bake that always feels like a little celebration, even on a Tuesday! I first made this when I was looking for a showstopper dessert that didn't require hours in the kitchen, and it absolutely delivered. What I adore about this recipe is the incredible balance of textures and tastes. The exterior of the pavlova is perfectly crisp, giving way to that gorgeous, marshmallowy center that melts in your mouth. And that glaze? The subtle floral heat from the pink peppercorns cuts through the sweetness of the roasted strawberries and balsamic vinegar in the most sophisticated yet approachable way. It feels fancy, but honestly, it’s surprisingly simple to pull together, especially when you’re managing a busy schedule. My biggest tip for success is to make sure your meringue bowl is completely grease-free before you start whipping; this gets you those beautiful, stiff peaks every single time. Don't be intimidated by the meringue; just follow the steps, and you’ll have a masterpiece. I really hope you give this a try soon because it brightens any table it sits on. Once you’ve made it, email us and let me know how that amazing glaze turned out for you!
Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
1 hour 25 minutes
Servings
6
Difficulty
Medium

Ingredients

  • 4 egg whites
  • 200 grams granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 11/2 teaspoons pink peppercorns
  • 300 grams fresh strawberries
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • Pinch of salt
  • 200 milliliters heavy cream
  • 100 grams mascarpone cheese
  • 11/2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla paste
  • Micro basil leaves
  • Crushed pink peppercorns
  • Edible flowers

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 120°C (250°F).

2

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3

Beat egg whites until soft peaks form.

4

Gradually add sugar until glossy stiff peaks form.

5

Gently fold in vinegar, cornstarch, vanilla, and crushed pink peppercorns.

6

Spoon or pipe individual nests onto the prepared baking sheet.

7

Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and let the pavlovas cool inside with the door slightly ajar for 30 minutes.

8

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

9

Toss strawberries with balsamic vinegar, honey, and salt.

10

Roast strawberries for 20–25 minutes until syrupy.

11

Beat heavy cream, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until thick and smooth.

12

Fill the cooled pavlovas with a generous spoonful of mascarpone cream.

13

Top with the roasted strawberries and their glaze.

14

Finish with micro basil, extra pink peppercorns, and optional edible flowers.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

1
DEIME Air Fryer 3 Qt, Small Airfryer Digital Space Saving Compact, Bake, Reheat, Roasts for Quick Easy Meals, Mini Compact & Quiet, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket (Black)
• Digital Controls: precise temperature and timer keep pastries golden and flaky every time. • Non‑stick Basket: releases cookies and brownies without a second cleaning, so you can focus on flavor. • Compact Size: fits under the counter, leaving room for trays of cake batter or a cookie sheet. • Quiet Operation: bake overnight without waking anyone, keeping the kitchen calm for your next batch. Why We Love It: The non‑stick basket saves cleanup time, letting you focus on creative dessert ideas—perfect for busy bakers who love sweet successes.
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2
Air Fryer Oven Large 20 QT, 10-in-1 Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo with Window for Family, Airfryer Oven with Rotisserie, 3 Dehydrating Racks
• 20‑QT Capacity: Bake large batches for families—or desserts that last—saving prep time. • 10‑In‑1 All‑in‑One: Cook toast, bake, air‑fry, roast, dehydrate—one appliance, no clutter. • Clear Window: Watch golden crusts finish perfectly without opening the door. • Rotisserie Feature: Evenly roast fruit or treats for a moist, caramelized result. • Dehydrating Racks: Turn fresh fruit into sweet, snack‑size treats faster. Why We Love It: Its big capacity and rotisserie make family‑sized desserts effortless, and the dehydrating racks turn fruit into tasty, homemade snacks in minutes.
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3
Ninja | Air Fryer | 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity fits 9lbs of Wings | 6-in-1 Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat & Dehydrate | Nonstick Basket, Crisper Plate & Recipe Guide | Grey | AF181
• 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity lets you bake cookies or cake layers for the whole party in one go. • 6-in-1 Max Crisp mixes air fry, bake, and dehydrate, so fewer appliances and more baking freedom. • Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate releases desserts cleanly, cutting cleanup time. • Recipe Guide gives fool‑proof dessert tips for first‑time bakers. Why We Love It: We love the big capacity for crowd‑sized treats. And Max Crisp gives every cookie a perfect edge.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make the Pink Pepper Pavlova shell?

The pavlova shell itself can be made up to 2 days ahead of time. Ensure it is completely cooled and stored in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crisp exterior and marshmallowy center before you add the toppings.

Can I substitute the pink peppercorns in this recipe?

For the signature flavor profile, it's best to keep the pink peppercorns, as they offer a unique floral spice. If unavailable, you could use a very small pinch of finely crushed black peppercorns, but note that the flavor will be sharper and less delicate.

What is the best way to store leftovers of the fully assembled Pavlova?

Because the pavlova base absorbs moisture quickly, it's best to store leftovers for no more than 4 hours after assembly. Store any unused roasted strawberries and balsamic glaze separately in the refrigerator and assemble individual portions as needed.