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Toasted Coconut Pavlovas


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5 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Dianna Muscari
  • Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 0 about 18 meringues 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 egg whites
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup sugar (divided)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon coconut extract
  • 1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes (lightly toasted)
  • Special Equipment: Piping Bag (open star tip, parchment paper or silicone baking mat)

For Coconut Custard filling:

  • Click the link above the recipe.

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the egg whites, cream of tartar and salt. Whisk for about 1-2 minutes until it starts to become frothy, then gradually stream in 2/3 cup sugar. Continue to whisk until the mixture becomes shiny and thick, about 2-3 more minutes.
  3. Add the vanilla extract and coconut extract, and beat well.
  4. Stop the mixer and remove the whisk attachment. Dip it into the meringue and pull it out straight up, then turn it over so the meringue forms a “peak”. If it holds its shape {“stiff peaks”}, its ready. If not, continue to whisk and test every so often until it does.
  5. Sprinkle in the remaining 1/3 cup of sugar, and carefully fold it in to the meringue as not to deflate all the fantastic whisking you’ve done.
  6. Fit a piping bag with an open star tip. Fill the bag with meringue. Pipe about 2 inch swirls {like you are frosting a cupcake, except flat} as the “floor” of your cup, then pipe a “wall” on top of the base. This cup will help hold the custard filling later on.
  7. Sprinkle the meringues with toasted coconut flakes, if desired. Bake the meringues for 2 hours. They should be dry and crisp, but check to make sure they are not browning. For truly crisp & set meringues, turn off the oven and allow them to sit for 3 to 4 more hours, undisturbed {or even overnight}.* NOTE:If all this talk of piping bags and star tips intimidates you, skip it! You can scoop a dollop of meringue onto the parchment or silicone and make a “well” in the center using a spoon. This will make for a more rustic presentation, but it will still work just as well & be just as delicious! Never pass up a recipe just because it might not turn out looking perfect.
  8. Make Custard: Set a small heatproof bowl and a fine mesh sieve nearby.
  9. In a small saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch and salt.
  10. Slowly add milk, whisking continually, until the mixture is smooth {make sure there are no lumps}. Whisk in the coconut milk, egg yolks, and coconut extract.
  11. Over medium heat, whisk the mixture constantly until it begins to thicken, about 5 minutes. {Note: This will happen VERY suddenly. Don’t step away for even a second! It will go from pretty liquidy to a thick pudding-like texture quickly. Just keep whisking.}
  12. Once the mixture is thickened {again, it will happen all of a sudden}, remove it from the heat and continue to whisk, whisk, whisk until smooth. Reduce the heat to low, and whisk over low heat for about a minute. {Have I said “whisk” enough times yet?}
  13. Remove from heat and scrape into the mesh sieve, set over the heatproof bowl. Using the whisk or a spatula, press the custard through the sieve to ensure that there are no lumps. You should have a gorgeously silky custard.
  14. Cover the custard with plastic wrap, with the plastic wrap directly touching the top of the custard so it does not form a skin. Refrigerate until cool. {Make sure to lick the spatula. Mmmm.}
  15. Assemble pavlovas: The custard will have solidified a bit if it’s fully cooled. Whisk it vigorously to make it as smooth as possible. Fill each meringue “cup” with about a tablespoon of custard. {I put it in a zip top plastic bag & snip the tip for easy filling.} You will have leftover custard to enjoy as you please.
  16. Drizzle with melted chocolate {or caramel, even. Holy cow, I have to go try that immediately.} and sprinkle with toasted coconut if desired. Stand back and look at this work of art before devouring!

Notes

*A little coconut extract goes a long way in my opinion, so don’t overdo it.

Meringue recipe adapted from Food Network

Coconut Custard recipe adapted from Martha Stewart .

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
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