Best Chocolate Pavlova Recipes

CHOCOLATE PAVLOVA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C).
• Beat together egg whites, salt, and cream of tartar to soft peaks in a large bowl. Beat in sugar, about three tablespoons at a time, until stiff and glossy peaks form. Sift cocoa and cornstarch over egg whites, and gently fold in. Gently fold in vinegar, vanilla, and melted chocolate.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and spread the meringue into an eight inch circle. Bake in the center of the oven for 1 1/2 hours until the outside is crispy and the center is soft. Using a metal spatula, loosen the meringue from the parchment paper, and remove to cool on a wire rack. Allow to cool completely, about one hour.
• Whip cream with the sugar, and spread over the meringue. Arrange strawberries decoratively over the top, and drizzle with chocolate.

CHOCOLATE PAVLOVA

Steps:

• Make the meringue: Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment. Draw an 8-inch circle on parchment, then flip. Mix whites, sugars, and salt in a mixer bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Whisk constantly until sugars dissolve and mixture is warm, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat, and whisk on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 8 minutes. Beat in vanilla.
• Sift cocoa powder over meringue, and fold until barely any streaks remain. Using an offset spatula or a large spoon, spread meringue into a round, using circle as a guide. (Be careful not to spread out too much; meringue will spread more during baking.) Form a well in center, being careful not to spread meringue too thin.
• Bake meringue until dry to the touch, about 1 hour. Let cool on sheet on wire rack. Meringue will keep, covered, for up to 1 day.
• To assemble pavlova: Spread dark-chocolate cream evenly in center of meringue, leaving a 1/2-inch border from edge. Spread whipped cream over chocolate cream. Garnish with chocolate curls, and serve immediately.

CHOCOLATE PAVLOVA

Steps:

• Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Line a baking sheet with parchment; set aside., Add the vinegar, cream of tartar and salt to egg whites; beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Fold in cocoa and chocolate., Spread into a 9-in. circle on prepared pan, forming a shallow well in the center. Bake at 250° for 45-55 minutes or until set and dry. Turn off oven and do not open door; leave meringue in oven for 1 hour., In a small bowl, combine raspberries and strawberries. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon liqueur; toss gently to coat. In a small bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners' sugar and remaining liqueur; beat until soft peaks form., Top meringue with berries. Arrange kiwi over berries; top with whipped cream. Refrigerate leftovers.

CHERRY CHOCOLATE PAVLOVA

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 140C/120C fan/gas 1. Whisk the egg whites just until they form stiff peaks. Gradually whisk in the sugar, a couple of tbsp at a time, making sure you whisk really well between each addition. When all the sugar has been added, keep whisking for a couple of mins until the mixture is really thick and glossy and looks a little like shaving foam. Carefully stir in the cornflour, vinegar, cocoa powder and chocolate with a large metal spoon, just until incorporated.
• Tear off a sheet of baking parchment and use to cover a baking sheet. Mark a 25cm circle on the paper. Spoon over the meringue mixture, swirling into the circle, building up the sides a little, ready to keep the filling in. Cook for 1½ hrs. Leave to cool.
• When ready to serve, whip the double cream and icing sugar together in a big bowl until soft peaks form. Spoon the cherry compote over the meringue, dollop over the cream, then swirl around. Arrange a few of the fresh cherries on top to finish.
• Heat the oven to 140C/120C fan/gas 1. Whisk the egg whites just until they form stiff peaks. Gradually whisk in the sugar, a couple of tbsp at a time, making sure you whisk really well between each addition. When all the sugar has been added, keep whisking for a couple of mins until the mixture is really thick and glossy and looks a little like shaving foam. Carefully stir in the cornflour, vinegar, cocoa powder and chocolate with a large metal spoon, just until incorporated.
• Tear off a sheet of baking parchment and use to cover a baking sheet. Mark a 25cm circle on the paper. Spoon over the meringue mixture, swirling into the circle, building up the sides a little, ready to keep the filling in. Cook for 1½ hrs. Leave to cool.
• When ready to serve, whip the double cream and icing sugar together in a big bowl until soft peaks form. Spoon the cherry compote over the meringue, dollop over the cream, then swirl around. Arrange a few of the fresh cherries on top to finish.

CHOCOLATE PECAN PAVLOVA

Steps:

• Place egg whites in a large bowl. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment. Trace two 8-in. circles 1 in. apart on the parchment; invert parchment., Preheat oven to 300°. Add vanilla and cream of tartar to egg whites; beat on medium speed until foamy. Sift 1-1/3 cups sugar and cocoa together twice. Gradually add sugar mixture, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high after each addition until sugar is dissolved. Continue beating until stiff glossy peaks form. Gently fold in ground pecans. Spread evenly over circles on prepared pan., Bake until meringue is set and dry, 45-55 minutes. Turn off oven (do not open oven door); leave meringues in oven 1 hour. Remove from oven; cool completely on baking sheet. Carefully remove 1 meringue to a serving plate. , In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and remaining 1/3 cup sugar until smooth. In a small bowl, beat cream until soft peaks form; fold into cream cheese mixture. Stir in liqueur., Spread 1/3 cup fudge ice cream topping over meringue. Top with half of the cream cheese filling. Layer with remaining meringue and remaining filling. Sprinkle with chopped pecans. Warm remaining fudge ice cream topping; drizzle over top. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

CHOCOLATE ORANGE PAVLOVA

Steps:

• Making the Pavlova:.
• Using an electric mixer with a whisk attachment, start beating the egg whites and salt until they are frothy and form very soft peaks.
• Add the vanilla and continue to whisk.
• Start to add the sugar slowly, a tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat the eggs on high until they are glossy and stiff peaks form.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Trace a plate slightly smaller than you want the final cake to be (about 8 inches is good).
• Lay the side of the paper with the pen/pencil markings face down on the baking sheet. You do not want pencil on the bottom of your dessert!
• Spoon all of the meringue into the center of the circle and smooth out with the spoon to form a mound (about i inch smaller than the circle on the parchment paper).
• Use a spoon to form a well in the center of the meringue, pushing it from the center to the edges of the Pavlova.
• Place the meringue in a preheated 225 degree F oven for 2 hours.
• Turn the oven off and allow the Pavlova to cool in the oven (if you can, leave it in the oven overnight). (You may need to hire bodyguards at this point.).
• Making the chocolate whipped cream:.
• Whip the cream, icing sugar and cocoa until stiff peaks form.
• Making the orange curd:.
• Place all of the ingredients except the butter into the top of a double-boiler (or place about 2 inches water in a saucepan, bring to a gentle simmer and place a metal bowl over it).
• Whisk everything together and cook over a gentle simmer until the mixture thickens.
• Continue to whisk as it cooks - it can take eight to 20 minutes.
• The mixture will coat the back of a spoon when it's ready.
• Remove from heat and add the butter.
• Whisk until the butter has melted and been completely incorporated.
• Place a piece of wax paper or parchment paper on the top of the curd to keep a skin from forming (I hate skin).
• Refrigerate until cold.
• Two to four hours before serving, spoon the whipped cream into the well in the center of the cooled Pavlova.
• Use a spoon to form a well in the whipped cream.
• Spoon the orange curd into the well in the whipped cream.
• Refrigerate until you are ready to serve.

CHOCOLATE PAVLOVA WITH STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM

Steps:

• Make the Pavlova: Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Beat the egg whites, cream of tartar and salt in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until very foamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually beat in the sugar, about 2 tablespoons at a time (this should take about 3 minutes). Continue beating until stiff and shiny, about 3 more minutes.
• Sift the cocoa powder over the egg white mixture and sprinkle with the chopped chocolate; fold to combine. Spread the meringue into an 8-inch circle on the prepared baking sheet, making a shallow well in the center. Reduce the oven temperature to 225 degrees F; bake until firm and dry, about 2 hours. Turn off the oven and open the door slightly. Let the meringue cool in the oven, about 3 hours. Carefully remove from the parchment and transfer to a platter.
• Make the toppings: Beat the heavy cream, sour cream, vanilla and 2 tablespoons sugar in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 2 minutes. Toss the strawberries with the remaining 1 teaspoon sugar. Top the Pavlova with the whipped cream and strawberries.

COCONUT PAVLOVA WITH CHOCOLATE MOUSSE AND BANANAS

Steps:

• For meringue:
• Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350°F. Spread 11/2 cups coconut on large baking sheet. Toast until golden, stirring twice, about 15 minutes. Cool. Maintain oven temperature.
• Line another large baking sheet with foil. Using electric mixer, beat egg whites and next 4 ingredients in large bowl until foamy. Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Beat in 1/4 cup boiling water, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until whites are stiff and glossy. Fold in 1 cup toasted coconut. Spoon meringue onto center of prepared baking sheet and spread to 9-inch-diameter circle with slightly raised edges. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup untoasted coconut.
• Bake meringue 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 200°F and bake until dry and crisp outside and just cooked through inside, about 1 hour. Turn off oven. Let meringue stand in oven 1 hour. Remove from oven and cool completely.
• For mousse:
• Whisk egg yolks, 2 tablespoons sugar, butter, 2 tablespoons water, and rum in medium metal bowl to blend. Set bowl over saucepan of simmering water (do not allow bottom of bowl to touch water). Whisk until thermometer inserted into mixture registers 160°F, about 6 minutes. Add chocolate and whisk until melted and smooth. Turn off heat; leave bowl over water.
• Using electric mixer, beat egg whites in large bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add 2 tablespoons sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Fold 1/3 of egg whites into chocolate mixture to lighten. Fold in remaining whites. Remove from over water and let mousse cool 20 minutes.
• Beat whipping cream in large bowl until peaks form. Place meringue on platter. Spread mousse over center of meringue; top with sliced bananas. Spread whipped cream over bananas and chill at least 20 minutes and up to 3 hours.
• Sprinkle with remaining toasted coconut. Cut into wedges and serve.

CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY PAVLOVA

Steps:

• Prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment. Draw a 9-inch-diameter circle on the paper with a pencil, tracing a round cake tin that size. Flip the paper over so your meringue doesn't touch the pencil marks - you'll still be able to see the circle. Make the meringue: Beat the egg whites with a mixer until satiny peaks form, and then beat in the sugar a spoonful at a time until the meringue is stiff and shiny. Add the chocolate: Sprinkle the cocoa, vinegar and then the chopped chocolate over the egg whites. Gently fold everything with a rubber spatula until the cocoa is thoroughly mixed in. Shape the meringue: Secure the parchment to the baking sheet with a dab of meringue under each corner. Mound the meringue onto the parchment within the circle, smoothing the sides and the top with a spatula. Bake the meringue: Place in the oven, then immediately turn the temperature down to 300 degrees F and cook for one to one and a quarter hours. When it's ready, it should look crisp and dry on top, but when you prod the center you should feel the promise of squidginess beneath your fingers. Let it cool: Turn off the oven and open the door slightly; let the chocolate meringue disk cool completely in the oven. When you'reready to serve, invert onto a big flatbottomed plate and peel off the parchment. Decorate the Pavlova: Whisk the cream till thick but still soft and pile it on top of the meringue, then scatter the raspberries on top. Coarsely grate the chocolate haphazardly over the top so that you get curls of chocolate rather than rubble, as you don't want the raspberries' luscious color and form to be obscured. You want the Pavlova to look like a frosted cake.

CHOCOLATE & PEANUT BUTTER PAVLOVA

Steps:

• First, make the crémeux. Bring the milk and cream to the boil in a small saucepan, whisking occasionally. Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together in a medium heatproof bowl until smooth. Pour in the hot cream mixture in a steady stream, whisking continuously until combined. Return to the saucepan, and simmer over a low heat for 3-4 mins, stirring continously until thickened to a custard.
• Put the dark chocolate into a large heatproof bowl and strain the hot custard over it through a fine mesh sieve, whisking until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth. Leave to cool for 5 mins until just warm. Add the butter and blitz using a hand blender until smooth. Cover and leave at room temperature until needed.
• Heat the oven to 150C/130C fan/gas 2 and line two baking sheets with baking parchment. For the meringue, beat the egg whites in a large, clean bowl using an electric whisk or in a stand mixer until soft peaks form, then gradually beat in the sugar, 1 tsp at a time, until the meringue is thick and glossy. Whisk in the vinegar and cornflour.
• Spoon half the meringue mixture into the middle of one of the prepared baking sheets, and spread out into a roughly 20-25cm circle. Repeat with the the remaining meringue mixture on the second baking sheet. Drizzle the melted chocolate evenly over both circles, then gently swirl it using a cutlery knife or skewer until you have a marbled effect. Bake for 1 hr, turn off the oven and leave the meringues to cool completely inside.
• Meanwhile, make the candied peanuts. Tip the peanuts, sugar and 1 tbsp water into a heavy-bottomed saucepan and cook over a medium heat for 3-4 mins, stirring until the peanuts start to crystallise and turn white. Continue to cook, stirring, for another 3-4 mins until the peanuts turn dark brown. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt flakes, then scrape onto a sheet of baking parchment. Spread out using a spatula, and leave to cool completely.
• For the peanut butter cream, melt the white chocolate, peanut butter, butter and 25ml cream in a small saucepan over a low heat, stirring until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and leave to cool for 10 mins. Whisk the remaining cream to soft peaks, then fold in the peanut butter mixture until thick and billowy.
• To assemble, put one meringue circle on a serving plate, spoon over half the crémeux followed by half the peanut butter cream, then sprinkle with half the candied peanuts. Top with the second meringue circle, then the remaining crémeux and peanut butter cream, and the rest of the candied peanuts. Scatter over some dark chocolate shavings, if you like. Will keep chilled for up to two days.

CHOCOLATE ORANGE PAVLOVA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 150 degrees celsius.
• Whisk egg whites until stiff.
• Add sugar one teaspoon at a time whisking until meringue is very stiff and shiny.
• Whisk in cornflour, vinegar and vanilla.
• Fold in cocoa powder and orange zest.
• Pile mixture onto a baking sheet (baking parchment is best) and spread into a 9 inch round. Hollow out centre slightly using the back of a spoon.
• Bake for 1 3/4 hours.
• Let Pavlova cool and place on serving dish.
• Whip the cream and spread on top of the Pavlova, add the chocolate curls, serve and enjoy!

LOW-FAT CHOCOLATE MOUSSE IN A MERINGUE SHELL (PAVLOVA)

Steps:

• MERINGUE SHELL: Preheat oven to 250 degrees. In a mixer bowl, whisk egg whites and cream of tarter until soft peaks form.
• While using a mixer at med-high speed, add sugar, 1 T. at a time until all sugar is incorporated.
• Add vanilla and continue to beat at high speed until mixture stands in stiff, glossy peaks.
• Spoon mixture onto parchment paper or non-stick foil, making a 9" circle that is mounded up at the outside edge.
• Bake 250 degrees for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Then turn oven off and allow it to stay inside the oven another hour (or overnight) to cool completely.
• FILLING: Whisk chocolate syrup into milk, then blend the milk mixture into the pudding. Whisk only about one minute; allow pudding to sit 5 minutes to thicken.
• Mound thickened filling into cooled Pavlova shell; refrigerate 4 hours or until filling has set. If desired, garnish with chocolate curls to serve.

CHOCOLATE PAVLOVA WITH RASPBERRIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 275 degrees, placing rack at the center of your oven.
• Place an 8 or 9 inch cake pan on a sheet of parchment paper and trace around the rim using a pen. Place the parcment on a cookie sheet penciled side down - facing the baking sheet.
• If you are using regular sugar, place it into the bowl of a food processor and blend for 30 seconds to get a finer granule. Remeasure out 1 1/4 cups and discard any excess.
• Using a mixer, whisk the egg whites until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and continue to beat on medium-high speed until they hold soft peaks. Add the sugar, a tablespoon at a time, and continue to beat until the meringue holds stiff peaks. Gently fold in the vinegar and vanilla extract. Sift the cocoa powder and cornstarch over the top of the meringue and, using a large spatula, fold together. Lastly, fold in the chopped chocolate.
• Gently spread the meringue inside the circle drawn on the parchment paper, smoothing the edges. While spreading create a SMALL indentation in the center so that there will be a natural hollow for the raspberries and whipped cream.
• Bake for about 1 hour to 1 1/4 hours or until the outside is dry. There will be small cracks on the surface but the center will still be soft and gooey.) Shut the oven off, leave the door slightly open, and allow the meringue cool completely in the oven.
• Just before serving gently place the meringue on a serving plate. Whip the cream until soft peaks form. Sweeten with the sugar and then mound the softly whipped cream into the center of the meringue. Arrange the raspberries on top of the cream.
• Serve immediately.

WHITE CHOCOLATE PAVLOVA

Steps:

• Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 170 degrees F (80 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• For the meringues: Beat the egg whites with an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment on medium-high speed until they hold soft peaks. Start adding the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, and continue to beat until the meringue holds very stiff peaks. Test to see if the sugar is fully dissolved by rubbing a little of the meringue between your thumb and index finger. The meringue should feel smooth, not gritty. If it feels gritty the sugar has not fully dissolved, so keep beating until it feels smooth between your fingers.
• Gently spread the meringue into 8 small rounds on the parchment paper, smoothing the edges and making sure the edges are slightly higher than the center. (You want a slight well in the center of the meringues to place the cream and compote.)
• Bake until the outside of the meringues is dry, about 3 hours. (The outside of the meringue will feel firm to the touch if gently pressed, but as it cools you will get a little cracking and it will have a marshmallow texture.) Let cool.
• For the ground cherry compote: Combine the cherries, sugar, and citrus zests and juice in a saucepan. Simmer until the cherries are translucent and the liquid is syrupy, about 25 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool.
• For the white chocolate cream: Bring the cream just to a simmer in a saucepan. Whisk together the egg yolks and sugar in a bowl. Slowly pour in the hot cream, whisking constantly, than return the mixture to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thickened, about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Put the chopped chocolate in a large bowl. Pour the hot cream mixture through a strainer over the chocolate. Stir until the chocolate is melted. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Beat the white chocolate mixture with a mixer until pale and thick.
• To serve, place each meringue on a serving plate. Fill the centers with a dollop of white chocolate cream and top with the cherry compote.
• Cook's Note: The cooled meringues can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for a few days. The cherry compote can be served on pancakes, waffles, or ice cream. The white chocolate cream can also be used to frost a cake.

MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP PAVLOVA FOR TWO

Steps:

• For the meringue: Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whip or whisk attachment, whip together the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until the mixture looks frothy. Then, gradually whip in the sugar in a slow, steady stream. Add the vanilla and salt, and whip to medium-stiff peaks.
• Gently fold in the chopped chocolate, then dollop the meringue onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into a circle about 6 inches wide. Use the back of a spoon to make the interior of the meringue slightly shallower than the exterior "walls."
• Transfer to the oven, immediately lower the temperature to 200 degrees F and bake until the outside of the meringue is dry to the touch and appears set, about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and leave the meringue inside the oven for 1 hour to fully dry.
• For the topping: In a medium saucepan, bring the cream to a simmer over medium heat. Add the mint, cover, remove from the heat and steep for 15 minutes. Remove the mint and chill the cream for at least 1 hour.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whip or whisk attachment, whip the chilled cream and vanilla on medium speed. Sprinkle in the sugar and cocoa while whipping. Continue to whip to medium peaks.
• To serve, place the cooled meringue on a serving dish or platter. Spoon the chocolate mint whipped cream on top of the meringue and garnish with the chopped chocolate.

CHOCOLATE PAVLOVA FROM "COOK YOURSELF THIN"

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• 2. Whisk the egg whites and salt on high speed until they hold their shape. Add the lemon juice and whisk just to incorporate. Add the sugar gradually until the mixture stands in firm peaks. Sift the cocoa powder into a small corner of the bowl and lightly fold it into the meringue using a plastic spatula (3 turns). Do not overmix or you will lose the rippled effect. Pour the meringue onto the parchment-lined sheet pan in an oval shape, roughly 2 inches high. Place into the bottom of the oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• 3. Switch off the oven without opening the door and leave the pavlova in the turned-off oven for 1 hour. Remove and set aside.
• 4. For the topping: Whisk the whipping cream and 1 tablespoons confectioners' sugar into semi-stiff peaks and spoon on top of the pavlova. Sprinkle with raspberries and shaved chocolate before serving. Finish with drizzled chocolate.

CHOCOLATE PAVLOVA

Steps:

• 1. 1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• 2. 2. Whisk the egg whites and salt on high speed until they hold their shape. Add the sugar gradually until the mixture stands in firm peaks. Add the lemon juice and whisk just to incorporate. Sift the cocoa powder into a small corner of the bowl and lightly fold it into the meringue using a plastic spatula. Do not overmix or you will lose the rippled effect. Pour the meringue onto the parchment-lined sheet pan in an oval shape, roughly 3 inches by 5 inches and 2 inches high. Place into the bottom of the oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• 3. 3. Switch off the oven without opening the door and leave the pavlova in the turned-off oven for one hour. Remove and set aside.
• 4. 4. For the topping: Whisk the whipping cream into semi-stiff peaks and spoon on top of the pavlova. Sprinkle with raspberries and shaved chocolate before serving. Finish with drizzled chocolate.

CHOCOLATE PAVLOVA

Steps:

• 1. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Trace 8 inch circle on paper; turn paper over.
• 2. In a bowl and using electric beaters, beat egg whites with salt and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
• 3. Gradually beat in sugar until stiff glossy peaks form.
• 4. Sift cocoa and cornstarch over top; gently fold in.
• 5. Gently fold in vinegar, vanilla and chocolate. Mound onto circle on prepared baking sheet.
• 6. Bake in 275F oven for 1-1/2 hours or until crispy outside but still soft in the center.
• 7. Transfer to rack; let cool completely. Place on serving plate.
• 8. Topping: Slice or halve strawberries. Set aside.
• 9. In a bowl whip cream with sugar and pour onto meringue.
• 10. Arrange strawberries decoratively over top. Drizzle melted chocolate over berries.
• 11. Tips: 1. Eggs separate better cold but whip up better at room temperature. 2. If you have no bittersweet chocolate on hand to drizzle over berries, just sieve some unsweetened cocoa powder over top for a dazzling effect.

CHOCOLATE PAVLOVA WITH WINTER FRUIT

Steps:

• To make the chocolate meringue: Preheat the oven to 225°F convection or 250°F conventional. Line a rimmed baking sheet with a Silpat or parchment paper. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip the egg whites, vanilla bean paste, and cream of tartar until soft peaks begin to form. Sift together the sugar, cocoa powder, and cornstarch. With the motor running at low speed, add the sugar mixture 1 tablespoon at a time to the egg whites. Add the vinegar and dark chocolate. Whip until fully incorporated and the egg whites hold a stiff peak (the whip attachment will have a sturdy egg white tail when removed). Scoop the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Shape into a 9- to 10-inch circle with a slightly higher edge. Bake until the outside is dry and starting to crack slightly, 1 to 1½ hours. Turn the heat off and leave the meringue in the oven to cool, about 1 hour. To make the whipped cream: Add the cream, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Whip until the cream holds soft peaks. To assemble: Place the baked meringue onto a serving platter or cake stand. Spread the whipped cream in the center leaving a 2-inch gap around the edge. Arrange the fruit on top and serve immediately.

CHOCOLATE PAVLOVA WITH CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

Steps:

• Make the pavlova: Heat oven to 250 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw an 8-inch circle in the middle, then flip the paper upside down. You should still be able to see the outline.
• Mix egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar and salt in a mixing bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Whisk constantly until sugar dissolves and mixture is warm, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat and, using an electric mixer, beat with the whisk attachment on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 5 to 7 minutes.
• Gently sift cocoa powder over the egg whites, then use a rubber spatula to fold the cocoa into the whites until just combined. A few cocoa streaks are O.K. and in fact better than overmixing, which can deflate the meringue.
• Spoon half the meringue mixture onto the circle on the parchment paper to form a round, spreading it all the way to the edges. Dollop remaining meringue around the outer edges on top of the circle, creating a nest to hold the filling.
• Bake for 2 hours, or until dry and firm to the touch. Turn off the oven and allow the pavlova to cool in the oven 1 hour. Remove from oven and, if necessary, continue to cool to room temperature.
• Make the mousse: In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1 1/4 cups/295 milliliters cream, the yolks, 3 tablespoons/35 grams sugar and the salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture coats the back of a spoon, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and pass through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl. Whisk in melted chocolate, vanilla and rum. Chill until cold, at least 2 hours.
• Using an electric mixer, whisk together the remaining 1 3/4 cups/415 milliliters cream with remaining 3 tablespoons/35 grams sugar until firm peaks form. Stir 1/3 of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture to lighten it, then gently fold in the remaining cream. Refrigerate, covered, at least 30 minutes or up to 3 days.
• Just before serving, spoon mousse into the center of the cooled pavlova, then top with crème fraîche. Top with fresh berries or chocolate shavings if desired.