Banoffee Pavlova is a delightful fusion of textures and flavors, combining the airy crispness of meringue with the rich creaminess of whipped cream, the sweetness of bananas, and the indulgent drizzle of caramel. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and cream, with a touch of crunch from the meringue base, making it a dessert that both excites and comforts. This recipe is ideal for entertaining, as it not only tastes delicious but also looks stunning on the table. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to something special, this Banoffee Pavlova will impress with its luscious layers and eye-catching presentation.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 bananas, sliced
- 1/2 cup dulce de leche or caramel sauce
- Grated chocolate for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw an 8-inch circle as a guide.
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until the mixture is glossy and stiff. This may take about 8-10 minutes.
- Gently fold in the vanilla extract, vinegar, and cornstarch.
- Spoon the meringue onto the parchment paper, spreading it to fit the 8-inch circle. Create a slight indent in the center for the toppings.
- Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and leave the meringue to cool completely inside.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Once the meringue is cooled, top it with whipped cream, sliced bananas, and drizzle generously with dulce de leche or caramel sauce.
- Finish with grated chocolate for garnish.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 servings
A Brief History of Pavlova and Banoffee
The pavlova dessert was created in honor of the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova during her tours to Australia and New Zealand in the 1920s. Its meringue base is light and crisp on the outside with a soft, marshmallowy interior, and it’s typically topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit. The dish became a symbol of celebration, served on special occasions like holidays and birthdays.
Banoffee pie, on the other hand, was developed in 1971 by Ian Dowding and Nigel Mackenzie in Sussex, England. It features a graham cracker or digestive biscuit crust filled with bananas, whipped cream, and toffee or caramel, making it a beloved comfort food dessert in the UK.
Combining these two iconic desserts gives us the Banoffee Pavlova, which features the best of both worlds: the lightness of pavlova and the richness of banoffee. The balance of flavors and textures—crunchy meringue, soft whipped cream, ripe bananas, and sweet caramel—makes this dessert a showstopper that is as delicious as it is beautiful.
Why Banoffee Pavlova Stands Out
Banoffee Pavlova is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience for the senses. Here’s why this recipe is a standout:
- Perfect Combination of Textures: The contrast between the crisp meringue shell and the soft, fluffy whipped cream creates a satisfying mouthfeel. Add the smooth caramel and the tender banana slices, and you have a textural masterpiece. Each bite provides a combination of crunch, creaminess, and silkiness that’s hard to resist.
- A Balance of Sweetness: While pavlova can sometimes be too sweet, the banana and caramel tones in this recipe offer a natural sweetness that complements the sugary meringue. The whipped cream, which is not overly sweetened, helps balance the dish by adding a light, airy feel to the overall flavor profile. The banana offers a hint of freshness, making each bite more enjoyable and less heavy than a purely sugar-based dessert.
- Versatile and Customizable: One of the great things about Banoffee Pavlova is how versatile it is. You can easily adjust the toppings based on personal preferences. For a richer flavor, add more caramel or use a chocolate drizzle. Want a more refreshing version? Use different fruits like strawberries or raspberries alongside the bananas. You could also sprinkle crushed nuts or add a dash of cinnamon for extra warmth and depth.
- Impressive Presentation: This dessert is a showstopper, making it perfect for celebrations or dinner parties. Its height, the glossy sheen of the meringue, the vibrant bananas, and the drizzle of caramel all make for a dessert that not only tastes incredible but also looks beautiful. It’s the kind of dessert that will have your guests reaching for their phones to snap a photo before diving in.
- Relatively Simple Ingredients: Despite its gourmet appearance, Banoffee Pavlova is made with relatively simple and affordable ingredients. Eggs, sugar, cream, bananas, and caramel sauce are all common items in most kitchens, and they come together to create something truly special.
Health and Nutritional Benefits
While desserts aren’t typically known for their health benefits, Banoffee Pavlova does offer some redeeming qualities compared to other indulgent sweets.
- Bananas: Bananas are a fantastic source of potassium, which helps with heart health and maintaining proper muscle function. They’re also rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber, which aid digestion and help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Egg Whites: Egg whites, the main component of the meringue, are a low-calorie source of high-quality protein. They are also free of fat and cholesterol, making the meringue a lighter option compared to butter-heavy desserts.
- Whipped Cream in Moderation: While whipped cream does add some fat and calories, it also provides calcium, which is good for bone health. The key is to enjoy this dessert in moderation—its richness means a little goes a long way.
Tips for Success
Making the perfect Banoffee Pavlova requires a bit of finesse, but with these tips, you’ll have a flawless dessert every time:
- Be Patient with the Meringue: When beating the egg whites, take your time to reach stiff peaks. This ensures the meringue will hold its shape when baking and that it won’t collapse. Gradually adding the sugar will also help stabilize the mixture. Once baked, allow the meringue to cool slowly in the oven to prevent cracking.
- Choose Ripe Bananas: The bananas in this recipe are a key component, so make sure to choose ripe, but not overripe, bananas. They should be firm enough to hold their shape when sliced, but sweet and soft enough to complement the caramel.
- Whip Cream Just Right: Be careful not to over-whip the cream. You want stiff peaks, but if you go too far, the cream can become grainy or even start to turn into butter. The whipped cream should be soft, airy, and cloud-like.
- Serve Immediately: While you can prepare the meringue ahead of time, it’s best to assemble the dessert right before serving. The whipped cream and caramel can cause the meringue to become soggy if left to sit for too long. Assemble it just before your guests arrive for the best texture and flavor.
Variations and Alternatives
If you’d like to experiment with this recipe, here are a few ideas to try:
- Chocolate Banoffee Pavlova: Add some melted chocolate to the whipped cream for a richer twist. You could also drizzle dark chocolate over the top instead of, or in addition to, the caramel.
- Tropical Pavlova: Add other fruits such as mango or passion fruit alongside the bananas for a tropical flair.
- Nutty Caramel Pavlova: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the caramel to add a nutty crunch.
- Vegan Option: To make this dessert vegan, you can use aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) to create the meringue, and substitute the whipped cream with coconut cream. Vegan caramel can be made from coconut milk and sugar.
Why Banoffee Pavlova is Perfect for Special Occasions
Banoffee Pavlova’s stunning presentation and luxurious flavors make it a perfect choice for special occasions. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, holiday dinner, or a casual get-together, this dessert has the ability to elevate the entire meal. Its golden hue, thanks to the caramel drizzle and bananas, gives it an elegant, celebratory vibe. Plus, the combination of the crispy meringue and smooth toppings makes for a sophisticated dessert that’s guaranteed to impress your guests.
Another bonus? It’s naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for guests with dietary restrictions. The pavlova base is made entirely of egg whites, sugar, and cornstarch, making it a dessert that just about anyone can enjoy.
Conclusion
Banoffee Pavlova is a beautiful and indulgent dessert that offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Its roots in both pavlova and banoffee pie make it a fascinating culinary fusion, perfect for modern dessert lovers. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as satisfying as it is visually striking, Banoffee Pavlova is the recipe to try!
