Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silpat mat to ensure your meringues don’t stick.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the egg whites using an electric mixer on high speed. This will take about 2 minutes until stiff peaks form. You want the egg whites to be firm enough to hold their shape.
- As you continue to beat, gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time. This slow addition is key to dissolving the sugar completely, which will create a smooth meringue. Continue to beat for about 5 minutes until the mixture is stiff, glossy, and there is no grittiness when you rub it between your fingers.
- Next, gently fold in the vanilla, being careful not to deflate your meringue. This is where the flavor magic happens!
- Using two spoons, scoop dollops of the meringue onto the prepared baking sheets. Aim for small circles about 3 inches in diameter. You can also use a piping bag to achieve perfect shapes.
- With the back of one spoon, create an indent in the center of each dollop to form a nest shape. This will hold your delightful fillings later.
- Bake the meringues for 50 to 60 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through. The meringues are done when they’re no longer sticky to the touch but still soft inside.
- Once baked, turn off the oven and let the meringues cool completely inside. This slow cooling helps them maintain their structure.
- Once cooled, gently remove the meringues from the baking sheets and place them on a serving plate. They should come off easily.
- Now it’s time to prepare the whipped cream. In a separate bowl, combine the whipped cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a few drops of green food coloring. Whip until soft peaks form, creating a light, airy topping.
- Top each meringue nest with about 2 tablespoons of whipped cream and finish with a Peep and a sprinkle of candy eggs or sprinkles for that fun touch.
- Serve immediately and watch as everyone delights in these whimsical Pavlova Peeps Nests!
Notes
To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container to prevent moisture from softening the meringues.
You can freeze the baked meringues for up to a month. Just ensure they are completely cooled and stored properly.
Add a splash of coconut extract or a hint of lemon juice to the whipped cream for a refreshing twist.
Try different candies like chocolate eggs or seasonal fruits for a fresh take.
Use different food coloring to match your celebrations, like pastels for spring or vibrant colors for a birthday party.