• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Cinnamon Jar logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • Knowledge
  • About me
  • Subscribe
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • Knowledge
    • About me
    • Subscribe
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Desserts and tarts

    Published: Oct 1, 2022 by Maretha @ The Cinnamon Jar

    Mini pavlova nests with rose mascarpone cream (and cheat's rose syrup)

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    One mini rose pavlova served on a plate
    One mini rose pavlova served on a plate with three more pavlovas served in a glass cake stand

    These blush pink mini pavlova nests have a delicate floral flavour complimented by a rich and creamy mascarpone cream filling. This is romance on a plate. Add an exotic flair to your high tea or serve as a dessert for a special meal.

    We've drizzled these with a cheat's rose syrup. It's a doddle to make compared to the traditional way of boiling up rose petals. So, if you don't have a million roses in your garden to sacrifice to a syrup, read on on how to make rose syrup the easy way, not to mention for a fraction of the price.

    For other pink-hued desserts, try this easy marshmallow fridge tart, easy coconut ice or this blush pink strawberry lassi.

    One mini rose pavlova served in a plate with three more pavlovas served in a glass cake stand this recipe

    What's to love about this recipe

    • Something unique and very pretty to serve with tea, or as a pudding
    • Great for a romantic theme like Valentine's day, or an event like a girl's baby shower
    • It's rather easy to make. Pavlovas are not as tricky to pull off as people might fear
    Jump to:
    • What's to love about this recipe
    • Key ingredient notes and substitutions
    • How to make this recipe - Quick summary
    • Top tips
    • Decoration ideas
    • Storage suggestions
    • FAQ
    • Recipe

    Key ingredient notes and substitutions

    Egg whites: We will need four large eggs for this recipe.

    Top tip:

    Even though the egg whites will whip easier at room temperature, they do separate easier when cold from the fridge. Separate the eggs whilst cold and leave outside for about 20 minutes to warm up slightly before whipping.

    Sugars: Castor sugar, or otherwise known as super fine sugar in the US. You can easily make your own by blitzing normal granulated sugar in a food processer until fine, but not as fine as icing sugar.

    Rose water: We like to use Nielsen-Massey rose water, but you can use whichever brand is available to you. Rose water can usually be found in the baking aisle, or in most health shops.

    Corn flour and white wine vinegar: We add these to the meringue to strengthen the egg whites, make it more stable and help get that marshmallowy centre you'd expect from a pavlova.

    Gel food colour: You only need the tiniest amount to get quite an intense colour with colour gels. With normal liquid food colouring you might be adding too much moisture to the meringue and this could affect the consistency.

    Do be careful when adding the gel colour. You don't want to overdo it and end up with an unnaturally bright looking pavlova. I find that dipping a toothpick into the gel colour pot and adding just that bit of colour on the tip to the meringue, is a good starting point. You can always add more, but you can't take it away.

    Double cream: Or 'heavy' cream in the USA.

    Mascarpone cheese

    Vanilla extract

    Tools needed:

    1. Stand mixer or hand mixer
    2. Baking sheet
    3. Parchment paper
    4. Small sauce pan
    5. Metal spoon

    How to make this recipe - Quick summary

    Step 1: Whisk the egg whites to soft peak stage and start adding the castor sugar, one spoonful at a time. Beat until you have a thick, glossy mixture. With a large metal spoon, fold in the cornflour and white wine vinegar

    Step 2: Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with a sheet of baking paper. Draw circles onto the paper of about 6-7cm in diameter. Spoon or pipe the meringue mixture into the circles and pile them as high as you can, about 3 inches/7-8cm. Make a slight hollow in the top of each meringue mound. This will serve as a small 'bowl' for the filling later. Bake for 1 hour. Switch the oven off and let the pavlova nests cool inside, without opening the door for another 3 hours.

    Step 3: Prepare the mascarpone cream by whipping the cream together with the icing sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Add the mascarpone and whip until thick and velvety. Keep in the fridge until needed.

    Step 4: For the cheat's rose water, add the water along with the sugar to a small saucepan. Heat up and keep swirling the pan until it starts to look syrupy. Add the food colouring and the rose water. Have a taste and add more rose water if you'd like it stronger. Pour into a small bowl or jar and keep in the fridge until needed.

    Step 5: Assemble the pavlovas by scooping the mascarpone cream on top of each pavlova. You can also transfer the mascarpone cream to a piping bag and pipe the filling into the nests. Drizzle with the cheat's rose water syrup.

    Top tips

    • If you have meringue left after piping six nests, why not pipe a few small meringue rosettes to add on top of your cream for decoration.

    • After the meringue has been whipped to thick glossy peaks, don't hesitate too long before getting them in the oven as they might start to droop.

    Decoration ideas

    • The sky's the limit! Make some crystallised rose petals and scatter those on top. You can also use fresh rose petals. You will need to use organic roses from your garden, or from a kind neighbour. The roses from the shop would have been treated with pesticides and therefore not safe to eat. Yes, you can eat rose petals!
    • Leave them plain, just with the rose syrup.
    • Scatter some chopped pistachios on top - the green nuts compliment the pink pavlovas beautifully.

    Storage suggestions

    Once you have assembled the pavlovas with the mascarpone cream, they need to be eaten within 2 hours. Leaving it for longer might cause the pavlovas to get soggy. For ultimate results, assemble just before serving.

    Undecorated pavlovas will keep well for up to two weeks in an airtight container, or for up to a month in the freezer.

    FAQ

    Why are my pavlovas soggy?

    The main reason for soggy pavlovas is that they were not baked for long enough. Ensure you keep at the correct temperatures and baking times.

    How do you stop meringues/pavlovas from cracking?

    By cooling them down slowly. Cracking is normal, but you can help keep it to a minimum by gradually cooling the pavlovas down inside the oven after the oven's been switched off.

    Are these pavlovas gluten free?

    Yes, these pavlovas are completely gluten free.

    What's the difference between meringue and pavlova?

    Both are made from egg whites with the addition of castor sugar, but there are differences.

    Meringues are usually baked for longer at a lower temperature, making them crisp and dry throughout.

    Pavlovas have a softer, chewier centre which is achieved with the addition of corn flour. Pavlovas are also cooked for a shorter amount of time at a higher temperature.

    One mini rose pavlova served on a plate

    Recipe

    One mini rose pavlova served on a plate with three more pavlovas served in a glass cake stand

    Mini pavlova nests with rose mascarpone cream (and cheat's rose syrup)

    Maretha @ The Cinnamon Jar
    These blush pink mini pavlova nests have a delicate floral flavour complimented by a rich and creamy mascarpone cream filling. This is romance on a plate. Add an exotic flair to your high tea or serve as a dessert for a special meal.
    5 from 45 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 1 hr
    Cooling time 3 hrs
    Total Time 4 hrs 20 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine International
    Servings 6 mini pavlovas
    Calories 546 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    For the pavlovas

    • 4 large egg whites - at room temperature
    • 250 gram castor sugar - or super fine sugar
    • 1 pinch of salt
    • 1 teaspoon rose water
    • 2 teaspoons cornflour
    • 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
    • 1 drop pink food colour gel

    For the mascarpone cream

    • 300 millilitre double cream
    • 200 gram mascarpone cheese
    • 2 tablespoons icing sugar - or confectioner's sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    For the cheat's rose syrup

    • 60 gram water - or 60 millimetres
    • 60 gram castor sugar - or super fine sugar
    • 2-3 drops rose water
    • 1 drop pink food colour gel

    Instructions

    For the pavlovas

    • Pre-heat the oven to 140C/284F
    • In a clean, grease free metal/glass bowl whip the egg whites along with the pinch of salt until soft peaks form. This is best done in a stand mixer with the balloon whisk attachment. You can use an electric hand mixer too, it may just take a little longer. I won't attempt this with a hand whisk
    • Once it's reached soft peak stage, start adding the castor sugar one spoonful at a time. Wait around 10 seconds between each addition. Keep your mixer at a medium to high speed
    • Once all the sugar has been added, keep beating for another 2-3 minutes until you have a thick, glossy mixture. Add the rose water and food colouring and mix until just combined
    • Stop the machine, remove the bowl. With a clean metal spoon, fold in the cornflour and white wine vinegar
    • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Draw 6 circles on the paper of about 6-7cm in diameter. Either scoop or pipe the meringue mixture into the circles, piling it as high as you can, about 3 inches. Make a hollow in the top of each meringue heap. The hollow will provide a slight 'bowl' for the filling later.
    • Put it in the warm oven on the middle shelf. After 15 minutes, turn the heat down to 120C/248F. Bake for a further 45 minutes. Keep the door shut at all times. After 45 minutes, switch the oven off and leave the pavlovas in the oven for at least another 3 hours. Do not open the door at any point.
    • Once the pavlovas have completely cooled down, remove from the oven and gently peel them from the paper

    For the mascarpone cream

    • In a bowl, whip the cream with the icing sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks
    • In a separate bowl, soften up the mascarpone by squishing it with a fork. Add the mascarpone to the cream and whisk until it's velvety and smooth. Keep in the fridge until needed

    For the cheat's rose syrup

    • In a small sauce pan, combine the water and castor sugar and give it a stir. Over a low to medium heat, bring the liquid to a gentle simmer and turn the heat down to low. Keep swirling the mixture until it starts to thicken slightly and starts looking more like a syrup
    • Turn the heat off and stir in the food colouring and drops of rose water. Have a taste and add more rose water if you would like it stronger. It's best to start conservatively with the rose water and add more if needed. Pour into a small bowl/jug and keep in the fridge until needed

    Assembly

    • Scoop or pipe the mascarpone cream on top of the pavlovas and drizzle with the rose syrup. Add any additional decorations you'd like, like crystallised rose petals

    Notes

    Nutritional information disclaimer:
    This nutritional content is for informational purposes only. We are not responsible for any errors. We have tested the recipe for accuracy, but your results may vary. Please note that this is not medical or nutrition advice. Seek advice from a licensed professional if you need advice. We are not liable for any damages caused by your use of this content.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 546kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 48mg | Potassium: 62mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 57g | Vitamin A: 1206IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 0.1mg
    Keyword pavlova, rose water, mascarpone, cream, rose syrup
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    For food safety advice, including guidance on food allergies

    More Desserts and Tarts Recipes

    • Watermelon lollies designs laying on a white background.
      Fresh watermelon lollies
    • Milkybar cheesecake sliced into slices on a white wooden board.
      Decadent no-bake Milkybar cheesecake
    • Biscoff milkshake in a milkshake glass, decorated with whipped cream and Lotus cookies.
      Biscoff milkshake
    • Coconut milkshake in a tall milkshake glass with a glass straw.
      Coconut shake

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hello! I'm Maretha, an avid foodie and constant student of gastronomy. My goal is to discover, develop and share scrumptious recipes with anyone willing to join me on this vast culinary adventure!

    More about me →

    Trending recipes

    • Marshmallow crème with stiff peaks on a balloon whisk
      How to make marshmallow fluff without corn syrup
    • Four pieces of pink and white coconut ice spread out on a table with a white lace table cloth.
      Easy Coconut Ice with condensed milk
    • A large pizza on a wooden board, one slice of pizza to the side on a wooden plate
      Homemade bacon pizza with feta and avocado
    • Trinchado in a white bowl with a dish of bread rolls and a small basket of chips.
      Beef Trinchado
    • A medium glass of Rock shandy on a yellow background with an orange and yellow straw.
      Rock Shandy
    • Tuna pate in a white bowl on a wooden serving board, surrounded by celery sticks.
      Healthy tuna pâté
    • Two bowls of coffee mousse with raspberries on top.
      Creamy 3-Ingredient coffee mousse (eggless)
    • Easy South African bobotie in a white dish on a grey background.
      Easy South African bobotie

    Latest recipes

    • Four creamy chicken and leek pies on a baking sheet with one pie broken open.
      Creamy chicken and leek pies with puff pastry
    • Jerusalem salad on a white plate.
      Simple Jerusalem salad (Israeli salad)
    • Pineapple slushie in a mason jar with a blue silly straw.
      Refreshing pineapple slushie
    • A stack of raspberry and white chocolate blondies on a black cooling rack.
      Raspberry and white chocolate blondies
    • Chicken sausage rolls scattered on a table with a hand in the background dipping a sausage roll into sauce.
      Easy chicken sausage rolls
    • Tuna pesto pasta in a white bowl with a bowl of parmesan and a drink.
      Tuna pesto pasta
    • Biscoff truffles decorated in various ways on a mauve background.
      Biscoff truffles
    • Biscoff cake slices cut into triangles and drizzled with white chocolate on a white background.
      Biscoff slices (no bake)

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Privacy Policy

    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 The Cinnamon Jar. All rights reserved.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Do not sell my personal information.
    Cookie SettingsAccept
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT