There is so much more to grape recipes than just jams, jellies, and wine, hence with this Grapes & Cream Pavlova Nests recipe you’re in for a treat!
Mini meringues are my blank canvas for creating a dazzling dessert to remember – a delicate combination of crunchy and gooey sweetness. This particular variation features juicy grapes and fresh figs nestled in the most delicious pillowy frosting imaginable. [ For more tips on how to make a perfect meringue, check out my Strawberry Lemon Pavlova Nests recipe. ♡ ]
INGREDIENTS
Meringue
- 6 large egg whites, room temp
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
Filling
- 2 bags (≈ ⅔ cup) vanilla pudding powder/instant pudding mix
- 2 cups whole milk, room temp
- 1 cup butter, room temp
- 6 tbsp granulated sugar
Topping
- seedless grapes (any variety will work fine)
- fresh figs, chopped (optional)
METHOD
Meringue
- Preheat your oven to 200°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper previously traced with 10 3-inch circles (I used a coffee mug rim for tracing).
- Separate your egg whites into a bowl. Start beating on low speed then increase speed to medium-high until the egg whites become frothy.
- Gradually add in the granulated sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, and beat until you reach the stiff peak stage and until the sugar has dissolved (this may take 5-10 minutes).
- Transfer meringue onto the parchment paper circles using a spoon or spatula and create 10 small nest shapes. Using a teaspoon, I created vertical spools around my nests.
- Bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- Turn the oven off and allow the nests to cool in the oven for a minimum of 3 hours, or overnight, without opening the door.
Filling
- In a small bowl, combine pudding powder, sugar, and 6 tbsp of the milk. Blend well to dissolve all lumps. Set aside.
- Pour the remaining milk into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Pull saucepan aside and add prepared pudding mix to the hot milk while continually whisking with a wire whisk until creamy.
- Set aside and allow to cool completely. Stir occasionally.
- In a medium bowl, mix softened butter using an electric mixer, until light and fluffy.
- Slowly stir in the pudding until well combined.
- Fill the nests with the cream and top with fresh grapes and figs (or other fruit of your choice).
Enjoy!
If you’ve made this Grapes & Cream Pavlova Nests recipe don’t forget to let me know how you got on in the comments below!
