Strawberry Keto Pavlova: A Light and Delicious Low-Carb Dessert
If you’re following a keto lifestyle but still want to indulge in a sweet treat, this Keto Pavlova is the perfect dessert for you. Light, airy, and bursting with flavour, this pavlova is a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth. The best part? It’s made with monk fruit sweetener, so it’s completely sugar-free and low in carbs.
Why Choose Monk Fruit?
Monk fruit sweetener is an excellent sugar substitute for those on a keto diet. It’s derived from the monk fruit, a small melon native to Southeast Asia, and is known for being much sweeter than sugar, without the calories or carbs. Unlike some other sweeteners, monk fruit has no bitter aftertaste, making it perfect for delicate desserts like pavlova.
The Perfect Keto Pavlova
Pavlova is a classic dessert that originated in Australia and New Zealand, featuring a crisp meringue shell with a soft, marshmallow-like center, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit. Traditional pavlova is made with sugar, but in this keto-friendly version, we’ll be using monk fruit sweetener to keep the carbs low while still achieving that delightful sweetness.
Recipe: Strawberry Keto Pavlova
Ingredients:
For the Meringue:
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup powdered monk fruit sweetener (ensure it’s a blend that’s 1:1 with sugar)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
For the Topping:
- 1 cup thickened cream
- 2 tbsp powdered monk fruit sweetener
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 120°C. Line a baking sheet with baking paper to prevent the meringue from sticking.
2. Whip Up the Meringue In a large, clean mixing bowl, add the egg whites. Beat on medium speed until they become frothy. Add the cream of tartar, which helps stabilise the egg whites. Continue beating and gradually add the powdered monk fruit sweetener, a little at a time. Keep beating on high speed until stiff peaks form. You’ll know it’s ready when the meringue holds its shape and is glossy. Mix in the vanilla extract for a hint of flavour.
3. Shape the Meringue Spoon the meringue mixture onto your prepared baking sheet, shaping it into a circular mound. Create a slight well in the center—this is where your toppings will go later.
4. Bake to Perfection Bake the meringue in your preheated oven for about 1.5 hours. The meringue should be crisp on the outside but still soft and marshmallow-like on the inside. After baking, turn off the oven and let the meringue cool completely inside, leaving the door slightly ajar. This helps prevent cracks.
5. Prepare the Whipped Cream While the meringue is cooling, it’s time to prepare the whipped cream. In a mixing bowl, whip the thickened cream with the powdered monk fruit sweetener and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This light and fluffy cream is the perfect complement to the meringue.
6. Assemble the Pavlova Once your meringue is completely cool, carefully transfer it to a serving platter. Generously dollop the whipped cream onto the meringue, spreading it out evenly. Top with the fresh sliced strawberries, arranging them beautifully on top.
7. Serve and Enjoy! Your Keto Strawberry Pavlova is now ready to be served! This dessert is best enjoyed immediately, as the meringue will begin to soften if left out for too long.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Keto Pavlova is not only visually stunning but also incredibly satisfying. The combination of the crisp meringue, rich whipped cream, and juicy strawberries creates a dessert that’s both light and indulgent. Whether you’re following a keto diet or simply looking for a low-carb treat, this pavlova is sure to impress.
Feel free to experiment with different keto-friendly fruits or add a sprinkle of nuts for an extra crunch. However you enjoy it, this dessert proves that you don’t have to sacrifice flavour for a healthy lifestyle. Happy baking!
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