Zabaglione Pavlova with Pineapple and Black Pepper

Name: Zabaglione Pavlova with Pineapple and Black Pepper
Prep time: PT0D0H0M
Cook time: PT0D1H0M
Total time: PT0D1H0M
Yield: serves 8
Ingredients: 6 large egg whites; Pinch of cream of tartar; 1½ cups sugar; 2 tsp. cornstarch; 6 large egg yolks; ¼ cups plus 2 Tbsp. sugar; ¼ cups plus 2 Tbsp. dry Marsala; 1 ripe pineapple, peeled and cut in ½-in. cubes. (about 4 cups); 2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper; 2 tsp. finely grated lime zest; 2 cups heavy cream, whipped to medium-stiff peaks

Alternating layers of frothy custard, crisp meringue, and silky whipped cream make the ethereal base for this tropical show-stopper.

Serves
serves 8
Time
1 hour

PHOTO: DAVID MALOSH • FOOD STYLING: SIMON ANDREWS • PROP STYLING: SUMMER MOORE

By Tammie Teclemariam

Updated on December 27, 2021

Writer and spirits professional Tammie Teclemariam likes to drizzle a classic Marsala zabaglione over this cloudlike pineapple pavlova. Not only does the pillow of meringue make for an impressive base for the tropical fruit salad—it also uses up all the whites leftover from whipping up the fragrant and frothy Italian custard. While the meringue may be made ahead of time, the texture of the zabaglione is at its best right off the stove. If prepping the components ahead of time, hold off on finishing the sauce and whipping the cream until just before serving.

Featured in “Flavorful and Versatile, Zabaglione Is a Festive Way to Cap Off the Meal.”

Ingredients

For the meringue:

6 large egg whites
Pinch of cream of tartar
1½ cups sugar
2 tsp. cornstarch

For the zabaglione:

6 large egg yolks
¼ cups plus 2 Tbsp. sugar
¼ cups plus 2 Tbsp. dry Marsala

For the pavlova:

1 ripe pineapple, peeled and cut in ½-in. cubes. (about 4 cups)
2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 tsp. finely grated lime zest
2 cups heavy cream, whipped to medium-stiff peaks

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Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven (with one of its racks positioned in the center) to 250°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 2

Make the meringue: In a stand mixer fitted with the whip attachment, beat the egg whites on low speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar, increase to medium speed, and continue beating until the whites reach soft peaks. With the mixer still running, gradually add sugar to the bowl one tablespoon at a time until there is about a tablespoon left. Stir the cornstarch into the remaining sugar and whisk to combine and then add the cornstarch-sugar mixture to the mixer to combine. (The meringue should be light and very glossy and should hold stiff peaks.)

Step 3

Using a silicone spatula, turn the meringue out onto the center of the lined baking sheet. Using an offset spatula or the back of a large spoon, spread the meringue out into a 10-inch circle of even thickness. Transfer to the oven and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, then turn the oven off. Leave the pavlova in the oven until it has cooled completely, at least one and up to 24 hours.

Step 4

Meanwhile, make the zabaglione: In a medium metal bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and Marsala until thoroughly combined.

Step 5

Bring two inches of water to a simmer in a medium pot. Position the bowl with the yolk mixture over the pot, taking care that the water does not come into contact with the bottom of the bowl. Cook, whisking vigorously and continuously, until the sauce turns pale yellow and very foamy and nearly triples in volume, 7–8 minutes. Remove the bowl from the heat and continue whisking for another minute. Use immediately, or divide between 6 dessert bowls and serve at room temperature.

Step 6

Just before you plan to serve, assemble the pavlova: To a medium bowl, add the pineapple, black pepper, and lime zest and toss to combine. Transfer the cooled meringue to a large, flat plate. Using a large spoon, scoop the whipped cream over the meringue and smooth into an even layer. Pour the zabaglione over the top, then mound the pineapple mixture in the center and serve.