Salted Caramel Apple Pavlova
There’s something magical about combining light, airy meringue with rich salted caramel and spiced apples. This Salted Caramel Apple Pavlova is my family’s favorite fall dessert. The crisp meringue shell contrasts perfectly with the gooey caramel, the softness of sautéed apples, and a cloud of whipped cream.
It’s elegant yet approachable and makes a stunning centerpiece for any gathering. Plus, the sweet and salty flavor combination is absolutely irresistible. Whenever I make this, it feels like a little slice of autumn on a plate.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I make the meringue ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the meringue up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature until ready to assemble.
Q: What apples work best for this recipe?
A: Firm and tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal. They hold their shape when cooked and balance the sweetness of the caramel.
Q: Can I use store-bought salted caramel?
A: Absolutely! While homemade caramel adds a special touch, store-bought works great if you’re short on time.
Q: What if my meringue cracks?
A: Don’t worry! Cracks are common and add to the rustic charm of a pavlova. Once topped with cream and apples, no one will notice.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store assembled pavlova in the fridge for up to a day. The meringue may soften slightly, but it will still taste amazing.
What You Need to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pavlova
- For the Meringue:
- Egg whites
- Granulated sugar
- Cornstarch
- White vinegar or lemon juice
- Vanilla extract
- For the Apples:
- Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- Granulated sugar
- Heavy cream
- Unsalted butter
- Sea salt
- For Assembly:
- Whipping cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pavlova
- Make the Meringue Base:
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw a 9-inch circle as a guide.
- Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. Fold in cornstarch, vinegar, and vanilla.
- Spread the meringue onto the parchment circle, forming a shallow well in the center.
- Bake for 1.5 hours, then turn off the oven and let the meringue cool completely inside.
- Prepare the Apples:
- Peel, core, and slice the apples. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, stirring until combined.
- Add the apples and sauté until tender but not mushy. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once fully melted, add butter and stir until smooth.
- Slowly pour in heavy cream and simmer for 1-2 minutes. Stir in sea salt and let cool slightly.
- Assemble the Pavlova:
- Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Spoon whipped cream into the center of the meringue. Top with sautéed apples and drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce.
- Serve:
- Garnish with an extra drizzle of caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt. Serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pavlova
- Avoid Humid Weather: Meringues are sensitive to humidity. Dry days yield the crispiest results.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Room-temperature egg whites whip better, resulting in a stable meringue.
- Keep the Layers Separate Until Serving: Assemble the pavlova just before serving to maintain the meringue’s crisp texture.
- Double the Caramel Sauce: It’s so good, you’ll want extra for drizzling over ice cream or pancakes later!
- Use a Serrated Knife: A serrated knife works best for slicing the pavlova without crushing it.
Reader Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This pavlova is the perfect combination of textures and flavors. Everyone at Thanksgiving was impressed!” – Emma
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “The caramel sauce is heavenly! I could eat it with a spoon.” – Sarah
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “The meringue came out perfectly, and the apples were so flavorful. A new family favorite!” – Alex
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I was nervous about making meringue, but your instructions made it so easy. Thank you!” – Hannah
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Absolutely delicious! The salted caramel takes this dessert to the next level.” – Rachel
Printable Recipe
Salted Caramel Apple Pavlova
Salted Caramel Apple Pavlova combines a crisp meringue base with whipped cream, spiced apples, and rich salted caramel. A show-stopping dessert for any occasion!
Ingredients
- For the Meringue:
- Egg whites
- Granulated sugar
- Cornstarch
- White vinegar or lemon juice
- Vanilla extract
- For the Apples:
- Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- Granulated sugar
- Heavy cream
- Unsalted butter
- Sea salt
- For Assembly:
- Whipping cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the Meringue Base:
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw a 9-inch circle as a guide.
- Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. Fold in cornstarch, vinegar, and vanilla.
- Spread the meringue onto the parchment circle, forming a shallow well in the center.
- Bake for 1.5 hours, then turn off the oven and let the meringue cool completely inside.
Prepare the Apples:
- Peel, core, and slice the apples. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, stirring until combined.
- Add the apples and sauté until tender but not mushy. Set aside to cool.
Make the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once fully melted, add butter and stir until smooth.
- Slowly pour in heavy cream and simmer for 1-2 minutes. Stir in sea salt and let cool slightly.
Assemble the Pavlova:
- Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Spoon whipped cream into the center of the meringue. Top with sautéed apples and drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce.
Serve:
- Garnish with an extra drizzle of caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt. Serve immediately.
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
Salted Caramel Apple Pavlova is more than a dessert—it’s an experience. If you loved making and enjoying this recipe, why not share it with others? Post a picture of your masterpiece on social media, tag me, and inspire your friends to try it too.
There’s nothing better than sharing delicious food and spreading a little sweetness. Your support helps keep the joy of baking alive in every kitchen. Let’s make dessert dreams come true, one pavlova at a time!
