Australian summer entertaining just got a whole lot sweeter and simpler, thanks to a dazzling new no-bake dessert fusion that's taking social media by storm. The classic, chewy indulgence of rocky road has collided with the light, fruity flavours of a pavlova, creating a show-stopping treat that requires zero oven time.
Sunrise Star Unveils the Ultimate Fusion Dessert
This morning on Channel 7's Sunrise, popular TV personality and online food sensation Steph De Sousa stepped into the kitchen to demonstrate how to whip up this soon-to-be favourite. The recipe cleverly combines textures and tastes iconic to Australian dessert tables, resulting in a slice that's as visually stunning as it is delicious.
De Sousa's creation is designed for maximum impact with minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for hectic holiday seasons, summer barbecues, or crafting thoughtful edible gifts. The process is straightforward, eliminating the precision often required for traditional pavlova and the heat of baking during warmer months.
What's Inside the Pavlova Rocky Road?
The magic of this recipe lies in its vibrant combination of ingredients, each bringing a distinct texture and flavour. The base consists of a generous 600 grams of white chocolate, melted to a smooth consistency to bind everything together.
The mix-ins provide the signature crunch and chew:
- 130 grams of dried mango, chopped into bite-sized pieces for a tangy, tropical chew.
- 8 meringue nests, crushed to replicate the crisp shell of a pavlova.
- 100 grams of mini marshmallows for classic rocky road softness.
- 125 grams of slivered almonds adding a necessary nutty crunch.
The finishing touch is a sprinkle of 15 grams of crushed freeze-dried strawberries, which adds a pop of colour and a burst of fruity acidity, mimicking the fresh fruit topping of a pavlova.
Steph's Simple No-Bake Method
Following Steph De Sousa's method, anyone can recreate this dessert in a few easy steps. First, break the white chocolate and melt it in the microwave for approximately two minutes, remembering to stir at the halfway point to ensure it doesn't burn.
While the chocolate is melting, prepare the dry ingredients. Crush the meringue nests into a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped dried mango, slivered almonds, and mini marshmallows, tossing them together gently.
Pour the smoothly melted white chocolate over the dry mixture. Using a spatula, give it a thorough stir until every component is beautifully and evenly coated in the rich chocolate.
Tip the combined mixture into a slice tin that has been lined with baking paper for easy removal. Press it down firmly and evenly to create a compact base. Finally, crush the freeze-dried strawberries and scatter them artistically over the top for that pretty, professional finish.
The final step is patience: pop the tin into the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the chocolate to set completely. Once firm, it can be sliced into bars or squares of any size.
The Perfect Treat for Australian Occasions
This Pavlova Rocky Road is more than just a recipe; it's a versatile solution for a host of Australian occasions. Its no-bake nature makes it perfect for hot summer days when turning on the oven is unappealing. It's an excellent addition to a Christmas dessert spread, offering a modern twist on tradition.
Furthermore, when cut and packaged neatly, these slices transform into wonderful homemade edible gifts for friends, neighbours, or colleagues. The combination of white chocolate, crunchy meringue, chewy mango, marshmallows, and almonds ensures a crowd-pleasing result every time, cementing its status as a must-try recipe this season.
