The Perfect Pavlova Recipe.   (2024)

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The perfect pavlova recipe. Fruity, sweet, chewy and creamy. This light and delicious dessert is so easy to make and its the perfect summer dessert especially when entertaining because you can make this pavlova recipe ahead of time then just assemble before serving.

The Perfect Pavlova Recipe. (1)

Doesn’t this pavlova look spectacular!

I promise, it tastes as good as it looks and it is pretty easy to make. Debbie and I don’t do a lot of desserts, though I always jump at the chance to make one. I really enjoy baking, it wasthe first thingI loved to doin the kitchen and I used to bake all the time,but my waistline can’t handlebaking like it used to…

This pavlova recipe is not super easy on the calories, but it is light and fluffy and doesn’t leave you with a heavy feeling in your tummy.

What is pavlova?

Pavlova is a traditional New Zealand and Australian dessert. It’s basically a meringue dessert made by whipping egg whites and adding sugar and a little vinegar. It’s usually topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit or fruit compote.

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Can you make this Pavlova recipe ahead of time:

Yes! That’s one thing that makes this dessert so great for entertaining. You can make the meringue and the cherry compote even a couple days ahead of time, but you can’t assemble the dessert until right before you serve it.

As long as your house isn’t really humid, you can keep the meringues wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container on the counter and they will stay firm for a day or two. Don’t put them in the fridge as the meringues will absorb the moisture from the fridge and they will wilt and get wrecked.

If your house is humid, eat them right away 🙂

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Did I mention how gorgeous it is?

Say you are having a dinner party and you bring this beauty pavlova out for dessert. It looks impressive. Like you really know what your doing, but if you can beat eggs in a mixer, stir some sugar and cherries together with wine in a pot, and whip some cream to top it all off then you can make this pavlova recipe.

The hardest part is keeping your fingers out of the whipped cream and not drinking the wine you need for the cherry compote!

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How do you make pavlova?

  • whip egg whites, sugar, and a little vinegar to stiff peaks and then form it into round discs on parchment lined baking trays.
  • bake it slowly so that the outside gets a nice crust and the inside is soft and fluffy. Let it cool completely before trying to take it off the baking tray.
  • You can bake it as one tall layer slightlyconcaved in at the top to fill with fruit and whipped cream, you can layer it like we did and fill the layers with billowymoundsof whipped cream and mascarpone cheese, or you can also make mini pavlovas and serve them as individual desserts. Love that idea.

They look impressive and fancy, but as you can see, they are quite easy to make!

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Alternative toppings for this pavlova recipe:

This dessert is fabulous with fresh fruit, but we love a good fruit compote/sauce and this one with fresh cherries and red wine was our top pick, but there are countless ways to make this desert your own.

I have made it with a raspberry sauce which was delicious and I have seen it made with chocolate added to the meringue or drizzled on top. Strawberries, kiwi’s, or passion fruit on top or a combination of fruits would be sooo good too. Any fruit in season is the best fruit to use.

Any kind of fruit curd would be amazing. Like lemon, or rhubarb or a raspberry curd! Holy yum!! (also a great way to use up the leftover egg yolks)

If you want this to be an even lighter dessert, leave the whipping cream out altogether and just serve the Pavlova with fresh fruit alone or topped with a fruit compote.

So many delicious options!

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Useful tools to make this perfect pavlova recipe even easier:

  1. Parchment Paper – a staple in our kitchens and a must for this pavlova recipe
  2. Silicone Baking Mats – these are so awesome and versatile! We often use parchment paper, but these work the same and are reusable.
  3. Baking Sheet – these sheets without sides are great because you can easily slide the Pavlova off the trays without having to lift and possibly wreck the rounds.
  4. Cake Stand – you need a cake stand to display this beautiful dessert. We LOVE these ones:

If you’ve tried this pavlova recipe then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. We love hearing from you!

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We love to see your creations! Tag @Cookswithco*cktails if you post a picture of this recipe onINSTAGRAM

The Perfect Pavlova Recipe. (7)

Pavlova with Red Wine Cherry Compote & Marscapone Whipped Cream

The perfect pavlova recipe. Fruity, sweet, chewy and creamy. This light and delicious dessert is so easy to make and its the perfect summer dessert especially when entertaining because you can make this pavlova recipe ahead of time then just assemble before serving.

3.86 from 102 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Canadian

Prep Time: 45 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 2 hours hours

Servings: 10

Calories: 450kcal

Author: Julie & Debbie

Ingredients

OR THE PAVLOVA

  • 6 egg whites
  • 1 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla clear vanilla if you have it

MARSCAPONE WHIPPED CREAM

  • 2 cups whipping cream , chilled
  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese
  • 1 cup icing sugar

CHERRY COMPOTE

  • 1 1/2 cup cherries
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3/4 cup red wine
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  • Make the pavlova first so preheat the oven to 275 degrees.

  • Beat the egg whites in a mixer on low speed at first and then increase the speed to medium and beat until they get frothy and start to turn white. Add the sugar into the egg whites bit by bit until its all incorporated. Beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Add the vinegar and the salt and mix it in on low speed for about 5 - 7 seconds.

  • Line a baking tray with parchment then take the parchment and put a 9-10 inch plate on top on one end of the paper. Draw a line around the plate and do the same on the other end so you have two perfect circles. Turn over the paper and put it back on the tray. Take the egg whites and spread them inside the two circles evenly.

  • Place them in the oven and cook for 1 hour and 15 mins then turn off the heat and let the pavlova cool in the oven slowly. Don't take the pavlova off the parchment paper until it has completely cooled or it could stick and break.

  • Next make the cherry compote. Pit the cherries and slice them in half. Put the red wine in a sauce pan and heat to a boil. Reduce the wine to 1/2 a cup. Add the cherries and the rest of the ingredients. Simmer for 30 mins or until the cherries are nice and soft, then set aside to cool.

  • When the pavlova has cooled completely its time to make the whipped cream by pouring the chilled whipping cream into a chilled mixer bowl. Beat on high speed until the cream starts to get fluffy. Add the sugar and the mascarpone cheese bit by bit and be careful not to over whip the cream. You don't want butter! Set the whipped cream aside.

  • Assemble the pavlova by placing one of the rounds on a serving platter. Top with half of the whipping cream and a good ladle of the cherry compote. Place the second round on top of the filling and cover with the rest of the whipping cream and another good ladle of the cherry compote.

  • Serve!

Notes

The pavlova can be wrapped in plastic or sealed in an airtight container and kept for several days on the counter unless your house gets very humid (in which case, eat your pavlova right away!)

Don't store pavlova in the fridge, the fridge can make it soggy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 120mg | Potassium: 208mg | Sugar: 39g | Vitamin A: 1030IU | Vitamin C: 2.3mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 0.2mg

The Perfect Pavlova Recipe.   (2024)

FAQs

Is it OK to make pavlova the day before? ›

Pavlovas are best eaten within 24 hours of baking and soon after they are decorated. You can make it and leave it to cool in the oven overnight, or you can store a cooled, undecorated Pavlova in an airtight container.

Why do you put vinegar in pavlova? ›

Vinegar added to the meringue will lower the pH of the egg whites. This acidic environment will also help to stabilize the egg white foam, preventing the meringue from collapsing too much. The acidity helps to unravel the protein and prevent the proteins from binding together too tightly.

Why isn t my pavlova fluffy? ›

Another tip from Manning: make sure the egg whites have been whisked to soft peaks before you start adding sugar. “If you add the sugar too soon, before the protein molecules in the egg whites have had time to unfold properly, you won't get the well-aerated foam structure you need for a thick and stable meringue.”

What is the difference between Pavlova and meringue? ›

What's the Difference Between Pavlova and Meringue? Pavlovas and meringues are both made of whipped egg white, but a Pavlova has a delicate crispy exterior with pillowy soft marshmallow inside, while meringue is dry and crisp all the way through.

What is Pavlova magic? ›

White Wings Pavlova Magic Dessert Mix gives you that perfect Pavlova texture that's crusty on the outside but soft and light inside. It's very easy to make as well and won't take up too much of your time, great for serving in gatherings.

How to tell when pavlova is done? ›

How Do I Know My Pavlova Is Done? A perfectly baked pavlova should be pale and look dry, but a skewer inserted in the meringue should come out with a thick sticky, marshmallow-like consistency. If you aren't sure about the pavlova's doneness, turn the oven off, open the door and leave the meringue for up to an hour.

Why put cornstarch in pavlova? ›

Our answer. Nigella's pavlovas, such as Lemon Pavlova (from SIMPLY NIGELLA), contain cornflour (cornstarch) in the meringue. The cornflour helps the meringue to stay soft in the centre, to give the contrast of crisp crust and marshmallowy interior.

Is baking paper or foil better for cooking pavlova? ›

Extra advice: As I stated already, do not even attempt to make on humid days– it won't work. Make sure your utensils and egg whites are free of any grease. Do not use parchment paper or a greased and floured baking sheet– the meringue will often stick to them. Use aluminum foil.

How do you keep pavlova crispy? ›

Place in an airtight container and seal tightly. Do not store with other baked goods or decorations. Store in the pantry or other cool, dark place. Do not store in the fridge.

Can you over whip pavlova? ›

If you overwhip the mixture after adding the sugar, your meringue may crack. Overwhipped eggwhites look like they are curdled and cannot be rescued, so beware. A soft peak is one that peaks but its tip softly collapses down on itself.

Do you leave the oven door open when cooking pavlova? ›

Reduce oven temperature to 110-120°C when you add the pavlova. Bake for the amount of time in the recipe without opening the door to peek. At the end of the cooking time, turn oven off, prop the door ajar and leave inside to cool. Store cooled pavlova in an airtight container until ready for serving.

What happens if you overbeat egg whites for pavlova? ›

Overbeating egg white breaks down the structure and the meringue is likely to collapse during baking. Beat until firm peaks form, then start adding sugar. If the egg white starts to separate or looks curdled, it's overbeaten and you'll need to start again with fresh egg whites.

What makes a pavlova chewy? ›

Sugar makes the pavlova mixture strong and stable, and is responsible for that super hard shiny crust. I found that as you reduce the sugar or increase the brown sugar (it has more moisture), the final result is a chewier, with a more fragile, shattery crust.

How long can you keep a homemade pavlova? ›

If you store your pavlova in an airtight container or wrap it well in cling film, it should keep its taste and texture for up to 2 days. The pavlova will taste best if eaten the day after you make it. After you add fruit and whipped cream to your pavlova, you'll need to eat it within a few hours.

What is New Zealand pavlova? ›

Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert. Originating in either Australia or New Zealand in the early 20th century, it was named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. Taking the form of a cake-like circular block of baked meringue, pavlova has a crisp crust and soft, light inside.

Can you keep pavlova overnight? ›

Pavlova leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container, but ensure you eat your leftovers within 24 hours.

Can you make meringue a day ahead? ›

In general, meringue should be used immediately after making it, so you are using it at optimal volume. If you must prep in advance, follow this rule of thumb: the more stable the meringue, the earlier you can make it ahead of time.

How long does pavlova with cream last in the fridge after? ›

Summer Pavlovas are best eaten the same day that they're made! Keep the assembled in the fridge until you're ready to serve. If you have any leftover, be sure to store in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. I seriously can't wait for you to try this delicious Pavlova with Berries and Cream!

Will meringue keep overnight? ›

You're best off using uncooked meringue immediately, but if you need to store it, keep it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to twenty-four hours.

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