Why Pavlova Is the Perfect Dessert

Pavlova is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. The combination of light, crunchy meringue, velvety whipped cream, and fresh fruit creates a symphony of textures and flavours. This classic recipe is super versatile—you can tailor the toppings to suit your mood or whatever’s in season. Tropical mangoes and passionfruit for summer? Yes, please! Juicy berries for a festive Christmas treat? Absolutely. The magic lies in its simplicity, but don’t be fooled—nailing the perfect pavlova does take a little finesse. That’s where my tips and tricks come in handy.

Tips for the Best Pavlova Every Time

Start with room temperature eggs 🥚
Room-temperature egg whites whip up to a fluffier, more stable meringue. If you forgot to take your eggs out earlier, pop them in a bowl of warm water for 5–10 minutes.
Use superfine sugar 🍬
If your sugar granules are too large, they won’t dissolve completely, and you’ll end up with a grainy texture. Not what we’re going for! You can blitz regular sugar in a food processor to get that superfine consistency.
Whisk until stiff peaks form 🌀
When lifting the whisk, the meringue should hold its shape without collapsing. Don’t rush this step; patience is key! A good 8–10 minutes of mixing will get you there.
Avoid humid days 🌦️
Meringue and humidity don’t mix well. If it’s muggy outside, save your pavlova-making adventures for another day—trust me, your efforts will thank you.
Cool it slowly ⏳
Once baked, let your pavlova cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar. This prevents cracks (though a few are totally normal and part of its charm!).

Toppings That Take Pavlova to the Next Level

One of the best things about pavlova is how creative you can get with the toppings. Here are a few ideas to spark your imagination:

Classic combo: Strawberries, blueberries, kiwi slices, and a sprig of mint. 🍓
Tropical twist: Mango, pineapple, passionfruit pulp, and a drizzle of coconut cream. 🍑🥭
Chocoholic’s dream: Add a swirl of Nutella to the whipped cream and top with raspberries and shaved chocolate.
Festive flair: Pomegranate seeds, cherries, and a sprinkle of edible gold dust for that wow factor.

Pair it with a glass of crisp sparkling wine or a warm cup of tea, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate dessert experience. 🥂☕

How to Store Your Pavlova

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (a rare event in my house!), here’s how to store your pavlova:

Unassembled: Keep the meringue base in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
Assembled: Store in the fridge in a container with a loose-fitting lid to prevent sogginess. It’s best eaten within 24 hours once topped with cream and fruit.

Pro tip: If you know you’ll have leftovers, serve the toppings on the side so the meringue stays crisp longer.

Other Desserts You’ll Love

If pavlova has whet your appetite for more sweet treats, why not try these crowd-pleasers?

Share Your Creations With Me!

I’d love to see your pavlova masterpieces! Snap a pic, post it on Instagram, and don’t forget to tag me @steph_cooks_stuff. Let’s spread the pavlova love far and wide! 📸💕

So, what are you waiting for? Preheat that oven and get whisking—your fluffiest pavlova ever is just a few steps away. Happy baking! 🎂

Pavlova

Author: Steph de Sousa
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Let me tell you, pavlova is the dessert that always impresses, and it’s way easier to make than you think! Whether it’s a family barbecue, a festive feast, or just a treat-yourself kind of day, this light, fluffy classic topped with cream and fresh fruit is guaranteed to steal the show. Here’s how to whip one up like a pro (and yes, there’s room for mistakes—this dessert is super forgiving!).

Ingredients

Units Scale

6 egg whites
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornflour
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 dash vanilla extract
Whipped cream, to serve
Fresh fruits, to serve
Mint leaves, to serve

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 150°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and give it a quick spray of oil—no sticky disasters here!
In a large bowl, whisk the egg whites, sugar, cornflour, vinegar, and vanilla with an electric mixer. Whisk until the mixture is thick, glossy, and sugar-free (well, dissolved 😉). About 8 minutes will do the trick!
Spoon the mixture onto your prepared tray, shaping it into a big, round disc. Don’t forget to make a slight dip in the middle—your toppings will thank you later.
Pop it into the oven and immediately lower the temp to 120°C. Bake for 60–90 minutes, checking after the hour mark. You’re looking for a crispy outside and soft, marshmallowy inside!
Once it’s baked to perfection, let it cool completely. Easiest way? Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let it chill.
Now the fun part: top with whipped cream, fresh fruits, and a sprig of mint. It’s almost too pretty to eat…almost!