Pavlova

Pavlova

Pavlova (pav-LOH-vah)

Meringue Cake

Prep Time 90 min
📈 Difficulty Medium
👥 Servings
8
🔥 Calories 345 kcal

A crispy-outside, marshmallowy-inside meringue topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit. Australia's most debated dessert (shared with New Zealand).

Nutrition & Info

350 kcal per serving
Protein 5.0g
Carbs 52.0g
Fat 13.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ dairy ⚠ eggs

Equipment Needed

electric mixer baking sheet parchment paper mixing bowl

Presentation Guide

Vessel: cake stand

Garnishes: fresh passion fruit, kiwi slices, strawberries, mint leaves

Accompaniments: whipped cream

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 120C (250F). Line a large baking tray with baking paper and trace a 22cm circle on it using a plate as a guide. Flip the paper over so the pencil mark faces down.

  2. 2

    Wipe the bowl and whisk attachment of a stand mixer with a lemon half or vinegar-soaked cloth to remove any grease. Add the egg whites and whisk on medium speed until soft peaks form, about four minutes.

  3. 3

    Increase the speed to high and add the caster sugar one tablespoon at a time, whisking for about thirty seconds between additions. Continue until all sugar is dissolved and the meringue is thick, glossy, and stiff.

  4. 4

    Rub a small amount of meringue between your fingertips to check that no grittiness remains. Gently fold in the sifted cornflour, white vinegar, and vanilla extract using a large metal spoon, being careful not to deflate the mixture.

  5. 5

    Spoon the meringue onto the traced circle, using the back of the spoon to shape it into a round with slightly higher edges and a shallow dip in the centre to cradle the cream and fruit topping.

  6. 6

    Place in the oven and bake for ninety minutes. Do not open the oven door during baking. Turn the oven off and leave the pavlova inside with the door closed until completely cooled, ideally several hours or overnight.

  7. 7

    Whip the thickened cream with icing sugar and remaining vanilla until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip, as the cream should be billowy and spreadable, not stiff or grainy.

  8. 8

    Just before serving, pile the whipped cream into the centre of the pavlova. Arrange the strawberries and kiwifruit on top, then scoop passionfruit pulp and seeds over everything for a beautiful finish.

💡

Did You Know?

Australia and New Zealand have debated pavlova's origin for decades — both claim to have invented it.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • electric mixer
  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • mixing bowl

Garnishing

fresh passion fruit, kiwi slices, strawberries, mint leaves

Accompaniments

whipped cream

The Story Behind Pavlova

The Story: Pavlova, a crisp-shelled, marshmallow-centered meringue topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, is claimed by both Australia and New Zealand. Named after Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova who toured both countries in the 1920s. Regardless of origin, Australians have claimed it with fierce devotion, topping their versions with passionfruit, strawberries, kiwi, and mango.

On the Calendar: Pavlova is the quintessential Australian Christmas dessert, appearing on nearly every holiday table during the summer festive season.

Then & Now: The classic pavlova has spawned countless variations, but the full-sized, cream-and-passionfruit-topped centrepiece remains the emotional standard.

Legacy: Pavlova represents everything Australians love about food: fresh fruit, generous cream, impressive presentation, and a good argument with New Zealand.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed dessert, christmas, celebrations 📜 Origins: 1920s

Comments (1)

F
Sofia Mar 19, 2026 02:39

The cultural background adds so much context. Beautiful dish.