This classic pavlova recipe hails straight from Australia. It’s a simple meringue dessert that has very minimal prep time and can easily be made in advance. Pile on a heap of slightly sweetened fresh whipped cream, top it with your favorite fresh fruit, and you have the perfect light and airy dessert!

A side view of this classic Pavlova recipe served on a glass cake stand with whipped cream and berries.

Why You’ll Love This Dessert Recipe

Sometimes, it’s too hot outside to enjoy desserts like decadent chocolate cake. And you can only make so many of those no-bake layered pudding desserts. So what’s a home baker to do?

My answer? Make pavlova.

The dessert was supposedly created to honor a Russian dancer, Anna Pavlova, while she was touring in Australia and New Zealand during the 1920s. The actual place of origin has been a source of contention between the two countries for years, with each laying claim to the creation.

In simple terms, pavlova is a big pile of meringue that is spread in a circle and baked; once cooled, it is topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit. The outside is crisp, while the inside is soft and pillowy, with the taste and consistency of a homemade marshmallow.

When the summer weather has you craving something sweet and delicious, but light, pavlova is a go-to dessert. It surprises people, leaves them intrigued, and will leave them begging for the recipe!

An overhead view of this classic Pavlova recipe served on a glass cake stand with whipped cream and berries.

Ingredients

For the pavlova, you’ll need egg whites (at room temperature), a pinch of cream of tartar, and white granulated sugar.

For the whipped cream, all you’ll need is some heavy cream, powdered sugar, and pure vanilla extract.

Lastly, garnish with fresh fruit, chocolate shavings, and some mint leaves. That’s it!

an overhead view of fresh whipped cream in a large glass mixing bowl with raspberries, blackberries, mint leaves, chopped strawberries, and shaved chocolate around it

How To Make It

If you’ve ever felt intimidated when looking at a beautiful pavlova, fear not! The process is super simple, but there are a couple of key tips to ensure you get the best pavlova possible right out of the gate. Here we go!

Start by making the meringue. You’ll start by whipping egg whites until they get frothy, then add a pinch of cream of tartar (this helps to stabilize the egg whites).

Side by side photos of egg whites in a mixing bowl.

Once you get to soft peaks, you’ll start to gradually add the sugar, beating until it’s all incorporated and the meringue reaches glossy, stiff peaks. (Is there anything more gorgeous?!)

Side by side photos of whipping egg whites into stiff peaks for this classic pavlova recipe

Then, shape it and bake it. Spread the meringue into a 9-inch circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You can spread it evenly, do decorative edges, whatever you’d like!

Meringue piled onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

The pavlova will bake for about 1 hour, or until lightly browned and very firm to the touch. A low and slow cool down creates the best texture, so prop open the oven door (use a wooden spoon if needed) and let it cool completely in there. (I usually leave it overnight.)

Side by side photos of prepared pavlova and finished baked pavlova on a lined baking sheet

Lastly, top, and serve the pavlova. Make a batch of fresh whipped cream, slather it on top of the pavlova, and then top with your favorite seasonal fresh fruit. I love mixed berries, and kiwi is always a great option, too.

A side view of this classic Pavlova recipe served on a glass cake stand with whipped cream and berries with a sliced removed

Tips for Success

Some reminders when making the classic pavlova recipe:

  • If you are unsure about making meringue, read through my ultimate guide of how to make meringue for a boost of confidence. It’s full of troubleshooting tips and pointers!
  • You can make individual pavlovas by piping or spreading small circles of meringue on the parchment instead of one large circle.
  • The pavlova layer can be made up to 2 days in advance and kept in an airtight container once completely cool. However, once it has been topped with whipped cream, it needs to be served within a few hours, as the meringue will start to soften.
  • Use whatever type of fruit you like best to garnish the pavlova; my favorites are mixed berries and kiwi. Other topping options are a raspberry sauce, lemon curd (use up those leftover egg yolks!), or wine-poached pairs, to name a few! Use your favorites or whatever is in season. As you can see, I also love shaved chocolate, as well!
  • As the pavlova dries it will crack and dip and do all sorts of crazy things. I love its character! It slices clean and pretty and has an incredibly light texture.
  • In addition to the fresh fruit, chocolate shavings, and mint leaves, you could top this classic pavlova recipe with some sliced and toasted nuts like almonds or even coconut. And a drizzle of honey or pure maple syrup would’t be a bad idea, either!

Storage Instructions

Store cooled pavlova in a large, airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 2 days maximum.

Do not refrigerate this pavlova! It will condensate and fall apart as it chills. You can store the garnishes separately if desired. This is especially important for wet ingredients like fresh fruit.

Overhead view of this classic Pavlova recipe served on a glass cake stand with whipped cream, berries, and chocolate shavings.

More Light Desserts Recipes

Classic Pavlova Recipe

This classic pavlova recipe hails straight from Australia. It's an easy meringue dessert topped with fresh whipped cream and berries.
4.07 (33 ratings)

Ingredients

For the Pavlova

  • 6 egg whites, at room temperature
  • Pinch cream of tartar
  • cups (298 g) granulated sugar

For the Whipped Cream

  • 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

To Garnish

  • Fresh fruit

Instructions 

  • Make the Pavlova: Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw a 9-inch circle in the middle (I traced 8-inch parchment rounds, but you could cake pans or anything else about the same diameter). Spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites on medium speed until frothy, then add the cream of tartar. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat to soft peaks. While continuing to beat the egg whites, gradually add the granulated sugar (I estimate that I added about 3 tablespoons at a time) and beat until glossy and stiff peaks form. Spoon the mixture onto the circle, and use a spatula to shape the egg white mixture into a circle with decorative sides, if desired.
  • Bake for 1 hour, or until firm to the touch. Turn off the oven and prop the oven door open with a wooden spoon. Allow the pavlova to cool completely in the oven.
  • Make the Whipped Cream: Place the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl and beat on medium-high speed until it holds stiff peaks.
  • Transfer the pavlova to a serving platter, then top with the whipped cream and fresh fruit. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Meringue Help: Read through how to make meringue for troubleshooting tips if you need some extra confidence!
  • Mini Pavlovas: You can make individual pavlovas by piping (or dolloping) small circles of meringue on the parchment instead of one large circle. They will only need to bake for about 25 to 30 minutes; check for doneness – they should feel firm and dry.
  • Garnishes: Fresh fruit, including mixed berries, kiwi, and blood oranges. Other topping options are a raspberry sauce, lemon curd (use up those leftover egg yolks!), or wine-poached pairs, to name a few! Use your favorites or whatever is in season.
  • Make-Ahead: The pavlova layer can be made up to 2 days in advance and kept in an airtight container once completely cool. However, pavlova is best enjoyed shortly after being topped and garnished. It does not store or freeze well.
Calories: 297kcal, Carbohydrates: 41g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Cholesterol: 50mg, Sodium: 52mg, Potassium: 75mg, Sugar: 40g, Vitamin A: 585IU, Vitamin C: 0.5mg, Calcium: 26mg

Did you make this recipe?

Leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag @thebrowneyedbaker on Instagram so I can see it!

Photography by Ari Laing.