Classic Pavlova
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!
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!
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!
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).
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?!)
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!
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.)
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.
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.
More Light Desserts Recipes
- Pavlova Layer Cake with Whipped Cream and Berries
- Chocolate Pavlova with Mascarpone and Raspberries
- Easy Tiramisu Trifle
- Dark Chocolate Mousse
- Red, White & Blue Berry Trifle
Classic Pavlova Recipe
Ingredients
For the Pavlova
- 6 egg whites, at room temperature
- Pinch cream of tartar
- 1½ 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.
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.
Great recipe with nice guidance on the stages of the egg white mixture, which was extremely helpful for a newbie. The only thing I did differently, based on what I found in other recipes, was I used powdered sugar so it would integrate easier, and I folded in about 1 tsp of vanilla extract and 1 Tbl of cornstarch after the stiff peaks. Again, these additions were based on a plethora of other recipes I had found, but I liked your instructions the best. Also, per my previous comment, I started at a higher temp (300 deg) for the first 25 min so the outer shell would firm up, then dropped it to 250 deg for the remainder of the time. All in all, it came out great! Thanks again!
I tried this twice. Both i stances made to the T of the i structuons and both i stances the paclova never firmed up. Instead, the exteriors were tacky and marshmallow-like. The interiors were still light and foamy like the merinque atop a lemon pie.
I baked at 250 for an hour in a convection. I even did the upside down bowl test to make aure the whites were whipped enough.
What could possibly explain why it didnt turn out properly?
Hi Miro, Is it particularly warm or humid when you’ve made it? That type of weather can definitely cause meringues and pavlovas to keep from drying out properly.
Hi Miro: From other recipes, I started at a higher heat and it came out perfect, and I live in a humid place (Alabama). My process: 350 deg for pre-heat, turn down to 300 deg right before you put it in the oven and keep at that temp for 25 min, then turn down to 250 degrees for last 30 min or until exterior is firm. I also added the small amount of vanilla and cornstarch (1 Tbl) at the end per Aussie recipes I found. I am pleased with the result, so give it another try!
This recipe was my first time making pavlova and they came out absolutely perfect. I halved the recipe but changed nothing and am so in love!
Ya’ll this recipe is fantastic! I never post anything on any social media platform for recipe I try, but this one is a must! The guests and hubby were impressed. The only tweak I did was I used 1 c of sugar instead of 1 1/2. To speed up the cooling process, I let the oven door ajar about a coupe inches for the 10 min and by a foot for another 10 before removing it from the oven.
Hi, Great recipe, but it does need a tablespoon of cornstarch and a teaspoon of vanilla, also coming straight from Australia with my aussie wife of twenty years, I felt it important to point out that no good pavlova ever gets served in Australia without a good squeeze of a few passion fruits over the top, just before serving. Fresh fruits piled high on the pav with some freshly whipped cream in a bowl on the side, self-serve style. One of the lightest, easiest and tasty desserts of an aussie summer bar-b.
you didn’t add lemon or vinegar or cornstarch. i am wondering why.
maureen
This is how I top my Pavlova. The raspberry sauce over the fruit is amazing!
1/2 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 pint fresh blueberries
1/2 pint fresh raspberries
1/2 pint blackberries
Small bunch of red grapes
Triple Raspberry Sauce (recipe follows)
Mint leaves, for garnish
Triple Raspberry Sauce:
1/2 pint fresh raspberries
Scant 1/8 cup castor sugar
1 cup seedless raspberry jam (10-12-ounce jar)
1 tablespoon framboise liqueur( you cans also use Chambore, a French liqueur)
I adore pavlova. I like how you made the sides higher than the middle. I ironically made this recipe in May and don’t have a photo. Mine was much flatter. Will try to create higher sides next time. Thanks.
I love Pavlova but I’m more likely to make Nigella Lawson’s Eton Mess. Strawberries, meringue, and whipped cream in a totally different preparation.
Hmmmmm there’s an ongoing debate as to whether this hails from us in Aus or New Zealand!
When Anna Pavlova, a famous Russian ballerina, was touring the world performing “The Dying Swan”, she went to New Zealand to perform. The New Zealanders came up with this cake and named it after her when she toured there. This is why the cake is named Pavlova. Just a little history for ya. Also, the music she dances to is pretty iconic. look it up.
Thank you!!!! Those Aussies. lol. They’ll be claiming Manuka Honey as theirs next. Oh wait… Tisk.
Love your posts! I’d like to add one caution with any whipped egg whites. Do not try to make this recipe on a humid day if you have no AC. Trust me on this…it won’t turn out.
I’ll do this bake-along with you!
I have been making Pavlova for years, and it began with my mother, who made the individual variety. It was her signature dessert, and she called them meringue shells. She filled them with vanilla ice cream and topped each with either her homemade chocolate sauce or fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
Several years ago, one of my daughters-in-law and I made a gorgeous Pavlova together, but I’m not sure I can find the photo, as it was not digital. But it’s berry season, so thank you for the inspiration to give it another go!
I followed the direction of this to a T. My peaks were stiff and perfect, and then it all fell apart when I added the sugar. It never firmed up again. I beat it for over 30 minutes waiting on it to stiffen up again, and nothing. I ended up putting in a pie dish to bake, as it was the only way to keep it contained. It’s in the oven now, and frankly I’m not expecting much. Pretty disappointed.
The Pavlova is from New Zealand, not Aussie!!! Good recipe all the same!
How long will this keep in the fridge before I put the cream & fruit on the top? Thanks :)
Hi Angela, I would only keep it for a day before serving.
Hi Michelle, I made the merengue base for this tonight and will frost it with the whipped cream tomorrow for my son’s birthday. So far, so good. The egg whites whipped up very high and firm, I was very pleased. I ran the sugar through the Vitamix before adding it to the egg whites.
I know this recipe has been up for a while, but I just found it before Christmas, and we made it for our Christmas dessert.
Yep. Total fiasco! Not pretty like in the picture, it looks like a big flat pancake. I didn’t waste it though. I just made crumbles out of it in separate little bowls and decorated it with whipping cream and fresh berries. Taste is great but representation is quite different… :-) is it possible to use 9″ ring form next time? Please, give me some advice, folks…
Hi Yelena, You really want to free-form a pavlova so that it develops that exterior crust. If it was runny, the egg white mixture likely wasn’t beat to stiff enough peaks. You should easily be able to shape the mixture with a spatula.
I followed the instructions just the way it’s written. I whisked everything with an electrical mixer with a timer but the mix didn’t stay in a circle of 9″, it just spread around…What did I do wrong?! It’s in the oven now but I expect this thing will come up pretty darn ugly… :-(
I know this recipe has been up for a while, but I just found it before Christmas, and we made it for our Christmas dessert. It was yummy, and my family literally Raved! about it! Thank you! I loved the simplicity of this recipe – I followed directions (especially whipping the meringue for 10 min after adding the sugar) and even using organic rough sugar, it was nicely melted and no grittiness at all, when using the full 10 min. This comes together so easily! but to make it easier (and less of a load on anyone for Christmas dinner), we split it up each one bringing one component (meringue, whipped cream, fruit), then assembled to eat. Just fyi, the meringue was made 3 days before it was used, stored loosely covered on a tray in a cool garage – and seemed to work out just fine. :)
Pavlova is DEFINITELY a kiwi recipe! Our McD’s even sells it as “kiwi pav”! damn aussies, always stealing out thunder! :D
Works amazingly in chocolate or coffee flavour!
I made this dessert this weekend and it was delicious. Thanks to Alice for the tip about putting the sugar in the food processor first. I used the six leftover egg yolks to make lemon curd that was delicious with the fruit (raspberries , blueberries and strawberries). When I left my pavlova in the oven, it started to crack quite a bit. It didn’t affect the taste and I covered it with whip cream, but my question is how long should it cool in the oven to prevent cracking? Would using a bit of white vinegar( as suggested by Skye) help?
Pavlova is such a stunning dessert! Your fruit combination is just perfect…as is this dish for a baby shower!
I love Pavlova!! I haven’t made it in quite a while maybe over a year, but it’s amazing!! Yours is so pretty =)
This cake looks sooo good, and is pretty too. I’m for sure going to make this cake for next weekend. It sounds so easy to make and I’m sure my hubby will love it.
What a beautiful dessert, I love it – even more that’s gluten-free! Thanks again for the kind words and for joining the party, Maria has spoken nothing but wonderful things about you :)
That is absolutely the sweetest thing! The pavlova looks delightful and Two Peas in a Pod is such a sweetheart!
What a wonderful idea to have a virtual baby shower! The pavlova looks beautiful. And you are right…could you imagine the spread of all of this fabulous food in person!?!
I’m going to make this beautiful dessert for a family get-together this weekend. It looks like the perfect ending to a meal of grilled beef tenderloin, my Bonefish grill salad, and your own green been casserole. A great use for some end-of-summer berries! Thanks for sharing.
I love the cake stand! so elegant and a great set up for the pavlova. You DO take such nice pictures!!! I hope I can try this recipe as soon as possible.
such a pretty dessert for a lovely occasion!
What a gorgeous looking pavlova!
Your Pav looks fantastic. I’m a New Zealander (or a Kiwi as we known) and yes the contention between the countries as to who made up a Pav is a strong one BUT one which has finally been resolved when they found the oldest dated recipe ever…in NZ (so there you Aussies). The best thing about a Pav is that it doesn’t have to be perfect looking on top. You can flip it over or else cover the crater with cream. Although you can use any fruit you like on top, the favourites would have to be strawberries or passionfruit. Yoy can also make it in a swiss roll tin, fill it and roll it (like a chocolate log) as a yummy alternative for dessert. I always use castor sugar because it dissolves faster and I always add in a bit of white vinegar and a bit of cornflour to help to stabilise the egg whites so it holds its shape. Your Pav looks absolutely delicious….maybe you have some Kiwi genes in there?
I’ve always thought making pavlova would be terribly challenging but your recipe & instructions seem very attainable!
xo
http://allykayler.blogspot.com/
Is the oven temperature correct? 250 degrees seems low…
Hi Mary, Yes that temperature is correct; pavlovas are baked at a low temperature for a fairly long amount of time (about an hour).
Beautiful! What a lovely and perfect recipe for a shower, great job!
What a perfect light dessert for a baby shower. This looks just beautiful and if I can get the meringue right very doable….I will have to try this!
Yummm Pav’s are my favourite desert! So easy – and so delicious.
I think the votes overwhelmingly point to this being a Kiwi desert! ;)
I have never had a Pavlova but girl I would LOVE to dive into this one. Such a lovely treat for Maria’s baby shower or any special occasion.
“cute little bites, fresh flavors, and light textures” you got all that with this one.
So glad you joined in on the fun :)
Are pavlovas truly as simple as you make them seem? i have seen so many recipes for them lately and they sound easy enough, but for some reason, I am intimidated! This looks beautiful though!
Gorgeous!! I made pavlova for Easter, but it didn’t look anywhere near this beautiful! I’m going to try your recipe next. :) awesome job, and I’m sure “two peas and their pod” loved it as well!
Lovely to see our Aussie pavlova on your blog…here in Oz we nick name it “Pav”! My husband has one every year for his birthday and Fathers Day and it is Gluten free so it is perfect for our 5 yr old daughter too! I add a few drops of white vinegar and vanilla essence to mine. The vinegar helps make the meringue marshmellowy Mmm Yum!!!
This is absolutely gorgeous, Michelle! It’s so elegant and decadent looking, all at the same time. The photos are also beautiful!
Great job! It’s exciting to see a Southern Hemisphere dessert on a Northern Hemisphere blog! Pavs are also awesome with lemon curd swirled on top of the cream, and topped with strawberries and passionfruit… YUMMO! Also, you can make a brown sugar version – the caramel-y flavour is amazing! That’s my favourite, I always make it for our Australia Day BBQ.
And Sereena, I’m pretty sure “authentic Aussie recipe” is the correct term here ;)
You’ve made a beautiful looking pavlova! Usually I just decorate it with sliced kiwifruit – I really like how you’ve decorated with three fruits!
My Mum’s trick (and probably my grandmother’s before her) is after the pav has cooled on the tray to then flip it over onto the serving plate, then peel off the parchment paper. Often pavs sink in the middle and so with it flipped over, if it does sink the sides will still stay up and then you can put the cream in the sunken part.
Oh, and didn’t you mean to say “authentic Kiwi recipe”??? hehe :)
This Traditional Pavlova dessert looks so pretty and I’m sure is delicious. What a very cool idea to have a virtual baby shower. Thank you for describing it and for including links for the other bloggers “attending” the shower. I feel like I’m attending it myself when reading through your, and the other’s posts.
I’ve always wanted to try a pavlova, but never have. Yours is BEAUTIFUL!!!
this looks so good. i have pavlova on my list of things to make and this just bumped it up. beautiful!
Looks so fresh and delicious!
Stunning pavlova….
Have been thinking of trying this recipe since a long time but didnt turn it to reality yet….thanks for inspiring me
I like to use baker’s sugar in my pavlova as it is easier to dissolve; it’s a more finely ground sugar. Alternatively, you can run your sugar through the food processor first for a few seconds. This cuts down on the grittiness of the meringue. Good fruit choices include strawberries, kiwi, and PASSION FRUIT!
Also, New Zealanders will tell you that pavlova is a New Zealand dish, not an Aussie dish, but who knows who is right?
I love when bloggers come together for this kind of thing! I’ve never made (or eaten!) pavlova…this looks beautiful and delicious!
This is the perfect dessert for a baby shower. It makes such a beautiful presentation, Michelle.
What a beautiful dessert! How can any leftovers be stored?
Thank you Lisa! I stored it in the refrigerator (due to the whipped cream) and leftovers tasted delicious!
I LOVE Pavlova! It is relatively new to me, but I will never live without it again. Your is gorgeous! And how cute for a virtual baby shower idea!
Thank you thank you thank you!! As a kiwi living in America I’ve seen a few misrepresentations of ‘our’ beloved pavlova. Thank you for making a nice, high one! Gorgeous!!
It looks so elegant! A perfect addition to the shower.
I would love to make this!! It looks so delicious…light and delicious!! Love the fruit on it…thanks so much for sharing :)
Congrats Maria and Josh!!
THANK YOU! I love this dessert! SO pretty! You are all so kind. I am still in shock:) Thanks so much for thinking of us. Now you better come visit us soon so you can meet our little pea! Love ya girl!
So ethereal and lovely! Perfect for a baby shower!
pavlova is one of those things that i love watching people make and need to make myself!
My mom used to make this, except she made hers into several smaller, individual-sized portions and called it schaum torte! (we come from a very German part of Wisconsin.) It’s divine with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, or ice cream!
What a wonderful celebration for Maria! That pavlova looks like the perfect thing.
You are so right, pavlova is perfect for a shower! Yours is gorgeous!
This looks like heavenly fluff in a cake
What an awesome idea! The Pavlova looks beautiful. Nice job.
Lordy, this pavlova sure looks good and very elegant.
What a fabulous idea!
This pavlova looks like a wonderful addition to the party :)