Light and airy, crispy yet soft—the perfect sweet treat with a delicate touch.
It is no secret that I love sweet treats. Every time I tell you about a dessert, I have a million stories to share. But everyone knows that sweet treats are not always the healthiest or lightest option. Still, as a true dessert lover, I sometimes don’t finish my meal just to save room for dessert, and I hate that about myself. That’s exactly why I love pavlova. I can enjoy my entire meal, knowing dessert won’t weigh me down.
For those of you who have never had a pavlova, it’s a light and airy treat that’s both crisp and soft. I remember the first time I tried one—I was on a date at a fancy restaurant and ordered it without really knowing what it was, and boy, was I happy with that decision! It was so unique, leaving me guessing how it was prepared. Then I found this recipe and realized that making a perfect pavlova isn’t difficult at all.
A pavlova should welcome you with a delicate crunch when you first cut into it and then surprise you with a dreamy marshmallow center. With the addition of whipped cream and fruit, you have a beautiful dessert full of texture and flavor.
There’s some debate about the origins of the pavlova—some say it comes from New Zealand, while others claim it’s Australian. What we do know for sure is that it was named after the famous Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova. Often considered the perfect summer dessert because of its lightness, it’s typically topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit.
Is Pavlova Healthy?
Asking if a pavlova is healthy garners the same response as with any sweet and decadent dessert: everything in moderation. This pavlova recipe calls for a lot of sugar, and that’s not something we want to overindulge in. The heavy whipping cream, an important element in the pavlova, is very high in fat, too.
This recipe is entirely gluten-free and suitable for those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease.
How to Make Ahead and Store
Pavlovas are best enjoyed the day they’re made, but if you need to prepare one in advance, make sure the meringue has cooled completely and then transfer it to an airtight container without any toppings. Store it at room temperature for no more than 24 hours, and top once ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
A pavlova is such a light and delicious treat, making it a great complement to many elegant dinners. Why not treat yourself and someone special to a lovely three-course meal, complete with a cocktail to start? A great option would be to open the evening with a Classic Negroni. Start your meal with Lemon-Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus And Goat Cheese Pesto Bites. For your main course, feast on Shrimp Pasta With Creamy Curry Sauce. No matter how you serve your pavlova, it will be the perfect ending to any meal.
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- Fresh fruit such as strawberries, kiwi, or blueberries, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat the egg whites with a mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, then gradually add sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in vanilla, cream of tartar, and cornstarch into the egg white mixture.
- Spread the meringue into an 8-inch circle on the prepared baking sheet, creating a slight well in the center.
- Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, then turn off the oven and let the pavlova cool completely inside.
- Once cooled, top with whipped cream and fresh fruit before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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