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This ethereal crown of meringue, filled with cream and berries is a Pavlova. The name comes from the ballerina, Anna Pavlova, who was performing around the world in 1926 and made a stop in the land down under. From there the details get a little fuzzy and no one is quite sure if it was a pastry chef from Australia or New Zealand who first made this dessert for her. It causes a heated debate amongst them if you declare it one way or the other, so I am staying vague on the origin.
This is one of my favorite desserts, because I am a huge fan of meringue in just about any form. I love how it looks, how it tastes and the texture it lends. Pavlova, unlike other meringues, is made with vinegar and cornstarch, so the end result is crisp on the outside, but still has some tooth (chew) on the inside. Traditionally it is served with fruit, such as berries and passionfruit (that’s what is dripping off the edge) and whipped cream. I also added lemon curd, but there are no rules and you can fill this with whatever moves you.
The recipe is in Zoë Bakes Cakes and you can watch me make, shape, and bake this Pavlova inmy instagram video.
Tropical Fruit Resources
Tropical fruit and purees can sometimes be hard to find locally, so I often order mine online.
- Fierce Fruit(for Fruit Purees)
- Frieda’s
- Melissa’s Produce
- Miami Fruit
- Rincon Tropics
- Tropical Fruit Box
- Vanilla Beans
Other Ways to Make a Pavlova
- Mini Pavlovas
- Halva Diva Cake made with Pavlova Layers
- Pavlova Roulade
Heart Shaped Pavlova
To make the heart shape: draw a heart-shape that measures 10 inches wide and 10 inches tall. The size is really up to you, but that’s about what I did here. Then I sprinkled edible dried rose petals fromSOS Chefson the meringue before baking. I baked the heart-shaped pavlova for the same amount of time as the recipe below, but it may require less drying out time in the oven once the oven is turned off.
Pavlova FAQs
1. Why add water to the meringue?
Water makes for a thinner, more delicate meringue, so the end result is not rock hard, but a tender (soft) interior, while still crisp on the outside. Adding the water makes the egg foam less stable, which is why it’s SUPER IMPORTANT to also add the vinegar, which strengthens the proteins and helps make a strong but tender foam.
2. Why add vinegar to the meringue and why at the end?
Normally I would add an acid (either cream of tartar or vinegar) at the beginning of whipping the whites to help add stability and ensure a strong foam that won’t weep moisture. But, I was adding the water to thin out the whites, so I waited until after they were fully whipped before adding the vinegar. It still does its magic as long as it’s added before baking.
3. Why add cornstarch to the meringue?
Adding the starch to the foam helps create a softer meringue and one that is easy to cut, opposed to a meringue that shatters when you touch it with the knife. Because it interferes with the structure of the eggs (that’s why it’s softer), I whip the whites until STIFF and then I fold the starch in at the end. The starch also prevents the baked meringue from shrinking.
4. Why leave the light on in the oven after the pavlova is baked?
The oven light puts off just enough heat to keep the pavlova dry until you are ready to fill and serve it. This is key in the humid summer months. It can sit in the oven for up to 24 hours with the light on.
5. Can you make a pavlova if you don’t have an oven light?
You can still make the pavlova, but don’t open the door until you are ready to serve, and don’t try to make it WAY in advance if you live in a humid climate.
6. How can I prevent the pavlova from cracking?
There are a few reasons your pavlova may be cracking. Here are a couple of things to make sure of:
- Mix it to the right consistency, stiff peaks, so it’s not expanding too much in the oven.
- Your oven may run hot, which means the pavlova is expanding quickly in the oven and it can cause cracking. I suggest getting an oven thermometer to check the temperature.
- Mix it long enough so the sugar dissolves into the egg whites so that it becomes a uniform glossy mixture. MAKE SURE to use superfine or caster sugar so it dissolves quickly.
7. How far in advance can I make a pavlova? How long does it keep without filling?
You can bake the shell about 24 hours in advance. Leaving it in the oven with just the light on will keep it from absorbing any moisture. Much longer than that and it starts to get brittle!
8. How can I prevent the pavlova from getting soggy in the fridge?
If you put it in the fridge, it will become soggy. Make it just a few hours before serving. It’s not something you want to do a day ahead. Hold off on adding fillings until you serve it.
9. How can I prevent the pavlova from smelling or tasting eggy?
To ensure your pavlova doesn’t taste or smell eggy, be sure to whip the egg whites to stiff peaks, so they are properly aerated, and bake it thoroughly.
10. What is the difference between regular granulated sugar and superfine sugar?
Superfine sugar is more finely ground than regular sugar, but not so fine that it becomes powdered/confectioners’ sugar. You can make superfine sugar in a food processor if you can’t find it near you. Simply add granulated sugar to your food processor and process until it produces what looks like smoke (but is actually just sugar dust), about 5 minutes.
11. What should I do with all my extra egg yolks after making this recipe?
Creme brulee and lemon curd are both recipes that use lots of egg yolks!
Pavlova
A pavlova is a study in perfect imperfection. It bakes into a delicate, smooth shell that collapses in the middle, begging for any manner of filling.
Watch me make this on Instagram!
Want to try mini pavlovas? You can watch me make those too.
4.86 from 61 votes
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Servings: 8
Author: Zoë François
Equipment
Ingredients
- 150 g egg whites ~ about 5 egg whites at room temperature
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp cream of tartar optional. It will make the meringue stronger, especially if you have older, weaker egg whites
- 3 tbsp cold water
- 1 1/4 cups (250g) superfine sugar how to make superfine sugar
- 1 tbsp plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp vinegar white wine, cider or distilled
For Serving
- 1 recipe Perfect Whipped Cream
- 1 cup Lemon Curd divided
- Fresh Raspberries and / or Passion Fruit for filling and topping
- Confectioners' sugar for dusting
Instructions
Preheat oven to 275°F / 135℃ and place a rack in the bottom 1/3 of the oven. Trace a 6-inch / 15cm circle on a piece of parchment and set it, upside down, on a baking sheet.
In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the egg whites, salt and cream of tartar (if using) and beat on medium-high speed until medium stiff peaks form, about 3 minutes.
Turn the mixer speed to medium-low and drizzle in the water. Slowing sprinkle in the sugar a little at a time; this may take a minute or so. Turn the speed to high and whip until very stiff, glossy peaks form, about 5 minutes.
Using the whisk attachment or a rubber spatula, gently fold the cornstarch, vanilla, and vinegar into the egg whites.
Mound the egg foam into the circle on the prepared parchment paper. Using a metal spatula, smooth the mound, then swipe grooves into the foam, creating curls at the top. Very gently create a crater at the top, like a volcano, where the grooves meet. (see me do this on Instagram)
Bake for 60 minutes or until the meringue starts to turn a very pale tan color, then reduce the heat to 250°F and continue to bake for 45 minutes. Turn off the oven (don't open the door), turn on the light in the oven (don't stress if the light doesn't work) and let the meringue sit in the cooling oven for at least an hour, but it can be stored like this overnight or even up to 24 hours.
The center of the pavlova will collapse, that's just the nature of the beast and where you will put your filling. If it does't fall into the cavity completely, use a paring knife to carefully open up a hole in the top. The outer edge may crack a touch too, but I've made this shape several times and it generally only cracks a little if you do not open the oven door. The inside should be soft, but not at all wet.
Run a metal spatula under the pavlova to release it from the paper and carefully transfer to a serving plate.
Fold half of the whipped cream into 1/2 cup / 130g of the lemon curd. Fit a pastry bag with a large round tip and fill with the cream-curd mixture. Alternatively, carefully spoon in the mixture. Spoon 1/4 cup / 65g of the remaining lemon curd over it, then sprinkle with some of the berries. Repeat with the remaining cream-curd mixture and then the remaining lemon curd. Finish with the remaining berries and whipped cream and then dust with confectioners' sugar.
Refrigerate the pavlova for about 1 hour before serving to make it easier to cut.
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