New Zealand Pavlova

Written by
Syrie Wongkaew
Sydney-based food writer, editor, photographer, and food stylist with a focus on Australian and Thai cuisine.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Syrie Wongkaew
Updated 03/30/19
Australian pavlova recipe

The Spruce 
  • Total: 115 mins
  • Prep: 40 mins
  • Cook: 75 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
253 Calories
1g Fat
54g Carbs
7g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 servings
Amount per serving
Calories 253
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 108mg 5%
Total Carbohydrate 54g 20%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Protein 7g
Calcium 12mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This recipe for Pavlova, made with a meringue shell, whipped cream, and fruit, is one of New Zealand's national desserts.

When preparing a Pavlova recipe, the most important thing is to have scrupulously clean utensils, free of grease, egg yolks, or eggshells. In fact, the success of the meringue depends on it. Also important is that the egg whites are at room temperature before beating them to get more volume.

Pavlovas have a habit of deflating and forming cracks when you open the oven but don't be disheartened. Just make some extra whipped cream to fill in the hole if this happens. It will still be a spectacular dessert.

If you use bananas in the topping, toss them in lemon juice to stop them from oxidizing or turning brown.

Ingredients

  • For Meringue Shell
  • 4 large egg whites (at room temperature)
  • 1 cup castor sugar (also known as caster sugar, berry sugar or superfine sugar)
  • 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • For the Whipped Cream and Garnish
  • 1/2 cup whipping cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 cup icing sugar (also known as confectioners' sugar)
  • 2 cups whole berries (or sliced fresh fruit of choice; strawberries, raspberries, kiwi fruit, passion fruit, bananas, blueberries)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Steps to Make It

Note: while there are multiple steps to this recipe, this Pavlova dessert is broken down into workable categories to help you better plan for baking and assembly.

Make the Meringue Shell

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for meringue
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  2. Heat the oven to 275 F/140 C and place the rack in the middle of the oven.

  3. Line a baking tray with foil and draw a 7-inch circle on the foil with the blunt edge of a knife (don't tear the foil). Set aside.

    Foil on baking sheet
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  4. In a clean, medium-sized metal bowl, beat the egg whites with a clean electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the whites form soft peaks.

    Beat the egg whites
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  5. Gently sprinkle the sugar into the egg whites, 1 teaspoon at a time, beating continuously until the whites form stiff glossy peaks.

    Sprinkle sugar
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  6. Sprinkle the cornstarch and vinegar on the meringue and fold in gently with a plastic spatula.

    Whip
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  7. Add the vanilla and gently fold the mixture again.

    Add the vanilla
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  8. Now gently spread the meringue in the circle on the foil to make a circular base. Make sure the edges of the meringue are slightly higher than the center so you have a very slight well in the middle.

    Gently spread meringue
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  9. Bake the meringue for about 1 hour and 15 minutes or until it goes a very pale, pinkish eggshell color.

  10. Turn the oven off and leave the door slightly ajar to let the meringue cool completely. As the meringue cools, it will crack slightly.

    Meringue on a plate
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  11. Just before serving, take the meringue out of the oven and remove it gently from the foil and place on a plate.

Make the Whipped Cream and Garnish

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for topping
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  2. Whip the cream with the vanilla and icing sugar until it forms peaks and set aside.

    Whip the cream
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  3. Prepare the fruit by washing and slicing.

    Prepare the fruit
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  4. Toss cut fruit, like bananas and apples, with lemon juice to prevent browning.

    Toss cut fruit
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  5. Gently spread the cream over the top of the cooled meringue with a spatula.

    Gently spread cream over
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  6. Arrange the fruit on top. 

    Arrange the fruit
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  7. Serve immediately and enjoy.