If you are having guests over and you really want to impress with a homemade dessert, whipping up this irresistible pavlova is the way to do it. We can show you show you exactly how to make the perfect pavlova for a more-ish treat that you all of your guests will keep coming back for. Not only will you get a delicious dessert to share with your friends or family with this easy recipe, you'll also leave them in awe of your culinary abilities.
With a crispy crust but a soft and light inside that melts in your mouth, this classic meringue pavlova is a little tricky to master but it produces amazing results. This basic pavlova recipe takes 1h and 40mins to make in total, but it will be well worth the wait. Homemade meringue (opens in new tab) needs a lot of care and attention (take a look at our essential tips below on how to make pavlova) but once you've made them once, you'll get the hang of it! Berries and cream are the ultimate filling and if you're feeling fancy you can even swirl a little food colouring into the mix to give it a colourful finish. Top with some chocolate shavings or icing sugar to really wow.
Ingredients
For the meringue:
- 5 egg whites
- Pinch of salt
- 225g caster sugar
- 1tsp cornflour
- 1tsp white wine vinegar
- 1/2tsp red food colouring (optional)
For the filling:
- 290ml pot double cream
- 2tbsp icing sugar
- 1tbsp rosewater
- 450g summer berries
- Rose petals to decorate (optional)
WEIGHT CONVERTER
Method
- To make your pavlova, (opens in new tab) preheat the oven to 140°C/275°F/Gas Mark 1. Draw a 23cm circle on a large sheet of baking parchment and place, pencil side down, on a baking sheet (if you lay it pencil side up, the line will come off on the meringue). Put the egg whites in a large, roomy bowl, add the salt and whisk until stiff. Add a couple of tablespoons of the sugar and whisk thoroughly. Add another couple of tablespoons of sugar and whisk again. Continue until all the sugar has been used and the mixture is stiff and glossy. Whisk in the cornflour and white wine vinegar.
- Stir in the food colouring, lightly swirling until the mixture is marbled with colour. Spoon the meringue on to the parchment and spread out to fill the circle. Build up the sides into peaks to hold the filling.
- Bake for 1 hr until a pale biscuit colour. Remove from the baking parchment and transfer to a wire rack. Leave to cool completely.
- Assemble the pavlova. Whisk the cream until lightly thickened. Add the icing sugar and rosewater, and continue to whisk until thickened. Just before serving, spoon the cream mixture into the meringue case and pile the berries on top. Scatter over the rose petals.
Top Tip for making The perfect pavlova
It's really important that the bowl you use to make the meringue is thoroughly cleaned as any grease can affect the outcome of the pavlova
Trusted, informative, and empathetic – GoodTo is the ultimate online destination for mums. Established in 2007, our 15-year-strong archive of content includes more than 18,000 articles, 1,500 how-to videos, and 7,000 recipes.
-
Blueberry pavlova
By Rose Fooks • Published
-
FODMAP pancakes
Fodmap breakfast recipes can be tricky as dairy and gluten are usually off the menu! These delicious spinach pancakes might sound unusual but they're delish!
By GoodtoKnow • Published
-
Eton mess
Eton mess is one of the easiest summer desserts, made with broken meringues, strawberries and fresh cream. This Eton mess recipe is summer in a bowl...
By Jessica Dady • Published
-
Creamy vanilla fudge
Try our deliciously creamy vanilla fudge recipe. This vanilla fudge would make a great homemade food gift as it's an easy, simple recipe ready in no time...
By Jessica Dady • Published
-
Green bean puree
Deliciously smooth, vibrant green bean puree made with fresh beans and peas. Ready in just 20 minutes...
By GoodtoKnow • Published
-
Apple pie
This easy apple pie recipe is a real classic. Made traditionally with stewed apples and a rich buttery pastry you just can't go wrong...
By Jessica Dady • Published
-
Iceland is selling a GIANT Cadbury’s Creme Egg dessert just in time for Easter
By Naomi Jamieson • Published
-
These 7 everyday clothing items could get drivers FINED up to £5,000 - do you wear them at the wheel?
By Selina Maycock • Published
-
Ben & Jerry's is launching a line of doggie dessert treats
By Kudzai Chibaduki • Published