5 Delicious Pavlova Recipes You Must Try

When you think of pavlova, you might picture the classic dessert, a crisp meringue base with a marshmallow-like interior, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit. However, pavlova is much more versatile than you might imagine. Today, we explore five unique and delicious pavlova recipes that promise to elevate your dessert game, offering a delightful array of flavors and textures.

Chocolate Orange Pavlova

If you’ve ever wondered how chocolate and orange would harmonize in a pavlova, look no further.

Ingredients:

• 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 200g caster sugar
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder, sifted
• 1 tsp finely grated orange zest

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
2. In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
3. Gradually add the sugar, one spoonful at a time, beating continuously until the mixture is stiff and glossy.
4. With the mixer on low, gently fold in the vinegar, cornstarch, and cocoa powder.
5. Spread or pipe the meringue onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, forming a circle. Sprinkle the top with orange zest.
6. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. After baking, turn off the oven and let the pavlova cool inside with the door slightly ajar.
7. Once cool, top with whipped cream infused with a touch of orange liqueur and garnish with segments of fresh orange and shaved chocolate.

🍊 Note: For an extra kick, you can add a splash of Cointreau to your whipped cream before assembling.

Tropical Mango and Lime Pavlova

Transport yourself to the tropics with this refreshing twist on the pavlova.

Ingredients:

• 4 egg whites
• 200g superfine sugar
• 1 tsp cream of tartar
• Juice of 2 limes, divided
• 1 ripe mango, cubed

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) then reduce to 120°C (250°F) right before baking.
2. Whip egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add sugar and cream of tartar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks.
3. Gently fold in half of the lime juice, ensuring not to deflate the meringue.
4. Spoon or pipe the mixture onto a parchment-lined tray, shaping into a nest.
5. Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes. After baking, leave in the oven to cool with the door slightly open.
6. Mix the remaining lime juice with whipped cream and spread over the cooled pavlova. Top with diced mango.

🥭 Note: For an extra touch of flavor, a drizzle of mango coulis over the pavlova can enhance the tropical feel.

Coffee Hazelnut Pavlova

This pavlova is perfect for coffee lovers looking for an after-dinner treat.

Ingredients:

• 4 egg whites
• 225g caster sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp finely ground coffee
• 100g chopped hazelnuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Beat egg whites until stiff, then add sugar slowly until glossy peaks form. Mix in vanilla, coffee, and half of the hazelnuts.
3. Shape into a circle on the tray and bake for 1 hour. Turn off the oven and let it cool inside.
4. Once cool, top with a coffee-flavored whipped cream and sprinkle with remaining hazelnuts.

☕ Note: The coffee can be subtle or pronounced depending on your taste; adjust the amount accordingly.

Berry and Basil Pavlova

This unique combination brings together the freshness of berries with the aromatic hint of basil.

Ingredients:

• 4 egg whites
• 220g granulated sugar
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• Fresh mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
• A handful of fresh basil leaves

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 120°C (250°F).
2. Whisk egg whites until they form soft peaks, then gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Fold in vinegar and cornstarch.
3. Spread into a nest shape on a lined baking sheet and bake for 1 hour 15 minutes. Cool inside the oven with the door ajar.
4. Once cooled, whip cream with a bit of basil essence. Top the pavlova with cream, berries, and garnish with whole basil leaves.

🌿 Note: Basil adds an unexpected twist, but feel free to experiment with other herbs like mint if you prefer.

Rosewater and Pistachio Pavlova

Combining Middle Eastern flavors, this pavlova is both visually stunning and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 4 egg whites
• 250g caster sugar
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp rosewater
• 100g chopped pistachios

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 130°C (266°F).
2. Beat egg whites until stiff, then slowly add sugar, vinegar, and cornstarch, beating until glossy.
3. Fold in rosewater gently, then spread onto a lined baking sheet in a nest shape. Sprinkle with half the pistachios.
4. Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes. Let it cool in the turned-off oven.
5. Once cooled, top with a rosewater infused whipped cream and decorate with remaining pistachios.

🌹 Note: For a decorative touch, sprinkle a few edible rose petals around the pavlova.

These five pavlova variations provide a delightful exploration of flavors, from the richness of chocolate to the aromatic hints of basil and rosewater. Pavlova is a canvas for creativity, allowing for the fusion of unexpected ingredients that can turn a simple dessert into an extraordinary culinary experience. Whether you're a pavlova purist or an adventurous eater, these recipes offer something for everyone to savor. They're not only delicious but also present beautifully, making them perfect for celebrations or as a special weekend treat. Enjoy the process of creating these sweet masterpieces and share them with friends and family to spread the joy of dessert innovation.