A whole pavlova on a blue serving platter, with passion fruit drizzle on top and fairy lights in the background

18 pavlova recipes

Name: 18 pavlova recipes
Cuisine: New Zealand, Australia

Emily Marten

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Pavlova is the ultimate entertaining dessert – crisp yet marshmallowy meringue topped with fluffy whipped cream and seasonal fruit. Discover our top pavlova recipes

The origin of the pavlova is contested, with both New Zealand and Australia claiming to have invented the iconic dessert. Either way, it takes its name from the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, in honour of her tour around the Antipodes in the 1920s.

Try our showstopping pavlova recipes below, with seasonal summer fruits like peaches and passion fruit as well as pistachio, black forest and mini versions for a twist. Now try more summer desserts and discover our summer drinks ideas to accompany your dessert. After that, try our easy banana dessert recipes, no-bake dessert recipes and French dessert recipes.

Pavlova recipes

Summer pavlova recipes

Best pavlova

Pavlova is a classic British pud consisting of light, crispy meringue and whipped cream. Create our showstopping version, topped with fresh summer berries.

Very berry pavlova

Lemon pavlova

Top glossy meringue with yogurt rippled with lemon curd and pillowy double cream, plus citrussy zest and edible flowers for a pretty finish

Lemon pavlova on a plate with edible flowers on top

Strawberry sumac pavlova with pistachios and basil

Pavlovas are a beautiful canvas for seasonal flavours, especially when using a blend of double cream and tart yogurt.

Strawberry sumac pavlova on a serving board with pistachios and basil

Griddled peach pavlova with mascarpone cream

With just the right amount of crunch on the outside and a chewy marshmallow filling, this impressive, foolproof recipe will make a showstopping dessert at your next dinner party.

Peach Pavlova Recipe with Mascarpone Cream

Peach melba smashed pavlova

Ready-made custard and meringue nests make this an effortless dessert that's great for entertaining. You can swap in good-quality peaches in syrup if you fancy, but fresh, velvety-soft peaches are hard to beat.

A back plate of meringue chunks, peaches, cream and raspberries on a purple background

Pistachio pavlova

There's nothing better than a great pavlova in the summer. Make this delicious pistachio meringue-based version using fresh strawberries and raspberries for a truly indulgent treat.

Pistachio Pavlova Recipe

Passion fruit pavlova

A crown of crisp meringue, made irresistible with tangy lemon and passion fruit curd, whipped cream and melted white chocolate. This easy pavlova recipe is perfect for entertaining.

A whole pavlova on a blue serving platter, with passion fruit drizzle on top and fairy lights in the background

Strawberry pavlova

Make our delicious, light strawberry pavlova the day before and then whip the cream and prepare the fruit at the last minute for everyone to enjoy, hassle-free.

Strawberry Pavlova Recipe

Rhubarb and custard pavlova

Rhubarb and custard is a classic combination, and piled on top of feather-light meringue it's even better. This show-stopping pavlova makes a great dinner party dessert.

Rhubarb and Custard Pavlova Recipe

Elderflower and kiwi pavlova

Elderflower and kiwi make a brilliant combination in this impressive dinner-party dessert.

Elderflower and Kiwi Pavlova Recipe

Pink rhubarb pavlova

Try your hand at this pavlova – its zingy-sweet taste and shocking pink colour make it a winner every time. It's best made between April and June when rhubarb is in season.

Rhubarb Pavlova Recipe

Blackberry pavlovas

Blackberries are one of our fruity favourites and the hedgerows are full of wild ones in September. Show them off in this delicious pavlova topped with vanilla cream.

blackberry pavlova

Mini pavlovas

These cute mini pavlovas are elevated with white chocolate cream and rosé raspberry syrup.

Mini Pavlova Recipe with Raspberry Syrup

Mango shrikhand

Shrikhand is a creamy Indian dessert made from strained yogurt, flavoured with spices or tropical fruit. This pavlova has a rose-scented meringue base and zingy mango shrikhand topping. With toasted almonds and coconut for some extra crunch, it really does have it all.

Mango shrikhand pavlova

Christmas pavlova recipes

Mulled wine cherry pavlova

Easily adapted to whatever flavours take your fancy, pavlovas are also great for preparing ahead. This one is topped with mulled wine cherries for festive flavour.

Mulled wine cherry pavlova on a cake stand with a white background

Baileys chocolate pavlova

Check out this festive Baileys pavlova recipe. You can make the pavlova base the day before, then fill just before serving – a perfect alternative to Christmas pudding.

Pavlova topped with chocolate shavings

Black Forest pavlova

Impress friends and family over the festive season with our stunning black forest meringue tower. This gorgeous dessert is filled with dark chocolate ganache, boozy cherries and mascarpone cream. Pure indulgence!

Meringue stack with cream and cherry glaze dripping

Christmas pavlova

These individual pavlovas are filled with caramelised pineapple, topped with vanilla-infused cream and finished with a passion fruit coulis – a truly showstopping dessert by Covent Garden restaurant, Ave Mario.

Ave Mario's christmas pavlovawith passion fruit coulis being pouts over the top

Authors

Emily Marten headshot

Emily MartenDigital Content Producer

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