Light as air, crisp on the outside, and marshmallow-soft in the center this Classic Pavlova with Whipped Cream and Berries is the ultimate elegant dessert for holidays, brunches, showers, and summer gatherings.
Topped with billowy whipped cream and vibrant fresh berries, this pavlova is stunning, impressive, and surprisingly simple to make.
table of contents
Why This Pavlova Is Always a Hit
✔ Naturally gluten-free
✔ Light yet indulgent
✔ Perfect for spring & summer
✔ Customizable toppings
✔ Make as one large centerpiece or mini pavlovas
✔ Elegant but beginner-friendly
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Course: Dessert
Ingredients
For the Meringue
- 4 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Whipped Cream
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- ¼ cup fruit preserves (optional)
For Assembly
- 1 cup fresh strawberries
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- Edible flowers (optional)
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Stand or hand mixer
How to Make Classic Pavlova
1️⃣ Preheat
Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Make the Meringue
Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
Reduce speed to medium and add sugar 1 tablespoon at a time.
Beat until thick, glossy, and stiff peaks form.
Fold in cornstarch and vanilla.
Spoon onto parchment to form:
- One 9-inch round
OR - 8–12 mini 3-inch rounds
3️⃣ Bake
Bake 50–60 minutes until dry to the touch.
Turn oven off and allow meringue to cool completely inside oven.
4️⃣ Make Whipped Cream
Beat heavy cream on medium speed.
Add powdered sugar gradually.
Increase to high and beat until stiff peaks form.
Fold in lemon zest or preserves if using.
5️⃣ Assemble
Fill cooled meringue shell with whipped cream.
Top generously with fresh berries.
Decorate with edible flowers or extra zest.
Serve immediately.
Decoration Ideas
- Lemon zest
- Fresh mint
- Pansies or violets
- Lavender or thyme blossoms
- Fruit curd drizzle
- Chocolate shavings
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: ~250–300 kcal (varies by toppings)
Nutrition estimates may vary based on ingredients used.
Classic Pavlova with Whipped Cream and Berries
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until glossy and stiff peaks form.
- Shape the meringue into a round on a lined baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 50–60 minutes until crisp on the outside.
- Turn off the oven and let the pavlova cool completely inside the oven with the door slightly ajar.
- Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then top the cooled pavlova with whipped cream and fresh berries before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
Classic Pavlova is one of those desserts that looks like it came from a bakery window — yet it’s beautifully simple to make at home. Light, crisp, creamy, and bursting with fresh berry flavor, it’s the perfect dessert for when you want something elegant without being heavy.
One bite and you’ll understand why pavlova is timeless.