Ahh, pavlova! This delicate meringue dessert has captured the hearts and taste buds of dessert-lovers for decades! If you’ve never had a fruit pavlova, you’re missing out! This easy recipe for mini fruit pavlovas is the perfect way to start! They’re made with crunchy meringue shells, topped with delicate whipped cream, fruit and a tart raspberry sauce. These delicate and show-stopping mini pavlovas are great for a special dinner or cocktail party.
The history behind the pavlova dessert is quite interesting, too! It’s believed to be named after the Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova. On a tour to Australia and New Zealand during the 1920’s, the local pastry chefs wanted to create a special dessert just for her. I think the pavlova captures the characteristics of the ballerina so well – simple, yet elegant; light and effortless!
How to Make Perfect Meringue
Making meringue can seem very intimidating because it’s something that go wrong very quickly! Here are a few tips to make these mini pavlovas perfect every time!
- Start with a clean mixing bowl. This is SO important! I always wash my mixing bowl and whisk attachment with a degreasing soap and white vinegar. Any residual grease will cause the egg whites to fall flat and there is no way to fix that.
- Try adding cream of tartar. Cream of tartar can be used as a stabilizer for pavlova. Corn starch will also work well.
- Bake low and slow. Baking the meringue at a lower temperature ensure that it stays beautiful and white, without any scorching.
Make Ahead Dessert!
The light-as-air meringue shells can be prepared ahead of time. Just allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container. You can also prepare the whipped cream ahead of time and keep it stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve dessert, top the shells with whipped cream, loads of fresh berries and fruit and some raspberry sauce. The raspberry sauce is such a great addition to this recipe! Pavlova is usually a bit sweet and adding the tart raspberry sauce helps balance out the sweetness. This dessert is best if served with an hour of assembling.
More Recipes!
Looking for more pavlova recipes? Check out some of my other recipes you’re sure to enjoy!
- Try my ‘Chocolate Lavender Blackberry Pavlova’ next, with lavender whipped cream and blackberries!
- And this Chocolate Berry Pavlova Cake is simply stunning, with loads of fruit and chocolate whipped cream!
- Tatyana’s Torte is made with crunchy hazelnut meringue layers and coffee cake layers!
- Boccone Dolce – this delicate and light fruity cake is made with pavlova layers!
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Can’t wait to make these! I usually make the big Pavlova, but these bite size mini ones are soo cute! Thanks!