Other Desserts

Pavlova with Lemon Cream, and Berries – The Perfect Holiday Dessert and a GIVEAWAY!

No one knows who first created the Pavlova. But the name and the recipes first began appearing soon after Russian prima ballerina, Anna Pavlova (she was born on 12 February 1881, in St. Petersburg, Russia, my home town), toured both Australia and New Zealand in 1926, and Australia again in 1929. Anna Pavlova was considered the greatest ballerina of her time, and her visit to New Zealand has been described as “the chief event of 1926.” It was said “She does not dance; she soars as though on wings.” From this you get the sense that this is a light, airy dessert.

There is a controversy with both Australia and New Zealand. While it has been suggested this dessert was created in New Zealand, it has also become recognized as a popular Australian dish. Both countries claim to have invented this dessert and claim it as their national dish.

Pavlova cake with berries

We don’t know who is right, but we do know that this is a miracle of a dessert, and not so difficult that we should shy away from it. The meringue shell is crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. It is lighter than air, as the great ballerina was supposed to be.
Please read the recipe, and try this magical dessert yourself.

Pavlova cake with berries
Print Recipe

Pavlova with Lemon Cream, and Berries

Ingredients

  • Ingredients for the meringue:
  • 1 cup superfine granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 3 large eggs at room temperature 30 minutes
  • 3 tablespoons cold water
  • 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
  • Ingredients for the filling:
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 stick unsalted butter
  • 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups mixed berries

Instructions

1

Preheat oven to 300ΒΊF and position a rack in the center.

2

To prepare the lemon cream:

3

stir sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan. Add the lemon juice and butter, bringing the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Continue to whisk at a simmer, about 1 minute. Whisk about 1/4 of the mixture into the beaten egg yolks, then transfer the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan. Over low heat, continue to cook, but make sure not to boil, whisking constantly until the lemon curd is thick, about 2 minutes. Scrape into a shallow bowl, stir in the lemon zest, and place a piece of parchment over the surface. Refrigerate for about 1-1/2 hours.

4

To prepare the meringue:

5

line a baking sheet with parchment and trace a circle about 7" in diameter in the center. Turn the parchment over.

6

Whisk superfine sugar and cornstarch together in a small bowl. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat whites with a pinch of salt at medium speed until soft peaks form. Add the water and beat until whites hold soft peaks once again.

7

On medium-high, beat in sugar mixture 1 Tbsp at a time. After all, sugar has been added, beat 1 minute longer. Add vinegar, then beat at high speed until glossy and stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes (longer if using a hand-held mixer). The meringue will be extremely thick.

8

Spread meringue carefully to cover the circle on the parchment, creating a cavity in the center (for the filling). Bake until meringue is pale golden and has a crust, about 45 minutes. Avoid opening the oven door! Turn oven off and prop the door open slightly with a wooden spoon. Cool meringue in oven 1 hour. The exterior will be dry and possibly cracked, the inside more like the consistency of marshmallow.

9

To assemble the pavlova:

10

beat the heavy cream just as it holds stiff peaks, then 1/4 cup at a time, whisk the cream into the lemon curd. Check consistency each time before adding more cream. It should be able to mound.

11

Spoon lemon cream into cooled meringue and mound fruit in the center. Serve with extra whipped cream if desired.

Pavlova cake with berries

Once you have the desert ready, all you need is a nice cup of tea. Well, the jar of homemade jam would be a nice addition.  So…

Dear Friends, I have a GIVEAWAY today and it is open to everybody around the world.

What’s in the parcel:
Box of Tea Forte with porcelain teacup ensemble, and Pear and Vanilla Jam I’ve made myself, and it’s the best jam ever.

How to enter:

  • Leave a comment at the end of this post
  • To double your chances, “like”
    Cooking Melangery on Facebook
  • Please one comment per person, anonymous will not be accepted
  • The gift will be shipped to a physical street address, sorry no P.O. Boxes
  • The giveaway will close Sunday, November 20, 2011, at midnight Eastern time
November 16, 2011 By
101

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  • kiri
    November 16, 2011 at 2:46 am

    I love a good pavlolva! Your meringue looks perfect πŸ™‚

    I'd love to enter the giveaway!
    I also liked you on facebook. The prize pack looks wonderful!

  • Rebecca from Chow and Chatter
    November 16, 2011 at 3:39 am

    stunning pavlova and fun history

  • slb3334
    November 16, 2011 at 3:58 am

    I would like this.

  • Anonymous
    November 16, 2011 at 4:59 am

    What a beautiful dish and giveaway. Thank you for the history on this amazing dessert!

  • Anonymous
    November 16, 2011 at 5:00 am

    I've "Liked" your facebook page! Thanks again and have a GREAT day!

  • Anonymous
    November 16, 2011 at 6:13 am

    Your food styling is simply awe inspiring. The Pavlova put be back in a holiday mood considering, I just came back from a holiday. I would love to have a taste of you jam as it looks scrumptious.

  • Anonymous
    November 16, 2011 at 6:14 am

    and yes, I have liked your facebook page. Who wouldn't!

  • Rebecca Graham
    November 16, 2011 at 8:26 am

    I am going to try this recipe.

    rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com

  • firefoodie
    November 16, 2011 at 11:00 am

    I'm an Aussie, so I say it's Australian. I love making this and your photos are just lush.

  • Anonymous
    November 16, 2011 at 11:48 am

    Would love to win this – thanks so much for the giveaway!! [email protected]

  • Anonymous
    November 16, 2011 at 11:49 am

    Like Cooking Melangery on Facebook! Penny Hayes Snyder – [email protected]

  • sue14625
    November 16, 2011 at 12:39 pm

    I have not tried Pavlova it looks so good a nice change from pies /cakes/ cookies
    ty for having this giveaway
    [email protected]

  • Serenap95
    November 16, 2011 at 1:16 pm

    Thanks for hosting this giveaway.

    serenap95(at)hotmail(dot)com

  • Chisum Crew
    November 16, 2011 at 1:25 pm

    I've never had Pavlova before but am so making it for Thanksgiving this year now. trinitygsd at yahoo dto com

  • βœͺβ™œI.B.G.β™œβœͺ
    November 16, 2011 at 2:28 pm

    Strawberries, whipped cream and berries. This is a very sexy trio.

  • rosannepm
    November 16, 2011 at 3:19 pm

    That is one of the most beautiful displays of a dessert I've ever seen. Love the dish, the sparkle and the berries and meringue
    [email protected]

  • rosannepm
    November 16, 2011 at 3:21 pm

    Like Cooking Melangery on Facebook Rosanne M
    [email protected]

  • blue65829
    November 16, 2011 at 3:39 pm

    What a fantastic giveaway and what a beautiful dessert, although I think making a pavlova is way outside my kitchen skill set πŸ™‚
    blue65829 at aol dot com

  • Alpana
    November 16, 2011 at 4:10 pm

    I have heard a lot about pavlova but never dared to bake it. You'r looks perfect & the presenation is out of this world as always. Nice givaway/ would like to taste your jam.

  • lily
    November 16, 2011 at 4:44 pm

    Beautiful post. The photos are lovely and the dish divine. Again a winner. Thanks so much.

  • kentSAVS
    November 16, 2011 at 8:40 pm

    I've always been intimidated by pavlovas but you make it sounds very do-able

  • Julia
    November 16, 2011 at 9:52 pm

    Beautiful post and pictures as usual. I do have a small request – if you can provide a printable version of the recipe without the pictures, that would definitely help me. thanks!

  • Liz
    November 16, 2011 at 10:00 pm

    That jam looks tasty!

  • Yelena
    November 16, 2011 at 10:38 pm

    Julia, at the bottom of each post you should see a little Printer icon (closer to right side). If you click it, a new window should pop up, with printable version of the recipe. And you could check "No Images" checkbox, and print it out.
    Let me know if it works or not.

  • jules
    November 16, 2011 at 11:38 pm

    that pavlova looks amazing. i have never tried to make one but i really want to!

  • jules
    November 16, 2011 at 11:38 pm

    liked you on fb Jules McNubbin

  • Deborah
    November 17, 2011 at 2:31 am

    I'm thinking…a Pavlova would make a stunning dessert for New Year's Eve!

  • Deborah
    November 17, 2011 at 2:34 am

    I liked Cooking Melangery on Facebook (Deborah Rosen).

  • Claudia
    November 17, 2011 at 2:37 am

    I do love a pavlova – it is as elegant as the ballet dancer! This brings back summer to me – in the sweetest way.

  • Boi Polloi
    November 17, 2011 at 4:03 am

    Always struggled with meringues, personally, but this looks positively delicious. Good luck everyone who enters πŸ™‚

  • julis55
    November 17, 2011 at 4:16 am

    I love meringues!

  • Danielle
    November 17, 2011 at 5:50 am

    My good friend made pavlova for me once and that was the first and only time I've ever tried it. It was delicious–I just have yet to be so bold as to attempt to make it myself! Looks like a good recipe πŸ™‚ Thanks!

  • Sara&Katey
    November 17, 2011 at 7:15 am

    That looks beautiful! And delicious, of course :]

  • curliecue
    November 17, 2011 at 7:39 am

    I've heard about Pavlovas now and then but never tried it. Maybe I should finally hop to it and try this recipe, the pictures are making it hard not to.

    I've liked you on FB as well!

  • Aroma y Cocina
    November 17, 2011 at 12:22 pm

    I was delighted when I saw your nice blog and really wonderful photographs.
    I am impatient to taste some of them.
    I cannot wait to read more of your recipes.
    Thanks.
    Regards.
    BegoΓ±a

  • Anonymous
    November 17, 2011 at 1:27 pm

    That pavlova looks absolutely divine! I can't wait to try making it this holiday season!

  • Anonymous
    November 17, 2011 at 2:02 pm

    Sweet crisp pavlova with refreshing lemon cream and some fresh berries. I can't think of a better combination !

  • ne-knopka
    November 17, 2011 at 2:14 pm

    Beautiful giveaway!

    fan on fb(anna ku)

    [email protected]

  • Jenn S.
    November 17, 2011 at 4:02 pm

    Reading your post has made me sooo hungry. Looks wonderfully delicious!
    jas8929 at gmail dot com

  • Jenn S.
    November 17, 2011 at 4:03 pm

    "Like" Cooking Melangery on facebook.
    jas8929(at)gmail(dot)com

  • Space Monkey 1138
    November 17, 2011 at 6:59 pm

    Homemade jam sounds SOO good!

  • gibberish
    November 17, 2011 at 11:00 pm

    Thanks for the giveaway.
    The jam flavor is intriguing.
    jlgibbings(at)hotmail(dot)com

  • The Perfect Bridesmaid
    November 17, 2011 at 11:31 pm

    the tea looks amazing.
    flyergal82 AT (yahoo) /dot/ $com%

  • βœͺβ™œI.B.G.β™œβœͺ
    November 18, 2011 at 10:39 am

    Hi Yelena. You should come to Antalya and watch the magnificent piano festival. Don't forget that music is the food of the soul. International Antalya Piano Festival is one of the best in Europe. This year, Japanese pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii, Russian violinist Vladimir Spivakov, Finnish pianist Olli Mustonen, Hungarian trompetist Gabor Boldoczki, Labeque Sisters, Russian violinist Aleksey Igudesman and South Korean pianist Hyung-ki Joo, Spanish pianist Dorantes, Polish pianist Szymon Chojnacki and FazΔ±l Say and other Turkish pianists will perform in 12th International Antalya Piano Festival.

  • Jeska706
    November 18, 2011 at 2:38 pm

    I know this sounds funny but my hubby would totally love this as a Christmas present. He's such and Englishman at heart!

  • Elo-Cupcake
    November 18, 2011 at 3:43 pm

    I'm in πŸ™‚

    I've like the Facebook page πŸ™‚

  • Jacqueline
    November 18, 2011 at 3:46 pm

    pavlova is my favorite dessert!! my dad always adds kiwis to the top (with the straberries and blueberries)! [email protected]

  • Jessie
    November 18, 2011 at 3:48 pm

    Beautiful photos and berries! I love Pavlova! Its always so fresh!

  • Grubarazzi
    November 18, 2011 at 3:58 pm

    Beautiful, as always. I'm a huge fan of pavlova, such a lovely airy dessert.

  • Kristin
    November 18, 2011 at 4:33 pm

    Can't wait to try it πŸ™‚ And the giveaway looks delightful!

  • jhitomi
    November 18, 2011 at 5:04 pm

    wow the jam sounds spectacular. You have a great blog
    jhbalvin at gmail dot com

  • Marija
    November 18, 2011 at 6:53 pm

    Beautiful AND delicious!! Thanks for the chance to win πŸ™‚

    marija.majerle at gmail dot com

  • RZBACK70
    November 18, 2011 at 7:10 pm

    Thanks for the background on pavlova. Yummy!

  • Anissa
    November 18, 2011 at 8:02 pm

    I would give this to my mother-in-law. She loves tea!
    anissacoupons(at)hotmail(dot)com

  • Crystal
    November 18, 2011 at 8:09 pm

    The jam sounds awesome!

  • Leslie R.
    November 18, 2011 at 8:24 pm

    I'm glad I found your blog today. The story & pictures of the Pavlova are enchanting! Thanks for the giveaway πŸ™‚

  • Shooting Stars Mag
    November 18, 2011 at 8:47 pm

    what a fun giveaway! Adorablet gift set.

    lauren51990 at aol dot com

  • sandyandcosmo
    November 18, 2011 at 10:09 pm

    I've never had much luck with meringues but this dish looks delicious! Thanks for the tea giveaway!

  • Popper
    November 18, 2011 at 10:14 pm

    The jam looks good, but what looks amazing is the pavlova! This definitely made me hungry! Thank you for the giveaway πŸ™‚

  • Meryl
    November 18, 2011 at 10:17 pm

    Your jam sounds great!

  • Domestic Diva
    November 19, 2011 at 12:07 am

    Lovely! Thanks for the chance.

  • Black Cat
    November 19, 2011 at 1:07 am

    Looks like a delicious recipe. Thanks for sharing.

    [email protected]

  • Yona Williams
    November 19, 2011 at 1:25 am

    Love the photos – they are so bright and tasty-looking! Love berry desserts. Email: yona(at)pricelesswriters.com

  • jsc123
    November 19, 2011 at 3:24 am

    The pavlova looks truly delicious.
    And I love the jam looks almost too pretty to eat.

    Thank you so much for the recipe and giveaway.

    jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com

  • jsc123
    November 19, 2011 at 3:25 am

    I am a fan via Facebook as Jill Myrick.

    jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com

  • BBB Admin
    November 19, 2011 at 5:23 am

    This looks AMAZING!! Wish I could get my meringues to look like yours! I am not on Facebook but I did tweet a link to your blog and recipe…can I have a second entry too? Pretty please??

  • Valerie Taylor Mabrey
    November 19, 2011 at 11:33 am

    wow such a nice giveaway thanks for the chance to win
    vmkids3 at msn dot com

  • intensev5
    November 19, 2011 at 5:34 pm

    The pear and vanilla jam sounds tasty — thanks for the chance to win

  • Robin T
    November 19, 2011 at 7:56 pm

    I have never tried Pavlova but it looks delicious

    [email protected]

  • Robin T
    November 19, 2011 at 7:57 pm

    I like Cooking Melangery on FB – Robin Trexel

    [email protected]

  • kihten
    November 19, 2011 at 8:38 pm

    oh this looks so lovely! thanks for the chance to win! kihten at gmail

  • Kelly Massman
    November 19, 2011 at 10:03 pm

    what a gorgeous looking dessert-looks yummy, too!
    i'm liking on fb

    thanks for a chance to win!
    And, have a GREAT day!
    kmassmanATgmailDOTcom

  • channallocks
    November 19, 2011 at 10:06 pm

    great contest

  • Holly
    November 19, 2011 at 10:12 pm

    I would love to win this! On a side note–I have never had Pavlova before. I will have to try and make it. Lol

    New follower! πŸ™‚

    fullmoonbites [at] gmail [dot] com

  • L.
    November 19, 2011 at 10:17 pm

    Whoa, that looks amazing! Where did you find the model for that table set up? It's beautiful!

    I liked you on FB as well. πŸ™‚

    Email: [email protected]

  • Liz
    November 19, 2011 at 11:52 pm

    Great giveaway! Thanks for offering it, hope I win the jam sounds sooo good!

    lnordquist(at)live(dot)com

  • Kelly
    November 20, 2011 at 1:51 am

    That looks delish!

    I like you on FB too πŸ™‚

    maiiven 2000 at gmail dot com

  • jandsfox_143
    November 20, 2011 at 3:02 am

    I would love to try this.
    [email protected]

  • Anonymous
    November 20, 2011 at 6:17 am

    What an absolutely beautiful dessert! It looks amazing.

    Mercedes

    [email protected]

  • Anonymous
    November 20, 2011 at 6:18 am

    I also liked you on FB! πŸ˜€

    Mercedes

    [email protected]

  • spirit_kim
    November 20, 2011 at 6:37 am

    Your Pavlova looks great! Pear and vanilla sounds good, I look forward to trying if I win. Thanks for the chance.
    gabe411 at hotmail dot com

  • carolpie
    November 20, 2011 at 3:08 pm

    Your pictures are gorgeous and I am sure your jam is superb!
    spencer1953 at gmail dot com.

  • carolpie
    November 20, 2011 at 3:09 pm

    Crap, I should have put this in the other comment?
    "like" Cooking Melangery on Facebook
    carol yerby lewis
    spencer1953 at gmail dot com.

  • Naomi
    November 20, 2011 at 7:19 pm

    Ooooh! That looks so yummy! I would love to win!

    pixiedustedhomeschool at yahoo dot com

  • Samorjj
    November 20, 2011 at 10:13 pm

    Beautiful looking dessert. Would love to win.
    samorjj(at)hotmail.com

  • Samorjj
    November 20, 2011 at 10:29 pm

    I liked your Facebook page for a second entry. (Jennifer W.)

  • Katarzyna
    November 20, 2011 at 10:40 pm

    Great giveaway! I'd love to win πŸ™‚

    gogunia3(at)wp(dot)pl

  • ikkinlala
    November 20, 2011 at 10:56 pm

    Such a gorgeous dessert – I'll have to try making one someday!

  • Ms. Lollipop
    November 21, 2011 at 1:55 am

    So cute! And the jam sounds fantastic!

  • 409cope
    November 21, 2011 at 2:07 am

    This tea would be so nice with the jams served on tea biscuits.cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

  • 409cope
    November 21, 2011 at 2:08 am

    I like Cooking Melangery on facebook.Shari D cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

  • Atreau
    November 21, 2011 at 4:22 am

    What a gorgeous Pavlova!

  • Donna
    November 21, 2011 at 4:49 am

    The Pavlova with Lemon Cream, and Berries looks delish!
    [email protected]

  • Donna
    November 21, 2011 at 4:50 am

    I "like" Cooking Melangery on Facebook (Donna Kozar)
    [email protected]

  • Yelena
    November 21, 2011 at 5:14 am

    Winner of the Cooking Melangery Giveaway is commentary number 11 by Penny Hayes Snyder. Congratulations!

    Penny, please send your address to [email protected]

    Random Number screen-shot is on Cooking Melangery Facebook Page.

  • Liza
    November 21, 2011 at 3:52 pm

    What a beautiful Pavlova! I've never tried making it, but your instructions make it sound easy, thanks.

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    –Liza

    ejm6x (at) yahoo (dot) com

  • Margarida V
    November 21, 2011 at 6:00 pm

    I just simply adore tea

  • Magic of Spice
    November 21, 2011 at 11:47 pm

    What a fun post and a gorgeous pavlova…beautiful for any time of the year πŸ™‚

  • Anonymous
    November 22, 2011 at 7:23 am

    What an amazing giveaway! I LOVE that you have the recipe for the meringue dessert posted right on your blog!

    I LOVE <3 tea, so any chance I get for a tea giveaway makes me happy.

    Thanks so much,

    Lisa

    lcg842 at comcast dot net

  • Anonymous
    November 27, 2011 at 10:31 am

    Very beautiful photos. Extremely evocative, they make you wanna go sit at that table with a special someone. The subject, your Pavlova, is offering a nice subject: it looks perfect.

  • Anonymous
    May 26, 2012 at 1:07 am

    I was searching on the internet tonight & found a post that said I had won this…I'm so sorry that I had missed your e-mail πŸ™