Total
time
2hrs 35 minutes
Prep
time
20 minutes
Cook
time
1 hour 15 Minutes (+1 hour for cooling)
Ingredients
- 4 Large Egg Whites (At room temp)
- 200g Caster Sugar
- 1 Tsp White Vinegar
- 2 Tsp Cornflour
- 2 Tsp Vanilla Extract
- 250ml Heavy Cream
- 2 Tbsp Icing Sugar
- 1 Cup Fresh or Frozen Cherries (Pitted)
- 2 - 3 Tbsp Sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tsp Lemon Juice
- 1 - 2 Tbsp Water
- Whole Cherries (Fresh or Poached)
- Pomegranate Seeds
- Dark Chocolate (For shaving or Drizzle)
A light and airy pavlova topped with whipped vanilla cream, vibrant cherries, jewel-like pomegranate seeds, and a drizzle of rich cherry sauce. Finished with dark chocolate, it’s a beautiful balance of fresh, sweet, and indulgent, perfect as a festive centrepiece or a light dessert to share.
Serves: 8–10
Dietry Info: Gluten Free | Vegetarian | Contains Dairy and Eggs
Instructions:
Make the Meringue
- preheat oven to 120°C and line a baking tray with baking paper. Draw a circle (about 20cm/8 inches) as a guide, then draw a smaller inner circle to create a wreath shape.
- In a clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add caster sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, beating on high until glossy stiff peaks form. The sugar should be fully dissolved.
- Gently fold in vinegar, cornflour, and vanilla extract using a spatula.
- Spoon the meringue onto the prepared paper, shaping it into a ring (wreath) using the drawn circles as a guide. Make sure the inside is slightly hollow to hold the cream later.
- Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes at 120°C. Turn off oven and leave the meringue inside to cool completely (about 1 hour). This prevents cracks.
Make the Cherry Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and water.
- Cook over medium heat for 5–8 minutes until cherries soften and sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool. Optional: lightly blend for a smoother drizzle.
Whip the Vanilla Cream
- In a chilled bowl, whip cream, icing sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Do not overwhip.
Assemble the Pavalova
- Place the cooled meringue on a serving plate.
- Spoon or pipe whipped cream generously over the top.
- Drizzle cherry sauce over the cream.
- Decorate with whole cherries and scatter pomegranate seeds over the wreath.
- Grate or shave dark chocolate over the top for a finishing touch.
Serve immediately for the best texture, or store in the fridge for up to 4 hours before serving. Avoid longer as the meringue may soften.
Healthy Tips
- Naturally gluten-free: Pavlova is made without flour, making it a great option for gluten-free guests.
- Fresh fruit goodness: Cherries and pomegranate seeds provide antioxidants, vitamins, and natural sweetness, no need to overload on added sugar.
- Dark chocolate boost: Dark chocolate adds richness while offering antioxidants compared to milk chocolate.