By

Jim Markus / Last Modified On August 5, 2025

The perfect pavlova dessert turns out crisp at the edges and chewy on top. The center is as soft as a marshmallow. Top it with fresh fruit, and you've got one truly memorable dessert. Here's my gluten-free pavlova recipe.

This is a merengue-based dish, which makes it a perfect pairing with fresh fruit. In that way, it's very similar to lemon cake. Try it with fresh strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries.

How to Make Pavlova Dessert

It's fun to make pavlova. Here's my full recipe with photos for each step.

I'm also including a video to show the process. Just scroll down to see the full recipe with ingredients listed and a video.

Start by preheating your oven to 275 degrees and lining a half-sheet baking pan with a silicone baking mat. You can also use parchment paper. 

Unlike my gluten-free banana pudding, which only needs to be warmed before refrigeration, pavlova needs baking. 

Next, in a large mixing bowl, whip the large egg whites together.

You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this. If you do, use a medium-high speed.

Note that you can do this part by hand with a whisk, but it's much easier with a little mechanical help.

Slowly add sugar to the egg whites while you mix.

You'll know you're done mixing when stiff peaks start to form in the mixture.

Once the mixture has stiff peaks, fold in cornstarch. This is when the meringue really takes shape. I like to use a large spoon to transfer it to my baking sheet at this point.

Once you've got the meringue transferred to a baking sheet, make sure the edges are relatively tall and that the center has a dip.

You'll be adding the topping into the dip, and you want the edges to crisp.

Bake for about 90 minutes. You'll know it's done when the pavlova dessert is firm and dry in the center. It shouldn't brown on top.

I like to make sure the pavlova is completely cool before moving onto the next part. That can take at least an hour, but it's vital for the structure of the dessert.

If you're going for a professional look, you can use a piping bag to transfer the meringue to the baking tray. I usually just use a knife or spoon to form it into a mound.

Finally, top it with whipped cream and fresh berries. Add strawberry sauce and fresh mint leaves to finish it.

As an alternate version of my pavlova, remove the strawberries and replace with lemon curd, kiwi, or mango. (I made mine with strawberry).

Use a knife to cut it immediately before serving.

Serve it in slices, either chilled or at room temperature. I prefer the chewy texture of the center slightly chilled with warm syrup on top.

Ingredients in a Pavlova Dessert

Pavlova is already a gluten-free dish. If you want to deviate from my recipe, be sure to check to make sure any replacement ingredients don't contain gluten.

Here are the ingredients to use in pavlova:

• Egg whites
• Granulated fine sugar
• Pure vanilla extract
• Lemon juice
• Cornstarch
• Sweetened whipped cream

And these are what I use for the topping

• Strawberry sauce
• Fresh strawberry
• Fresh blueberry
• Mint leaves

Of course, you can swap out the fresh strawberries or blueberries with raspberries or blackberries. It's also delightful with lemon curd, mango, and kiwi.

If you're not sure how to make strawberry sauce, it's easy! Combine fresh strawberries, lemon juice, and sugar. Put it over low heat and stir constantly until it reduces to a syrup.

Common Questions About Making Pavlova

Here are a few of the most common questions I hear about this popular, fresh dessert.

What is Pavlova Dessert?

Pavlova is a merengue-based dessert. It was made popular in the South Pacific, either in Australia or New Zealand, and it's commonly made as a treat during warm weather.

What Does Pavlova Taste Like

Pavlova is a sweet treat. Served with fresh fruit, this dessert turns out crispy at the edges and soft and chewy in the middle. I prefer it as a treat during warm weather, ideally sitting under a shade tree while listening to the cicadas.

Can You Buy It At The Store?

While you might find pavlova at a bakery or in a cafe, it's not commonly sold at grocery stores in the United States or Canada. That makes sense! Pavlova desserts taste best when they're fresh, and they're usually served with fresh fruits. Instead of buying pavlova, you can make it yourself!

Is Pavlova Gluten-Free?

Yes, my pavlova dessert recipe only requires gluten-free ingredients. No substitutions needed!

Should It Have Cracks?

It's normal for pavlova desserts to show cracks. If these appear on the top, it's also a tasty way to infuse the meringue with your strawberry topping.

Did you make this pavlova dessert? Let me know in the comments! I'm also happy to answer any questions. Thanks for reading!

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Yield: 6 Servings

Pavlova Dessert

Print

With crisp edges, marshmallow-soft center, and topped with fresh fruit this pavlova dessert recipe makes a memorable summer finish to any meal.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 5 egg whites
• 1 cup granulated fine sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 ½ cup sweetened whipped cream
• ½ cup strawberry sauce
• ¼ cup fresh strawberry
• ¼ cup fresh blueberry
• Mint leaves

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 275°F. Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whip the egg whites on medium-high speed using a hand mixer.
3. Begin slowly adding the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until all the sugar has been added. Allow about 20-30 seconds between each addition of the sugar before adding the next. Once all the sugar is added, add the vanilla extract and lemon juice and whip until stiff peaks form. Fold in the cornstarch over the meringue.
4. Transfer the mixture to the baking sheet and use a spoon to make decorative peaks with the back of a large spoon if desired. Make sure the edges are relatively tall and there is a nice dip in the center.
5. Bake for 90 minutes or until the pavlova is firm and dry in the center but not brown on top.
6. Allow your pavlova to cool off completely (at least another hour) before serving.
7. Pipe or spoon the whipped cream onto the cooled pavlova and top with fresh berries, strawberry sauce and mint leaves. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

You can substitute the toppings with almost any fresh fruit. Try this pavlova with raspberries, blackberries, or even bananas.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. They never cost you extra.

• 
  OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Wooden Spoon Set
• 
  Pyrex 3-Piece Prepware Mixing Bowl Set
• 
  Nordic Ware Baker's Half Sheet, 2 Count

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 265Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 48mgCarbohydrates: 56gFiber: 0gSugar: 53gProtein: 4g

This nutrition info is based on the exact ingredients and brands used at the time. It may not be 100% accurate. Please check your ingredients nutrition labels.