A crisp meringue shell with marshmallow center and fresh raspberries
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
1 hr 15 min
Total Time
1 hr 35 min
Servings
8
8 servings
Difficulty
Medium
Cost
Budget
$
A crisp meringue shell with marshmallow center and fresh raspberries
A show-stopping meringue dessert with a crispy exterior, soft marshmallow interior, topped with whipped cream and piles of fresh raspberries.
20m
Prep Time
75m
Cook Time
95m
Total Time
8
Servings
Medium
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
(Updated )
Pavlova is the dessert that makes people gasp when you bring it to the table. A giant meringue that is crisp on the outside and marshmallow-soft on the inside, piled high with cream and berries — it looks like it took hours but is actually quite forgiving once you understand the technique.
The vinegar and cornstarch in the meringue are not optional: they create the characteristic marshmallow interior that distinguishes pavlova from a plain meringue. The raspberries provide the acidity and color that make the whole thing sing.
Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then add the sugar a tablespoon at a time, beating until glossy and thick.
Fold in the vinegar, cornstarch, and vanilla.
Shape the meringue into a circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet, creating a slight well in the center.
Bake at 250F for 75 minutes until the outside is dry and crisp.
Turn off the oven and let the meringue cool completely inside with the door cracked.
Whip the cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
Fill the meringue with whipped cream, pile the raspberries on top, and garnish with mint.
Serve alongside a fresh baguette and salted butter
Pair with a crisp green salad with Dijon vinaigrette
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving
Test Kitchen Pick
Vanilla Extract
Helpful Pantry Staple
For baking and desserts, vanilla is often carrying more aroma than people expect. A better bottle gives the whole recipe a cleaner finish.
This is a small pantry move that usually makes baked goods taste more complete.
Vanilla extract is one of the easiest pantry upgrades to keep using.
Shop vanilla extract for this recipeMake sure your bowl and whisk are completely clean and grease-free.
Cracks in the meringue are normal and add character.
Assemble just before serving — the cream softens the meringue over time.
Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the microwave until hot.
Per serving (1 slice) · 8 servings
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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