This pavlova has the best of it all - crisp outside, pillowy soft middle and topped with fresh whipped cream and juicy raspberries. Such a great dessert.

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There are a few recipes that I have shared here that I associate with childhood, like bobotie, fish pie and moussaka. Dessert-wise, I think the one that really sticks is pavlova, and it's still a big favorite.

What is pavlova?

Pavlova is essentially egg white and sugar beaten up together. It's similar to meringues, but to me, better. You get the meringue's delicious light crispness but also a soft, pillowy center.

Topped with raspberries and cream, the sweet fruit and rich cream balance out the sweetness and crunch perfectly. All in all it's a beautiful, delicious dessert.

True, it's not exactly the healthiest, but it's a treat that has to be done once in a while. I have reduced the sugar in this version a bit without any real impact on flavor.

My memories of pavlova

When I say I have memories of eating my mum's pavlova, while I remember it as a child, one of my best memories is actually eating this when visiting one time as an adult.

My parents live in Edinburgh which hosts a big arts festival every summer - hundreds of theatre, music and comedy productions are put on in every space that could possibly be considered a stage across the city and the population of the city doubles.

pavlova with raspberries and cream on plate

Many locals, at least if they are based centrally, actually move out for the duration and rent out their homes. My parents are on the outskirts, though, so instead have played host to me and various friends over the years when I was living further South (as well as enjoying the odd show in the festival themselves, of course).

One year when I was visiting with friends, there was one night we had stayed in town rather than return for dinner. My mum mentioned she had made a raspberries and cream-topped pavlova and left the rest for us in the fridge if we wanted it when we came back.

It may not have been typical, but it made for the most fantastic midnight snack. I still vividly remember the three of us stood in the kitchen devouring it, trying not to wake my parents!

Where does the name pavlova come from?

Pavlova is said to have been developed by a chef in honor of the ballerina Anna Pavlova touring Australia and New Zealand and it's very common as a dessert in both. I kind of like the thought of the light and airy meringue being a bit like a tutu - maybe it's a way I can make up for my inability to be that good at ballet as a child.

It can have various toppings - my mum also made a nice version topped with lemon curd and whipped cream - but a raspberry version has a particular place in my heart and I love the color and freshness they give.

A pavlova perfect for a smaller group

One thing I often find with making pavlova, which is partly why I rarely do it, is they are usually far too big for us to get through in a sensible time before it goes gooey; most recipes serve 6-8.

On the flip-side, I didn't want to make individual pavlovas as I do love to have that balance of soft, pillowy fluffiness in the middle and the crisp outside that to me distinguishes pavlova from meringue. So instead I have made a smaller-sized pavlova that's about right for 4 servings.

Tips for making pavlova

Making pavlova is pretty easy if you watch a couple things - make sure your egg whites are whisked until stiff (but not over-beaten), then gradually add your sugar (not all at once). Bake it in a low oven, and leave it in the oven after you have turned it off to cool down gradually.

All of these help you get a good rise and texture, and not too many cracks (as you can see I still got some after it cooled, and mine rose up in the middle but it's hard to be totally perfect).

Pavlova with raspberries and cream is the kind of dessert that's perfect any time. The wonderful balance of crunch and soft fluffiness, the cream and raspberries mingling in is just so delicious, it is hard to beat. It's certainly a dessert I'd be glad to eat on mother's day, or any other excuse I could find, and I am sure you will enjoy it too.

Try these other delicious desserts with fruit:

Swedish cheesecake with strawberries (ostkaka)
Eton Mess (a British dessert of fruit, cream and meringue)
Mango cheesecake parfait
Plus get more dessert recipes in the archives.

And if you enjoy pavlova, try my pavlova wreath for another tasty and pretty-looking twist on the theme.

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5 from 2 votes