Topped with sweet-yet-boozy poached plums and sprinkled with chocolate shavings, this delicious plum Pavlova is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. So just give everyone a spoon and let them dig in!

When I think of Pavlova, there is a beautiful taste that comes to mind. It's light and airy like the dessert itself; it is so much lighter than some other desserts today. Plus, you can shape it in different ways, too: the possibilities are endless!
I love meringue desserts in general, but when people talk about their favorite type of sweet treat, most will say that Pavlova is at the top of their list.
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The white color makes for such a minimalist look with all these different flavors mixed together on one plate - it tastes as good as it looks too!
As someone who loves making and shaping the meringue from their own imagination and creativity, this dish never fails to make.
After making Cinnamon Pavlova, I decided to make a classic meringue Pavlova and top it with boozy poached plums, one of my favorite summer stone fruits.
Origin of Pavlova
The dessert's name comes from the world-famous Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, who was touring around the world in 1926.
A legend states that the ballerina so inspired a chef from either Australia or New Zealand that he created a national dessert - meringue topped with whipped cream and passion fruit.
To celebrate Australia day, nowadays, the Pavlova dessert is shaped into the shape of Australia.
It has been a long-standing rivalry between the New Zealanders and Australians as to who invented the Pavlova.
However, according to recent findings, the dessert Pavlova belongs to the Americans and the English.
Who knows, maybe this controversial debate between Australia and New Zealand is finally over.
Why you should try this recipe
- This Pavlova recipe has been tested and retested many times. This simple egg white meringue is the perfect outer shell of your favorite dessert, which can be filled with anything from berries or whipped cream.
- You can't beat a dessert served up with the perfect complement of red wine sauce and seasonal plums.
- You can enjoy this delicious dessert year-round by substituting fresh plums with frozen ones.
Ingredients
Here is a quick overview of what ingredients you will need. Follow the full recipe below for exact amounts and instructions. I recommend making the recipe as written for the best results.
- Egg whites: the recipe calls for large eggs. Separate egg whites from egg yolks while the eggs are chilled. Then let egg whites warm up at room temperature for up to one hour.
- Granulated sugar: process sugar in a food processor for a few seconds to get superfine sugar. It helps to whisk the meringue.
- White wine vinegar: it is added to help to stabilize the whisked egg whites while making the meringue. You can replace it with the same quantity of lemon juice if desired.
- Corn starch: it is a necessary ingredient to create a soft marshmallow center, which is a signature of pavlova cake.
- Red vine: use your favorite red vine to make the red vine sauce.
- Plums: the recipe calls for ripe plums. The fresh fruits have to be ripe but not soft. Replace fresh plums with frozen ones or other fruit, for example, cherries, if desired.
- Heavy cream: whisk the cold cream in a chilled metal bowl for the best result. Keep the container in the freezer for a few minutes before you start making the cream.
- Dark chocolate: a top-quality 70% dark cocoa chocolate such as Valrhona dark chocolate is preferable in this recipe. Read how to make chocolate shavings.
How to make plum Pavlova
Preheat the oven to 230 degrees F/110 degrees C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw a circle 8 inches/20 cm in diameter.
Turn the baking paper over so that the pen/pencil line is facing down.
To make the meringue, use a stand mixer or an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat egg whites and salt at high speed until soft peaks form.
Reduce the speed and add sugar, 1 tablespoon of the sugar at a time. Beat egg whites until the sugar dissolves and stiff peaks form.
Add cornflour, white wine vinegar, and whisk until just combined, about 30 seconds (photo 1).
Use a large metal spoon to scoop the meringue mixture onto the lined baking sheet into the drown circle (photo 2).
Then spread out the meringue with a bent spatula to create a meringue dome (photo 3).
Bring the meringue base to the center of the oven and bake at 230 degrees F/110 degrees C for 20 minutes.
Then reduce the oven temperature to 210 degrees F/100 degrees C and bake for a further 1 hour 15 minutes (photo 4).
Finally, turn off the oven and leave the meringue in the oven, with the door closed, for 3 to 4 hours until cooled completely.
To make the red wine sauce, place granulated sugar in a small saucepan and heat until sugar starts to caramelize (do not use a spoon, just swirl the pan over the stove).
Take the saucepan out of the heat, and carefully add warm red wine (use a microwave for 10 seconds). Please, be careful since the mixture might splash.
Then bring the pan to medium heat again and let the caramel dissolve in wine.
Add plum quarters and cook for 5 minutes. Drain plum slices with a colander or use a slotted spoon, but keep the sauce (photo 5).
Bring the red wine sauce over low heat. Let it simmer and cook for 10 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat. Set aside to cool (photo 6).
To assemble the cake, whip heavy cream. Read on how to make the perfect sugar-free whipped cream.
Place the meringue base on a serving platter or a cake stand. Top with whipped cream and poached plums. Drizzle with the sauce and sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings (photos 7-8). Serve the Pavlova immediately.
Recipe variations
A Pavlova's strength lies in the fact that it can be made with so many flavors. A quick Google search finds lots of suggestions for things to serve on top.
- Pavlova also tastes great with lemon curd and boozy cherries or fresh berries, red fruits and raspberry sauce, raspberries, peaches, and passion fruit pulp, or a mix of tropical fruits.
- Fruit flavor combinations are limited by your imagination, but try different pairings before deciding what you like best. For example, a banana mixed with pumpkin spice or ground star anise would probably be amazing, too.
- An alternative to fruit would be crushed chocolate cookies like graham crackers that are broken up.
- Sometimes it can be fun to mix all different types of desserts in one dish, like a strawberry mousse, tiny cubes of candied citrus peel, and white chocolate chips.
- It is also worth trying chocolate Pavlova dessert with dark chocolate cream and chocolate curls on top.
Expert tips
- Make sure that a large bowl is clean and dry before whisking egg whites. Any residual moisture or traces of grease on a mixing bowl prevents egg whites from whisking.
- Process granulated sugar in a food processor for a few seconds to obtain superfine sugar. It helps dissolve the sugar easier while making the meringue.
- Add sugar one spoon at a time. Whisk for about 10 seconds before adding the next spoon.
- Rub the ready meringue between your fingers to ensure that sugar has been incorporated and dissolved.
- Do not open the oven door during baking since any moisture in the air can soften the meringues shell.
- Turn off the oven (do not open the door) and let the meringue cool completely for three to four hours; better overnight.
- To make large chocolate shavings, scrape chocolate with a knife or simply grate a chocolate bar.
Storing and freezing
To store - Pavlova is best enjoyed right after it’s assembled. Leftovers of the dessert should be stored in the refrigerator and are best eaten within 24 hours.
Can you freeze Pavlova? You can not freeze the assembled Pavlova, but you can freeze the meringue base.
First, place the cooled Pavlova meringue on a tray lined with parchment and freeze for 3 hours or longer. Then place it in a freezer-safe bag, press out as much air as possible, seal and label the bag, and freeze for up to 3 months.
To thaw, bring the Pavlova shell to a counter 2 to 3 hours before serving. Cover the meringue shell with a paper towel while defrosting. Then top it with whipped cream and fruit.
Recipe FAQ
Yes, you can make the Pavlova meringue in the evening and leave it in the oven overnight. The next morning, the crisp outer shell with the marshmallow-centered middle of the meringue will be ready for assembling.
This Pavlova recipe is created for autumnal fruits - plums. But it perfectly works for cherries, too.
Yes, you can replace whipping cream with double cream that has an even higher fat content. It is actually more stable once whipped than whipped cream.
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Recipe card
Plum Pavlova Recipe
Topped with sweet-yet-boozy poached plums and sprinkled with chocolate shavings, this delicious plum pavlova is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. So just give everyone a spoon and let them dig in!
- Total Time: 2 hours (plus resting time)
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Cakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
Ingredients
For the meringue:
- 6 egg whites
- 1 ⅓ cups + 2 tablespoons (330 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 1 pinch of salt
For the red wine sauce:
- ⅓ cup + 5 ½ teaspoons (100 g) granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup + 1 ½ tablespoon (100 ml) red wine
- 2-3 plums, quartered and pitted
For assembling:
- 1 cup + 1 ½ tablespoons (250 ml) heavy cream, 30% fat
- 0.4 oz (10 g) dark chocolate shavings
*Don't you have the correct baking pan on hand right now? Try this simple Cake Pan Converter!
** If needed, please refer to Baking Conversion Charts.
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 230 degrees F/110 degrees C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw a circle 8 inches/20 cm in diameter. Turn the baking paper over so that the pen/pencil line is facing down.
-
To make the meringue, use a stand mixer or an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment to beat egg whites and salt at high speed until soft peaks form. Reduce the speed and add sugar, 1 tablespoon of the sugar at a time. Beat egg whites until the sugar dissolves and stiff peaks form. Add cornflour, white wine vinegar, and whisk until just combined, about 30 seconds.
-
Use a large metal spoon to scoop the meringue mixture onto the lined baking sheet into the drown circle. Then spread out the meringue with a bent spatula or create a meringue dome. Bring the meringue base to the center of the oven and bake at 230 degrees F/110 C for 20 degrees minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 210 degrees F/100 degrees and bake for a further 1 hour 15 minutes. Finally, turn off the oven and leave the meringue in the oven, with the door closed, for 3 to 4 hours until cooled completely.
-
To make the red wine sauce, place granulated sugar in a small saucepan and heat until sugar starts to caramelize (do not use a spoon, just swirl the pan over the stove). Take the saucepan out of the heat, and carefully add warm red wine (use a microwave for 10 seconds). Please, be careful since the mixture might splash. Then bring the pan to medium heat again and let the caramel dissolve in wine. Add plum quarters and cook for 5 minutes. Drain plum slices with a colander or use a slotted spoon, but keep the sauce. Bring the red wine sauce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat. Set aside to cool.
-
To assemble the cake, whip heavy cream. Place the meringue dome on a serving platter or a cake stand. Top with the whipped cream and poached plums. Drizzle with the sauce and sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings. Serve the Pavlova immediately.
Notes
- Make sure that a large bowl is clean and dry before whisking egg whites. Any residual moisture and traces of grease prevent egg whites from whisking.
- Process granulated sugar in a food processor for a few seconds to obtain superfine sugar. It helps dissolve easier while making the meringue.
- Add sugar one spoon at a time. Whisk for about 10 seconds before adding the next spoon.
- Rub the ready meringue between your fingers to ensure that sugar has been incorporated and dissolved.
- Do not open the oven door during baking since any moisture in the air can soften the meringues shell.
- Turn off the oven (do not open the door) and let the meringue cool completely for three to four hours; better overnight.
- To make large chocolate shavings, scrape the chocolate with a knife or simply grate the chocolate bar.
- Pavlova is best enjoyed right after it’s assembled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 451
- Sugar: 76.4 g
- Sodium: 77 mg
- Fat: 13.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 8.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 79.6 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 4.9 g
- Cholesterol: 47 mg
Keywords: plum pavlova, plum pavlova recipe, boozy pavlova, poached plum pavlova
The nutritional information has been calculated using an online recipe nutrition calculator such as Verywellfit.com and is intended for informational purposes only. These figures should be used as a general guideline and not be construed as a guarantee.
The recipe was originally published on September 16, 2019. It has been revised to include improved content and photos. All posted pictures are mine.
Suzy says
The sauce sounds incredibly good! I love how you paired it with the plums! This is such a lovely dessert!
★★★★★
Irina | Baking Like a Chef says
Thank you Suzy! I am really happy that I could create a new topping for a traditional Pavlova.
Veena Azmanov says
This is mouth melting and perfect. Awesome presentation.
★★★★★
Irina | Baking Like a Chef says
Thank you Veena. I appreciate your comment!
Natalie says
I love pavlova! The combination with plums looks and sounds so delicious and perfect for the weather ♥
★★★★★
Irina | Baking Like a Chef says
Thank you Natalie! This Pavlova is to make the most of plum season!
Tisha says
This looks like the perfect little boozy dessert! The sauce sounds incredible
★★★★★
Irina | Baking Like a Chef says
Thank you Tisha. I love to pour this red wine sauce over vanilla ice-cream. YUMMY!
Valentina says
I love the big slices of plums on top - so pretty! I made my first Pavlova earlier this year and it's so much fun!
★★★★★
Irina | Baking Like a Chef says
Thank you Valentina. I am obsessed with Pavlova, and I always look for new ideas of toppings.
Pam Greer says
I've always been afraid to make pavlova - I thought it was difficult! With your expert tips, I can't wait to give this a try!
★★★★★
Irina | Baking Like a Chef says
I can tell you that I have nailed the meringue recipe. I am working at new shaping techniques and toppings. If you have any question regarding Pavlova recipes, do not hesitate to contact me. Good luck with Pavlova!
Sara says
Stunning photos - I can't wait to make this - fingers crossed it comes out half as pretty!
★★★★★
Irina | Baking Like a Chef says
Sara, just follow the recipe and you will succeed! If you need any help, please, let me know! Thanks for your comment!:)
Adrianne says
I love pavlova!! The steps are very helpful and clear. Thanks for showing me exactly what I need to do to create this delicious dessert.
★★★★★
Irina | Baking Like a Chef says
Thank you Adrianne. Happy baking and enjoy!
Krissy Allori says
Such a beautiful presentation and delicious to boot! My friends devoured it.
★★★★★
Irina | Baking Like a Chef says
Thank you so much! I am in love with Pavlova. Will create more Pavlovas in the future. Please, stay tuned:)
Cookilicious says
This looks so good! Would love to taste it! Saving this recipe
Irina | Baking Like a Chef says
Thank you. Please, let me know how it turns out once you make it!:)
Beth says
Fruit and pavlova is one of my most favorite desserts! Tasty & beautiful!
★★★★★
Irina | Baking Like a Chef says
Beth, the same here:) I have perfected Pavlova recipe. Just follow it and be creative with toppings. Happy baking!
Dannii says
What a great way to use plum. I never would have thought to do a pavlova.
★★★★★
Irina | Baking Like a Chef says
Dannii, adding plums to Pavlova was one of the best baking experiments I have made!
kim says
What a wonderful treat! This is going to be a recipe that I make again and again!
★★★★★
Irina | Baking Like a Chef says
Thank you. Happy baking and enjoy!
Anita says
One of the prettiest pavlova I've ever seen. I love the grown-up taste with red wine and plum! I think this is going to be perfect for the New Year dinner. 🙂
★★★★★
Irina Karulina says
Thank you Anita! Well, Pavlova is the main dessert served for New Year holiday in Australia. Why not to bring this tradition here?:)
Cindy says
My husband made this today. It was SOOOO GOOD! I had to come back to thank you!
★★★★★
Irina says
WOW! It is impressive that a man succeeded with Pavlova! Bravo!!!
Dannii says
What a delicious way to use plums. This looks delicious.
★★★★★
Irina says
Thank you, Dannii!
Amy says
Wow, this looks like the perfect dessert!
★★★★★
Irina says
Thank you very much, Amy!
Beth says
My husband and I loved this recipe! It was easy and so delicious! I will be making this again! Thank you!
★★★★★
Irina says
Beth, I am so glad to hear that you both enjoyed Pavlova! Thanks a lot!
Veena Azmanov says
Your recipe sounds so yummy. I love the red wine-soaked plums and the chocolate topping too. I am drooling for a spoon.
★★★★★
Irina says
Thank you very much, Veena! Yes, this Pavlova is amazingly delicious and is worth making. 🙂
Cathleen says
I have been looking for a recipe to make using plums, so I am so glad I found this one!! Thank you so much for the recipe; I am making it tomorrow 🙂
★★★★★
Irina says
Perfect, Cathleen! Please, let me know how it went! And happy baking 🙂
Jacqueline Meldrum says
That meringue looks amazing, and I love the idea of plums instead of the usual berries.
★★★★★
Irina says
Jacqueline, I agree with you that plums are a great alternative to berries in the Pavlova dessert. Please, enjoy the recipe!
Saif says
I love Pavlova. Definitely going to try making this for my family.
★★★★★
Irina says
It sounds like a plan, Saif! Happy baking!
Jac says
Looks so elegant! Perfect for trying to impress my parents when they visit for dinner in a few days!
★★★★★
Irina says
Thanks for your interest in the recipe, Jac! I am sure you will impress your parents with this amazing dessert. 🙂
Bron says
Hi Irina - your Pavlova looks delicious! Just wondering please if the meringue aspect of the recipe would be suitable to also make large meringues kisses (8) to adorn the top of a layer cake? Thanks in advance for your thoughts on this, Bron
Irina says
Hello Bron, thanks for your interest in the recipe. As for the recipe to make meringue kisses, use a simple formula: egg whites, caster sugar, and icing sugar as 1:1:1 (for example, 2 large egg whites (60g), 4 ½ tablespoons or 60 g caster sugar, and 7 ½ tablespoons or 60 g icing sugar). Beat egg whites with caster sugar until glossy, add icing sugar with a spatula. Pipe and bake at 90 degrees C for 1 h 30 min. Enjoy!