If you’re looking for a stunning dessert that’s light, sweet, and bursting with vibrant colors, the Easter Pavlova with Fresh Fruit and Chocolates Recipe is your ultimate go-to. This show-stopping treat combines a crisp, delicate meringue shell with a cloud of whipped cream, topped generously with luscious berries and playful Easter chocolates. Perfect for celebrating spring occasions or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe is as delightful to eat as it is to look at, making it a memorable centerpiece for any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows five steps of making a light blue whipped mixture. In step one, a woman's hand pours a clear liquid into a clear glass mixing bowl attached to a white stand mixer, placed on a white marbled surface with lemon slices nearby. Step two shows the white mixer running with the mixture frothy and turning light. Step three features the mixer’s whisk attachment covered in thick, white whipped cream held by a woman's hand above the bowl. Step four has a woman's hand pouring a clear liquid from a small white bowl into another clear glass bowl filled with white powder to start mixing the blue color. Step five shows a woman's hand stirring the now light blue fluffy mixture in the clear glass bowl, with sugar and pastel candies in white bowls set beside it, against a soft background with small flowers photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering just a handful of simple yet essential ingredients is all it takes to create a pavlova that’s crispy on the outside and marshmallow-soft inside. Each component plays a vital role—from the egg whites whipping up into stiff peaks, to the fresh fruit adding tangy juiciness, and the chocolates providing a fun, festive crunch and sweetness that make this dessert truly special.

6 medium egg whites: These form the fluffy meringue base; make sure no yolk gets in for perfect peaks.
300 g caster sugar: Essential for sweetness and creating that glossy, stable meringue texture.
1 tsp white wine vinegar: Helps stabilize the meringue and gives it a slight tang.
1 tsp cornflour: Adds tenderness and a marshmallow-like center to the pavlova.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Offers subtle warmth and fragrant flavor to the meringue.
450 ml double cream: Whipped to soft peaks to balance the sweetness with creamy richness.
2 tbsp icing sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream for a smooth finish.
Fresh fruit (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, etc.): Provides vibrant color and fresh, juicy flavors.
Freeze dried raspberries: Adds a punchy tartness and a beautiful texture contrast.
Easter chocolates: Brings festive charm and a delightful crunch to the topping.

How to Make Easter Pavlova with Fresh Fruit and Chocolates Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Meringue

Start by preheating your oven to 150ºC (130º fan). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper and lightly sketch two circles, one large and one smaller centered inside it—this will help shape the iconic pavlova form. Secure the parchment by sticking a small dollop of meringue underneath to prevent slipping.

Step 2: Whisk Egg Whites to Stiff Peaks

Using a clean, dry bowl, whisk the 6 medium egg whites until they form stiff, glossy peaks. This is key to creating that crisp shell. Gradually add the caster sugar one teaspoon at a time, whisking continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture shines beautifully.

Step 3: Incorporate Vinegar, Cornflour, and Vanilla

Whisk in the white wine vinegar, then the cornflour, and finally the vanilla extract, one after the other. This combination helps stabilize the meringue and lends it a perfect texture and flavor balance.

Step 4: Shape and Bake the Meringue

Pipe or spoon the meringue onto your parchment, following the circles you drew. Baking takes about one hour, but here’s the trick—turn the oven off and let your pavlova cool inside without opening the door. This slow cooling process prevents cracks and yields a wonderfully crisp exterior and soft inside.

Step 5: Prepare Toppings and Assemble

While the meringue cools, wash and chop your fresh fruit as needed, ensuring each berry is clean and ready to shine. Whip the double cream with icing sugar to soft peaks for a luscious, airy topping. Once cooled, spread or pipe the whipped cream over the meringue, then decorate with colorful fresh fruit, freeze dried raspberries, and scatter plenty of fun Easter chocolates.

How to Serve Easter Pavlova with Fresh Fruit and Chocolates Recipe

A round cake with a white base layer is topped with a thick layer of smooth white frosting shaped into large swirls around the edge. On top of the swirls are fresh red strawberries with green leaves, bright red raspberries, and colorful candy-coated chocolate eggs in pastel shades of purple, blue, yellow, red, orange, and green. Small chocolate curls and broken chocolate pieces are scattered among the fruit and candies, adding texture. The cake is placed on a white plate sitting on a white marbled surface, with a white bowl filled with similar colorful candy eggs nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The beauty of this dessert is in its vibrant toppings. Alongside your fresh berries and freeze-dried raspberries, feel free to sprinkle edible flowers or fresh mint for an extra pop of freshness and color that will wow your guests as much as the flavors will.

Side Dishes

This pavlova pairs wonderfully with a light, refreshing drink like a sparkling elderflower lemonade or a crisp white wine. For non-alcoholic options, a berry-infused iced tea complements the fruity notes perfectly without overpowering the dessert’s delicate sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual mini pavlovas in glasses or as layered parfaits with cream, fruit, and crushed chocolates for a playful twist. Alternatively, nestle your pavlova on a decorative cake stand surrounded by colorful spring flowers to give your table an irresistible Easter vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though rare because it’s so delicious), store the pavlova in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep cream and fruit toppings separate until just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked meringue base alone in an airtight container for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it at room temperature and add freshly whipped cream and fruit. Avoid freezing the assembled pavlova to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

For a freshly baked feel, you can warm the meringue base slightly in a low oven (around 100ºC) for a few minutes before assembling. Avoid reheating after adding cream and fruit, as they do best fresh.

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of caster sugar?

Caster sugar is finely ground, which dissolves more easily into the egg whites and helps achieve that glossy meringue texture. Regular granulated sugar might result in a grittier pavlova, so caster sugar is the best choice here.

Why do I need to leave the pavlova to cool in the oven?

Cooling the meringue gradually inside the turned-off oven prevents sudden temperature changes, which helps avoid cracking and keeps the inside soft while the outside stays crisp.

Can I make this pavlova vegan?

Traditional pavlova relies on egg whites, so it’s not vegan. However, aquafaba (chickpea water) is a popular plant-based alternative, though results may vary and take some experimentation.

What fruits work best for this Easter Pavlova with Fresh Fruit and Chocolates Recipe?

Bright berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are ideal for their juicy sweetness and vibrant color, but feel free to add passionfruit, kiwi, or mango for a tropical twist.

How do I prevent the meringue from weeping or becoming soggy?

Assemble the pavlova just before serving, and keep whipped cream and fruit separate until then. Also, avoid high humidity during preparation, as moisture in the air can affect the meringue’s crispness.

Final Thoughts

This Easter Pavlova with Fresh Fruit and Chocolates Recipe is a delightful way to celebrate any festive occasion or brighten up a simple get-together. Its inviting blend of crunchy meringue, airy cream, and fresh fruit will win hearts and create sweet memories. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create such an elegant and joyful dessert right in your own kitchen!