This simple pavlova recipe only requires 4 ingredients and is easy to make! This popular Australian dessert is perfect for entertaining, topped with whipped cream, fresh fruit or grated chocolate. Enjoy the crisp pavlova meringue and soft marshmallow filling.
SIMPLE 4 INGREDIENT PAVLOVA
As an Australian, I grew up loving pavlova as the go-to dessert for any occasion. I was also told it was a tough one to master but taught myself pretty early to make an awesome pavlova.
My simple 4 ingredient pavlova is pretty easy to master… But I’ve had a few disasters over the years too.
Once I made something that resembled a meringue pancake after my mixer died mid-mix. Eeeek!
Plus a super hot fan forced oven for 5 years meant everything cooking too fast so the inside was much more marshmallow than meringe – just the way my husband prefers it! But hello shiny new oven!
But when you’ve got a normal oven and a working mixer, it’s pretty hard to get it wrong!
This is a family favourite recipe alongside my no-bake cookies and cream cheesecake.
You may also like:
- White chocolate crackles
- Healthy chocolate rice bubble slice
- Potato loaf
- Mango, banana & yogurt muffins
- Greek yogurt fruit bark
Tips For Making A Pavlova
Pavolva is one of those recipes that many people avoid trying, for fear of failure, but don’t be scared.
If you follow a few simple steps, you are almost always guaranteed a pavlova the whole family will love!
There are keys to creating the perfect pavlova:
- Slow oven (low heat) to get the signature crunch
- Have a good electric mixer and mix until stiff & glossy
- Use fresh eggs and be very careful separating egg whites to avoid broken shell
- Leave to cool in the oven as sudden temperature changes can cause the meringue to crack
How To Make Pavlova
Make sure you do follow the ingredients list and instructions carefully. If you want a larger pavlova, double up your ingredients.
You can also use the mix to make mini meringues but will need to monitor the oven closer as they will cook faster than a full-size pavlova.
Pavlova Ingredients
- 5 egg whites
- 2 teaspoons cornflour
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 cup caster sugar
Simple Pavlova Recipe
- Preheat oven to 120 degrees Celsius. Line a round baking tray with baking paper.
- Separate egg whites into a clean, large bowl and mix until soft peaks form.
- Mix in cornflour, vinegar or lemon juice and caster sugar and beat until stiff glossy peaks form. This usually takes around 10 minutes.
- Spread mix in a circle shape on a tray, using a spatula to create peaks around edges.
- Bake in a low oven for 1 and a half hours or until dry to touch.
- Leave pavlova in oven to cool, with the door slightly ajar.
- Top with whipped cream and your choices of filling, such as fresh fruit, chocolate, or mint. My grapes and Cadbury flake mix was a little strange but did the job. Fresh strawberries is always a winner.
The printable recipe card with a FULL ingredients list and detailed instructions can be found at the bottom of this post.
If you are looking for another super indulgent treat check out these:
- Oreo cheesecake slice
- Oreo brownies
- Mint chocolate slice
- White chocolate crackles
- Rum balls
- White choc hot cocoa balls
- White chocolate fudge
- Classic chocolate slice
What is your favourite dessert?
4 Ingredient Pavlova
Australia's favourite summer dessert, this 4 ingredient pavlova is sure to be a hit topped with cream and fresh fruit.
Ingredients
- 5 egg whites
- 2 teaspoons cornflour
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 cup caster sugar
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 120 degrees Celsius. Line round baking tray with baking paper.
- Separate egg whites into a clean, large bowl and mix until soft peaks form.
- Mix in cornflour, vinegar or lemon juice and caster sugar and beat until stiff glossy peaks form. This usually takes around 10 minutes.
- Spread mix in circle shape on a tray, using a spatula to create peaks around edges.
- Bake in a low oven for 1 and a half hours or until dry to touch.
- Leave pavlova in oven to cool, with the door slightly ajar.
- Top with whipped cream and your choice of toppings, such as fresh fruit, chocolate, or mint.
Notes
Pavlova work best with fresh eggs, taking care not to get any yolk or shell in your egg white mixture. Ensure you beat your egg whites until they are stiff, making it essential you use an electric mixer.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 86Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 28mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 0gSugar: 20gProtein: 2g
These figures are provided as an approximate guide only.
bel @ Mums Take Five
Monday 30th of March 2015
Thanks for sharing with us for The Sunday Brunch Magazine, lovely to see you Bel & Eliza xx
Cydnee Knoth
Wednesday 4th of March 2015
Your pavlova looks delicious and simple to make. Thank you very much for joining in the celebration of #purebloglove, we enjoy having you each week. I hope to see you on Thursday at 8PM, EST through Sunday night. ~Cydnee
Holly
Wednesday 4th of March 2015
Thanks Cydnee. It's a great simple recipe :)
Joy @ Joy Love Food
Tuesday 3rd of March 2015
Sounds wonderful! I've never made a pavlova, I need to try this.
Holly
Tuesday 3rd of March 2015
Thanks for letting me know Joy. Hope you get a chance to try a pavlova :)
Tessa - Down that Little Lane
Saturday 28th of February 2015
I haven't made a pav in ages.. hmmm I rather think I might have to now :)
Holly
Saturday 28th of February 2015
Do it! Your stomach will thank you ;)
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile
Saturday 28th of February 2015
Haha yes hello to a brand new shiny oven indeed!!! Pav is not something I make very often, but after seeing your recipe I think I need to give it another crack! Love it!
Holly
Saturday 28th of February 2015
I have no idea how I survived 5 years with a dud oven. Life is so much happier now haha