
I stumbled upon this Pavlova Log while trying to put a twist on our usual Christmas dessert. The first time I whipped it up, the crunchy meringue paired with the soft cream and bright fresh fruits just blew everyone away. It's now become my holiday trademark, bringing that unexpected wow factor that lights up my guests' faces.
A Mind-blowing Dessert
What makes this log truly outstanding is how the textures play together. The meringue gently breaks under your spoon to show off a fluffy mascarpone whipped cream, while the fruits add their tangy freshness. Each bite tells a different story, mixing crunch and softness. My guests always can't believe how light this dessert feels after a big meal.
The Wonder of Components
- Meringue: 4 room temperature egg whites, 200g sugar for that perfect shine, 1 spoon white vinegar to keep it stable, 1 spoon vanilla for flavor, 30g cornstarch for texture, and 2 spoons powdered sugar to finish it off.
- Rich Whipped Cream: 300g ice-cold cream, 250g smooth mascarpone, 45g powdered sugar for sweetness, and that organic lemon zest that makes all the difference.
- Festive Toppings: Sparkling pomegranate seeds, one ripe persimmon, golden cape gooseberries, crunchy roasted pistachios, and those tiny meringues that add character.
The Creation Journey
- The Wonderful Foundation
- My oven warms to 150°C while I beat my egg whites into soft peaks. I slowly mix in sugar for a glossy meringue, then add that game-changing touch of vinegar and vanilla. Once spread into a rectangle, the oven works its magic for 20 minutes.
- The Ultimate Cream
- In my chilled bowl, I turn cream, mascarpone and powdered sugar into a fluffy cloud with lemon flavor. A quick chill makes it even more heavenly.
- The Gentle Assembly
- On my cooled meringue, I spread a thick layer of cream before scattering my colorful fruits and crushed meringue bits. Rolling needs a gentle touch but the end result is so worth it.
- The Final Flourishes
- I finish by piping pretty cream swirls, lovingly arranging my fruits and sprinkling crushed pistachios. In the fridge, it gets even more beautiful.

My Winning Tips
Over time, I've fine-tuned some valuable tricks. For perfect meringue, I beat my whites very slowly and gradually, that's the real secret to great texture. For my cream, I make sure everything comes straight from the fridge, which keeps it more stable. I also love switching up the fruits with the seasons—summer raspberries, fall figs—each version brings its own special touch to this magical treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I nail the meringue?
- Whip the eggs and sugar slowly until they’re glossy with stiff peaks. Cornstarch makes it stable, and vinegar keeps it crisp.
- → Can I prep it ahead of time?
- You can make the meringue the day before. Put the dessert together about 2 hours before serving so the cream softens the meringue slightly.
- → How do I keep the meringue from cracking?
- While it’s warm, roll it using parchment paper to stop it sticking and make rolling easier.
- → Can I switch up the fruit?
- Definitely! Use fruits that are in season. Berries, mango, or passion fruit work great instead of persimmon or pomegranate.
- → How should I store the dessert?
- Keep it chilled in the fridge for up to a day. Add fresh fruit and decorations just before serving to keep it looking fresh.