Pavlova Cheesecake: A Perfect Fusion of Two Iconic Desserts

Introduction

When two iconic desserts—Pavlova and Cheesecake—come together in a harmonious blend, the result is nothing short of spectacular. The Pavlova Cheesecake combines the light, airy texture of a Pavlova with the rich, creamy decadence of a cheesecake, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing. This fusion dessert is perfect for any occasion, especially for those looking to impress guests at holiday gatherings, family dinners, or even as a special treat for yourself.

Imagine the crisp, sweet meringue base of a Pavlova, topped with a velvety, tangy cheesecake filling, and adorned with vibrant, fresh fruits like berries or passion fruit. The result is a dessert that’s not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a fan of the classic Pavlova or a cheesecake enthusiast, the Pavlova Cheesecake offers the best of both worlds in every bite.

Let’s explore why this dessert will become your new favorite, how to make it, and a few tips to customize it to suit your tastes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The Best of Both Worlds: Combining the crispness of Pavlova with the creaminess of cheesecake, this dessert gives you the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
• Light Yet Indulgent: Despite its rich, creamy filling, the meringue base keeps the dessert light and airy, making it easy to enjoy after a hearty meal.
• Customizable Toppings: The Pavlova Cheesecake can be topped with a variety of fruits such as berries, kiwi, passion fruit, or even a drizzle of chocolate, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences.
• Perfect for Celebrations: Whether for holidays, birthdays, or special gatherings, this dessert’s impressive appearance and delightful flavor make it an ideal centerpiece.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The cheesecake layer can be prepared in advance, and the meringue can be baked the day before, making this an easy dessert to prepare ahead of time.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 5 hours (30 minutes prep, 1 hour cooking, 4 hours chilling)
• Servings: This recipe serves 10-12 people.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving):
  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 5g
  • Carbs: 40g
  • Fat: 20g

Ingredients

For the Pavlova Base:

• 4 large egg whites (at room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons gelatin (optional, for extra firmness)
• 1 tablespoon water (to dissolve the gelatin)

For the Topping:

• Fresh fruits (such as berries, passion fruit, kiwi, or citrus)
• Mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
• Honey or fruit syrup (optional, for drizzling)

Step-by-Step Instructions

STEP 1: Prepare the Pavlova Base

To start, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and draw a circle about 8 inches in diameter on the paper. This will serve as a guide for shaping your meringue.

In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until they form soft peaks. Gradually add the granulated sugar, about one tablespoon at a time, ensuring the sugar fully dissolves into the egg whites. Continue beating until the meringue becomes glossy and stiff peaks form, which should take about 5 minutes.

Next, gently fold in the cornstarch, vinegar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. These ingredients help stabilize the meringue and give it the signature lightness.

Spoon the meringue onto the prepared parchment paper, shaping it into a smooth, even layer inside the circle. You want the edges to be slightly higher than the center to form a shallow bowl shape that will hold the cheesecake filling later.

Place the meringue in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. After an hour, turn off the oven and leave the meringue in the oven to cool for at least 1 hour or until it is completely cool. This helps to prevent cracks from forming. Once cool, carefully remove the meringue from the parchment paper and set it aside.

STEP 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

While the Pavlova base is cooling, you can prepare the creamy cheesecake filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. This will take about 2 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.

Add the vanilla extract and sour cream, mixing until well combined. Set the mixture aside.

In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. If you’re using gelatin for a firmer cheesecake filling, dissolve the gelatin in 1 tablespoon of water and then add it to the simmering cream. Stir until the gelatin has completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

Allow the cream to cool for a few minutes before gradually adding it to the cream cheese mixture. Beat the mixture until it is smooth and well combined. The filling should be thick, creamy, and spreadable.

STEP 3: Assemble the Pavlova Cheesecake

Once the Pavlova base has cooled and the cheesecake filling is ready, it’s time to assemble the dessert.

Carefully spoon the cheesecake filling into the center of the meringue base, spreading it evenly. Leave a small border around the edges so that the light, crisp meringue is still visible. Use a spatula to smooth the top and sides of the filling.

Place the dessert in the refrigerator to chill for at least 3-4 hours, or preferably overnight. This will allow the cheesecake filling to firm up and fully set.

STEP 4: Add the Topping

Just before serving, top the Pavlova Cheesecake with fresh fruits. Choose fruits that contrast beautifully with the creamy white filling, such as berries, kiwi, passion fruit, or citrus slices. You can arrange the fruits in a decorative way, ensuring each slice of cheesecake has some fruit for that perfect balance of flavor.

If desired, drizzle a little honey or fruit syrup over the top for a touch of sweetness, or garnish with a few fresh mint leaves for added color and freshness.

How to Serve

• As the Centerpiece: This stunning dessert is perfect for making a statement at any celebration. Serve it as the highlight of your dessert table during family gatherings, birthdays, or holiday meals.
• With a Glass of Wine: The richness of the cheesecake and the lightness of the meringue pair beautifully with a glass of sparkling wine or Prosecco, offering a refreshing contrast.
• With Tea or Coffee: For a more casual touch, serve slices of Pavlova Cheesecake alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee.

Additional Tips

1. Whip the Egg Whites Properly: The key to a successful Pavlova base is beating the egg whites until they are stiff and glossy. This creates the light, airy texture that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.
2. Don’t Rush the Cooling Process: Allow the meringue to cool in the oven after baking. This prevents cracking and ensures the meringue maintains its light, crisp texture.
3. Chill Before Serving: Make sure to chill the assembled dessert for at least 3-4 hours or overnight to allow the cheesecake filling to set properly.
4. Make it Seasonal: Top the cheesecake with seasonal fruits such as citrus, pomegranate, or figs for a holiday twist.
5. Avoid Overmixing the Filling: When adding the whipped cream or gelatin mixture, fold gently to maintain the airy texture of the cheesecake filling.

Recipe Variations

• Berry Pavlova Cheesecake: Use a variety of fresh berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, to top the cheesecake and enhance the flavor with a burst of sweetness.
• Chocolate Pavlova Cheesecake: For a richer variation, mix cocoa powder into the cheesecake filling, or drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate over the top of the cheesecake before adding the fruit.
• Tropical Pavlova Cheesecake: Use tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and coconut for a sunny, tropical twist on this dessert.
• Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Leftover Pavlova Cheesecake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The meringue may soften over time, but it will still taste delicious.
• Freezing: While it’s best served fresh, you can freeze the cheesecake base without the fruit topping.

Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQ Section

Can I make the Pavlova Cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheesecake layer and bake the meringue the day before. Simply assemble and refrigerate it overnight for a perfect dessert the next day.

Can I use a store-bought meringue base?
While homemade meringue creates the best texture, you can use a store-bought meringue shell as a shortcut if you’re short on time.

What fruits are best for topping the cheesecake?
Fresh berries, kiwi, passion fruit, and citrus work wonderfully as toppings. Feel free to get creative with your choices, adding mango or stone fruits in the summer months.

Conclusion

The Pavlova Cheesecake is a showstopper dessert that beautifully combines two beloved treats into one delightful creation. Its combination of light meringue, creamy cheesecake, and fresh fruit makes it the perfect sweet treat for any celebration or casual gathering. Whether for a special holiday, a family birthday, or just because, this dessert will leave everyone asking for seconds.

So, give it a try at your next event, and get ready for rave reviews. This dessert is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire—one that’s as beautiful as it is delicious! Happy baking!

Print