
I stumbled upon this Pavlova Log while trying to shake up the usual Christmas dessert. My first attempt mixing the crunchy meringue with smooth cream and bright fresh fruits created a truly special moment. It's now become my holiday trademark, bringing that unexpected wow factor that lights up my guests' faces.
A Stunning Sweet Treat
What makes this log really stand out is its amazing mix of textures. The meringue gently breaks under your spoon to show off the fluffy mascarpone cream, while the fruits add their tangy freshness. Every bite tells a different story, switching between crispy and melty. My guests always can't believe how light this dessert feels after a big meal.
The Wonder of Key Components
- Meringue: 4 room temperature egg whites, 200g sugar for that perfect shine, 1 spoon white vinegar for stability, 1 spoon vanilla for taste, 30g cornstarch for texture, and 2 spoons powdered sugar to finish it off.
- Rich Whipped Cream: 300g cold cream, 250g creamy 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 little meringues that add character.
The Creative Process
- The Wonderful Foundation
- I heat my oven to 150°C while whipping my egg whites until soft peaks form. I slowly add sugar for a glossy meringue, then mix in that game-changing touch of vinegar and vanilla. After spreading it into a rectangle, the oven works its magic for 20 minutes.
- The Ultimate Cream
- In my chilled bowl, I whip the cream, mascarpone and powdered sugar into a fluffy lemon-scented cloud. A quick rest in the fridge makes it even more heavenly.
- The Gentle Assembly
- On my cooled meringue, I spread a thick layer of cream before sprinkling my colorful fruits and broken meringue pieces. Rolling needs a gentle touch but the end result is so worth it.
- The Final Flourishes
- I finish by piping pretty cream rosettes, carefully arranging my fruits and sprinkling crushed pistachios. A stint in the fridge makes it look even better.

My Winning Tips
Over time, I've fine-tuned some valuable tricks. For perfect meringue, I build up the egg whites very gradually, that's the secret to ideal texture. I make my whipped cream with all ingredients straight from the fridge, which keeps it more stable. I also love switching up fruits with the seasons—summer raspberries, fall figs—each version brings its own special touch to this fairy-tale dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do you nail perfect meringue?
- Gradually whip egg whites with sugar until they’re shiny and firm. Cornstarch makes it stable, and vinegar helps keep it crisp.
- → Can you make it early?
- Make the meringue a day ahead. Put it all together about 2 hours before serving so the cream softens it slightly.
- → How to roll meringue without cracks?
- While warm, roll it up with parchment paper for support, keeping it smooth and avoiding stickiness.
- → Can the fruits be swapped out?
- Yes! Use whatever’s in season. Berries, passion fruit, or mango work beautifully too.
- → How to store it properly?
- Keep it in the fridge for up to a day. Decorate with fresh fruits just before serving for extra freshness.