Pavlova. The delicious, sugary, meringue dessert that is crunchy on the outside but soft and marshmallow-like on the inside! As far as we’re concerned, pavlova is loved by all! But is pavlova gluten free? Or can you adjust the recipe in order to make a gluten free pavlova?
In this article, we are going to explore what pavlova actually is, touching on its origins, and analyse the classic pavlova recipe in order to answer the question of whether pavlova is naturally gluten free. Let’s go!
What is pavlova?
Pavlova is a light dessert, consisting of meringue, usually topped with sweetened cream and fruit. There’s some debate over whether it originated in Australia or New Zealand, but is believed to have been named after Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, who toured both countries in the 1920s.
The thing that makes meringue so different from desserts that came before it, and why it is still so popular 100 years later, is its texture. Hitting the perfect balance between a crisp, crunchy shell and a soft, melt-in-the-mouth marshmallow middle, pavlova is an ideal choice for a decadent dinner party dessert, or for a celebration cake!
Where did pavlova come from?
As we’ve mentioned, the exact origins of pavlova are a subject of contention between Australia and New Zealand. Both countries claim to have invented it, but we aren’t sure exactly where it was created.
In Australia, it's often believed that the pavlova was created in Perth, Western Australia, in honour of Anna Pavlova's visit in 1926. Meanwhile, New Zealanders claim that it was invented in Wellington in 1929.
However, there’s actually another country in competition for the title of ‘inventor of the pavlova’. According to Dr. Andrew Paul Wood, a very similar dessert, made of meringue, whipped cream and fruit, originated in 18th Century Austria, and was named Spanische Windtorte (soufflé cake).
Regardless of its precise origin, the pavlova has become an iconic dessert in both Australia and New Zealand and is still enjoyed worldwide.
What are the ingredients in a classic pavlova recipe?
A classic pavlova recipe typically includes the following ingredients:
- Egg whites: These are whipped until stiff peaks have formed to create the meringue base
- Caster sugar: This is gradually added to the whipped egg whites to sweeten and thicken the meringue
- Corn flour: Adding corn flour helps give the pavlova its crisp exterior and marshmallow-like middle
- Lemon juice or white vinegar: Acidic ingredients like lemon juice or white vinegar help to create a chewy texture inside
- Vanilla extract: This adds flavour to the meringue
- Whipped cream: This is spread over the cooled meringue base before adding toppings
- Fresh fruit: Common toppings include strawberries, raspberries, passion fruit, or any other seasonal fruits
While many classic pavlova recipes do include corn flour, it's not a requirement. It is usually added to the meringue mixture to help maintain its structure and to create the crisp shell and soft, chewy interior that pavlovas are known for. However, some recipes get rid of the corn flour altogether, and the pavlova can still turn out delicious.
The key with recipes that don’t include corn flour is to whip the egg whites to stiff peaks and gradually add the sugar while continuing to beat the mixture until it's thick and glossy.
So, is pavlova gluten free?
The answer is yes! Pavlova is a naturally gluten free dessert, because no wheat products are included in the recipe. The two main ingredients in meringue, egg whites and sugar, are both naturally gluten free. Additionally, corn flour and white vinegar, both sometimes used in pavlova recipes, are also gluten free. Whipped cream and fruit for the topping are both naturally gluten free too!
Therefore, as long as you avoid cross-contamination during preparation, pavlova is a safe and delicious dessert option for those with intolerances to gluten. However, it's always important to double-check ingredient labels, especially when buying pre-made pavlovas or using store-bought ingredients like flavouring extracts, to ensure they are gluten free.
How Gaya’s Cakes can help
If you’ve been unable to master the art of the crispy shell and fluffy centre (it’s tricky, don’t worry), we have you covered!
We offer a delicious, handmade raspberry pavlova that will make the perfect centrepiece to your dinner party or celebration. Our pavlova, featuring beautifully piped meringue, a vanilla bean mascarpone cream, freshly made raspberry curd and cut raspberries, doesn’t contain any wheat products. However, while every effort is made to reduce the risk of cross contamination, all of our products are made in an environment where gluten is used.
If pavlova isn’t your thing, we also have a range of different layer cakes, cupcakes and sweet treats to suit everyone’s tastes.
Browse our cake collection online, or visit our bakery in Putney!
