Pavlova Origin: Who Invented Pavlova?

Q: What is the Pavlova origin?

The pavlova is one of the most famous Australian and New Zealand desserts. It’s crispy and crunchy shell incases a spongy and chewy centre, smothered in whip cream and seasonal fruit - what’s not to love about it? For years the debate about its origin has been seen across the ditch.

The popular dessert was named after the Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova, on one of her tours to Australia and New Zealand in the 1920s, but it isn’t as simple as that.

The first recorded recipe of a pavlova was written in 1926 in New Zealand, although this pavlova recipe was for a four-layered jelly cake in the cookbook Davis Dainty Dishes.

Even though it isn’t the meringue baked recipe we are familiar with today, New Zealanders still claim that the Pavlova is theirs as history has recorded multiple meringue recipes in 1928 and 1929.

Dr Helen Leach from New Zealand's University of Otago and author of The Pavlova Story told the Daily Telegraph, "I can find at least 21 pavlova recipes in New Zealand cookbooks by 1940, which was the year the first Australian ones appeared."

So whilst Aussies still claim that the Pavlova is theirs, it looks like history tends to favour the Kiwis.

Inspired to make your own pav? Here are five of our favourite pavlova recipes.

1\ Banana split pavlovas

There's always room for dessert, especially when it's banana pavlovas on the menu! This version serves 8, so it's great when having guests for dinner. Get the recipe here.

2\ Strawberry roll pavlova

Enjoy a fresh and even fruitier take on an Aussie teatime favourite. Get the recipe here.

3\ Mocha pavlova

This super impressive pavlova tastes even better than it looks - trust us! Get the full recipe here.

4\ Cherry, Rose & Pistachio Pavlova Traybake

A stunning centrepiece for any dinner party! Get the full recipe here.

5\ Christmas chocolate pavlova

Drizzled with melted white chocolate, this light-as-air cake has a vanilla bean mascarpone cream filling. Strawberries give rich chocolate a fruity burst. Get the recipe here.

Lottie Dalziel

Lottie Dalziel, is a 4AM riser and coffee-addict who lives and breathes all things food. When she isn't reading up on the latest trends in sustainability or discovering ways to upcycle almost anything, you can find her by the beach, cooking up a storm or adding to her abundant (some would say out of control) plant collection.