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.
