10 Best Toppings for Pavlova – From Classic to Creative
Wondering what to put on a pavlova? Whether you’re sticking with tradition or ready to go wild, my favourite pavlova toppings will take your dessert game to the next level.
When it comes to pavlova, the crisp shell and soft marshmallowy centre are just the beginning. What really makes a pavlova pop is the topping. The possibilities are endless and delicious, from fresh fruit combos to creamy curds and indulgent sauces.
So, if you’ve mastered the meringue (use my easy pavlova recipe), here are my 10 best pavlova toppings to have your guests oohing and ahhing before the first bite.
How to Choose the Best Pavlova Toppings
The best pavlova toppings balance sweetness and acidity, add contrast in texture, and bring a little colour and flair to your dessert. Because let’s be honest, half the joy of a pavlova is how good it looks!
Here are a few quick tips when picking what to put on your pavlova:
Balance the sweetness: Pavlova is already sweet, so try pairing it with something tart like passionfruit, citrus curd, or fresh berries to cut through the sugar.
Play with textures: Add crunch with toasted nuts, honeycomb, or shards of chocolate. Pair soft fruits with something crispy or chewy for contrast.
Think seasonal: Choose toppings in season for the best flavour and colour. Spring apricots, summer berries, autumn-poached pears, or wintery figs all work beautifully.
Add something creamy: A layer of whipped cream, mascarpone, or Greek yoghurt helps hold toppings in place and gives a lovely richness.
Go bold or minimalist: Keep it classic with three ingredients or go full maximalist with ten. There’s no wrong way; pavlova always tastes fantastic.
1. Classic Berries & Cream
Let’s start with the timeless combo: fresh whipped cream piled high and topped with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. It’s the original pavlova topping for a reason. It’s sweet, tart, juicy perfection.
Tip: Add a drizzle of berry coulis to dial up the drama and flavour.
2. Tropical Vibes
Bring the sunshine with mango, passionfruit pulp, pineapple and kiwi. The tangy tropical fruit cuts through the sweetness of the meringue and adds gorgeous colour.
Try this: Mix some lime zest into your whipped cream for an extra citrus kick.
3. Lemon Curd & Berries
The sharpness of lemon curd pairs beautifully with sweet berries and cream. It’s a zesty upgrade to the classic.
Optional: Add crushed meringue nests for extra crunch on top.
4. Chocolate Shavings & Cherries
Channel your inner Black Forest gateau with dark chocolate shavings, fresh or jarred cherries, and a swirl of whipped cream or mascarpone.
Bonus: A little cherry liqueur drizzled over the top takes it up a notch.
5. Autumn Pavlova with Spiced Pears
Warm, cinnamon-spiced poached pears or peaches over cool cream are a hug in dessert form. For crunch, sprinkle with chopped walnuts or hazelnuts.
Pair it with: A drizzle of salted caramel. Trust me on this. Here is my recipe for salted caramel sauce.
6. Pavlova with Rhubarb & Custard
Sweet, tart, roasted rhubarb and dollops of custard is a nostalgic childhood flavour combo, but they are just a touch more elegant on a pavlova.
Top tip: Roast the rhubarb with orange zest and a splash of vanilla.
7. Fig, Honey & Pistachio
I think this is my best pavlova topping combo. Fresh figs are a showstopper. For a Middle Eastern twist, add a drizzle of honey and a scattering of chopped pistachios.
Make it extra: A splash of rose water in the cream is divine.
8. Pavlova with Edible Flowers
Decorate with edible flowers like violas, pansies, or rose petals for the prettiest pavlova. Combine with berries and cream for a fairy tale finish.
Reminder: Always make sure your flowers are pesticide-free and safe to eat.
9. Salted Caramel & Bananas
This one’s pure indulgence. Top your pavlova with whipped cream, sliced bananas, and lashings of salted caramel sauce.
Bonus texture: Add a handful of crushed honeycomb or toffee.
10. Festive Pavlova Wreath
Perfect for Christmas! Shape your meringue into a ring, then top it with whipped cream, pomegranate seeds, redcurrants, mint leaves, and a dusting of icing sugar.
It looks like: A snowy wreath. It tastes like magic.
Final Thoughts on My Best Pavlova Toppings
Whether you keep it classic or get creative, the best topping is the one you love most. So, grab your meringue base and have fun with it.
If you try any of these, tag me on Instagram in your creations. I’d love to see your pavlova masterpieces!
And if you need a base to build on, here’s my easy pavlova recipe.
Happy baking and even happier eating.
If you liked this post on the best pavlova toppings, you might also like my other recipes…
Anzac Biscuits Recipe – Chewy, Buttery and Nutty
Baked Vegan Berry and Banana Oats Recipe
Vegan Overnight Oats Recipe: Healthy and Hearty
Best Homemade Pizza Recipe Step-by-step
Easy Frosted Chocolate Cake with Salted Caramel Sauce.
Best White Wines And What To Eat With Them – Pavlova is a great dessert to pair with white wine!
