With a satisfying crunch and a cloud-like center, a slice of chocolate pavlova always brings a touch of magic to the table. Whipped egg whites transform into an impressive meringue shell, infused with rich dark chocolate and drizzled with luscious salted caramel sauce. This Easy Chocolate Pavlova with Salted Caramel Sauce is not only a show-stopper, but it’s also incredibly simple to prepare—making it a fantastic choice for any gathering. Plus, it’s a make-ahead dessert, which means less last-minute scrambling in the kitchen and more time enjoying special moments with loved ones. How does that sound for your next celebration or cozy night in? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe! Why is This Pavlova a Must-Try? Delectable Textures: The contrast between the crispy meringue shell and the soft marshmallow center creates a sensational experience that will leave everyone craving seconds. Effortless Elegance: Impress your guests with this show-stopping dessert that looks gourmet but is surprisingly simple to make. Versatile Options: Feel free to customize; whether you opt for fresh berries or crunchy honey-roasted peanuts, the choices are endless for a personal touch. Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep this stunning dessert in advance, allowing you to enjoy the evening without extra kitchen stress, just like with my Decadent Chocolate Peanut brownies. Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for celebrations or cozy nights in, this recipe guarantees smiles and satisfaction—because who doesn’t love a dessert that combines chocolate and caramel bliss? Easy Chocolate Pavlova Ingredients • The star of your dessert adventure: For the Meringue Shell Egg Whites – Ensure they are at room temperature for optimal volume when whipped. Sugar – Divide into two portions for better texture; this enhances the stability of your meringue. Cornstarch – This adds a soft, marshmallow-like center, preventing moisture from ruining your treat. White Vinegar – Helps stabilize the meringue and maintains its perfect shape during baking. Dark Chocolate – Adds a rich, indulgent flavor; make sure it’s melted before mixing in. For the Topping Whipping Cream – This provides a luxurious creaminess, balancing out the sweetness of the meringue. Sea Salt – A pinch enhances the flavor of the salted caramel sauce, creating a delightful contrast. For the Caramel Sauce Unsalted Butter – Adds richness to your sauce; use small pieces to help it melt smoothly. Honey-Roasted Peanuts – Use these as an optional topping for a crunchy element that complements the soft textures. Now you’re all set to create a stunning Easy Chocolate Pavlova with Salted Caramel Sauce that will leave your guests in awe! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Chocolate Pavlova with Salted Caramel Sauce Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 212°F (100°C). While your oven warms, prepare two baking trays by lining them with parchment paper, ensuring they’re flat and secure. This will provide the perfect base for your meringue, allowing it to lift off easily once baked. Step 2: Make the Meringue In a clean mixing bowl, start whipping the egg whites using a stand mixer or hand mixer at low speed until they become frothy. Gradually add 1¾ cups of sugar, then increase the speed to high, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Incorporate cornstarch and white vinegar gently; this will stabilize your meringue for the Easy Chocolate Pavlova. Step 3: Incorporate Chocolate Once your meringue is ready, melt the dark chocolate using a double boiler or microwave, being careful not to burn it. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the meringue mixture and fold carefully with a spatula. Aim for beautiful swirls; do not overmix. Spoon the meringue onto your lined trays, forming two even mounds to create the pavlova. Step 4: Bake the Meringue Place the trays in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 2 hours. Check that the meringues lift off the parchment without sticking; they should be dry to the touch and have a slight crisp, complemented by a soft center. Once done, turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside to cool gradually, which helps prevent collapsing. Step 5: Prepare the Caramel Sauce While the meringues cool, make your salted caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar and allow it to melt without stirring until it becomes a deep amber color, about 10 minutes. Carefully add unsalted butter, stirring until melted, then gradually pour in heavy cream and a pinch of sea salt while whisking until smooth. Step 6: Assemble the Pavlovas Whip the heavy cream in a clean bowl until it reaches stiff peaks, ready to crown your pavlova. Top each meringue base generously with the whipped cream, allowing it to spill slightly over the edges. Drizzle the cooled salted caramel sauce generously over the cream and finish with a sprinkle of honey-roasted peanuts for added crunch and flavor. Expert Tips for Easy Chocolate Pavlova Perfect Egg Whites: Ensure your bowl and whisk are entirely dry; even a drop of oil can prevent egg whites from whipping to their fullest volume, crucial for this easy chocolate pavlova. Gradual Sugaring: Add sugar slowly to the egg whites while whipping. This helps create a more stable meringue, preventing weeping and achieving that crispy outer shell. Careful Melting: Use a double boiler or microwave at low power to melt the chocolate without burning it. Burnt chocolate will give an unpleasant taste to your dessert. Cooling Time: Allow the meringues to cool completely in the oven after baking. This gradual cooling prevents cracking and collapsing, ensuring your pavlova looks as impressive as it tastes. Storage Solutions: Store the meringues in an airtight container for up to 2 days before assembly. This keeps them fresh and prevents humidity from ruining the crispy texture. Storage Tips for Easy Chocolate Pavlova with Salted Caramel Sauce Room Temperature: Store meringues in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them crispy and fresh. Fridge: Once assembled with cream and caramel, it’s best to enjoy the Easy Chocolate Pavlova immediately, but it can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day. Freezer: Meringues can be frozen for up to 1 month; place them in a single layer in an airtight container. Once frozen, you can assemble them with cream and sauce when ready to serve. Reheating: If refrigerated, let the pavlova sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to return its delightful textures. Make Ahead Options These Easy Chocolate Pavlova with Salted Caramel Sauce are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can whip up the meringue and bake it up to 24 hours in advance, storing the cooled meringues in an airtight container to maintain their crispness. The salted caramel sauce can also be made ahead; it will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it’s time to serve, simply whip the cream and assemble by topping the meringues with the cream, drizzling with caramel, and adding any garnishes like honey-roasted peanuts. By preparing these components ahead, you’ll enjoy a stunning dessert with minimal last-minute effort, allowing you more time to relax and celebrate! Easy Chocolate Pavlova Variations Feel free to let your creativity shine with these tasty twists and substitutions! Milk Chocolate: Swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate for a sweeter, milder flavor that’s sure to delight those with a sweet tooth. Berry Bliss: Top your pavlova with a vibrant medley of fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a delightful burst of freshness. Citrus Zing: Add zesty orange or lemon segments on top for a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness of the chocolate and caramel perfectly. Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute the whipping cream with coconut cream for a deliciously creamy dairy-free option that still feels indulgent and luxurious. Nutty Crunch: Instead of honey-roasted peanuts, try toasted almonds or hazelnuts for a unique flavor twist and extra texture. Spicy Kick: For a hint of heat, sprinkle a touch of cayenne or chili powder into the caramel sauce for a surprising and delightful contrast. Layered Delight: Create a layered dessert by crumbling the meringue and mixing it with whipped cream and fruit for a visually stunning and delicious trifle-style treat. Scoop It Up: Serve your pavlova along with a scoop of your favorite ice cream, like vanilla or chocolate chip, to take it over the top, just like with my Chocolate Eclairs Discover recipe. What to Serve with Easy Chocolate Pavlova with Salted Caramel Sauce? With its rich textures and decadent flavors, a slice of this pavlova pairs beautifully with a variety of delicious accompaniments. Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or tart raspberries provide a refreshing contrast, balancing the sweetness of the pavlova beautifully. The vibrant colors add a lovely visual appeal too. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream melts into the meringue, enhancing each bite with a velvety texture that complements the pavlova’s crispness. Every spoonful becomes an indulgent dream. Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of additional warm chocolate sauce intensifies the chocolate flavor and creates an inviting, gooey finish. It’s a chocolate lover’s paradise! Coconut Whipped Cream: For a lighter alternative, coconut whipped cream adds an exotic flavor and compliments the pavlova’s richness. It introduces a delightful twist for those who enjoy a hint of tropical flair. Homemade Lemon Curd: The tangy zest of lemon curd cuts through the sweetness, adding a bright note to the dessert. It’s a perfect way to elevate your dessert experience. Coffee or Espresso: The warm, rich notes of coffee or a shot of espresso serve as a fantastic beverage pairing, enhancing the chocolate’s complexity. It’s like a cozy coffeehouse experience right at home. Mint Leaves: Fresh mint leaves sprinkled on top add a crisp, herbal note, refreshing the palate and enhancing the overall presentation. This is a simple touch that elevates the dish. Dark Chocolate Shavings: A sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings on top not only adds elegance but also intensifies the chocolate experience, making every bite even more luxurious. Indulging in these pairings can turn your Easy Chocolate Pavlova into an exquisite gathering centerpiece that’s sure to impress your guests! Easy Chocolate Pavlova with Salted Caramel Sauce Recipe FAQs How do I know if my egg whites are fresh enough? Absolutely! Ensure your egg whites are fresh for the best meringue. Look for eggs that are clean and without cracks. A quick tip is to perform the float test: place an egg in a bowl of water; if it sinks and lays flat on the bottom, it’s fresh. If it stands upright or floats, it’s best not to use it. What’s the best way to store meringues? Meringues can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them crispy and fresh. Avoid the fridge for storage, as the humidity can ruin their delightful texture. I often make a batch of meringues ahead of time and store them this way! Can I freeze the meringues? Yes, you can freeze meringues! Simply place them in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to serve, let them thaw at room temperature and then assemble with cream and caramel sauce for a stunning dessert. What should I do if my meringues crack while baking? No worries! Cracks can sometimes happen during baking. To avoid this, make sure your oven temperature is accurate—using an oven thermometer can help. Additionally, don’t open the oven door while they’re baking as that can cause temperature fluctuations. If they crack, simply cover those areas with your toppings to make it look even more delicious! Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Very! For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of whipping cream for the topping; it provides a rich creaminess that pairs beautifully with chocolate. Just be sure to check that your chocolate is dairy-free as well. This way, everyone can indulge in the Easy Chocolate Pavlova with Salted Caramel Sauce! Easy Chocolate Pavlova with Salted Caramel Sauce to Impress This Easy Chocolate Pavlova with Salted Caramel Sauce is an impressive dessert with delightful textures and flavors. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 2 hours hrsCooling Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 3 hours hrs 30 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AustralianCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Meringue Shell6 large Egg Whites Ensure they are at room temperature for optimal volume when whipped.1 ¾ cups Sugar Divide into two portions for better texture.2 tablespoons Cornstarch Prevents moisture from ruining your treat.1 teaspoon White Vinegar Helps stabilize the meringue.100 grams Dark Chocolate Melted before mixing in.For the Topping1 cup Whipping Cream Provides a luxurious creaminess.1 pinch Sea Salt Enhances the flavor of the salted caramel sauce.For the Caramel Sauce100 grams Unsalted Butter Adds richness to your sauce.½ cup Honey-Roasted Peanuts Optional topping for added crunch. Equipment Stand Mixerspatulabaking traysparchment papermedium saucepanDouble Boiler Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 212°F (100°C) and prepare two baking trays with parchment paper.In a mixing bowl, whip the egg whites at low speed until frothy, gradually add sugar, then whip until stiff peaks form (5-7 minutes).Gently incorporate cornstarch and vinegar into the meringue.Melt dark chocolate and drizzle it over the meringue mixture, folding carefully.Spoon the meringue onto your trays, forming two even mounds, then bake for approximately 2 hours.For caramel sauce, melt sugar in a medium saucepan until deep amber, then add butter, and incorporate cream and sea salt until smooth.Top each cooled meringue with whipped cream, drizzle with caramel sauce, and sprinkle with peanuts. Nutrition Serving: 1slicesCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg NotesStore meringues in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigerated assembled pavlova is best enjoyed immediately but can be kept for up to 1 day. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
