Winter Black Forest Pavlova with Darta Morello Cherries
This Winter Black Forest Pavlova is a show-stopping Christmas dessert featuring a crisp meringue base layered with soft whipped cream, rich dark chocolate shavings, and a generous topping of Darta Pitted Morello Cherries. With its festive flavour, stunning presentation, and perfect balance of sweetness and tart cherry richness, this pavlova makes an irresistible centrepiece for any Christmas dinner or holiday celebration. Simple to prepare yet visually impressive, it’s the ultimate seasonal dessert for cherry lovers and Black Forest fans alike.
Ingredients
For the Meringue Base
- 120 ml Liquid egg white
- 200g g caster sugar
- 1 tsp white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp cornflour
Instructions
Make the Pavlova
- Preheat the oven to 120°C (100°C fan).
- Line a baking tray with baking paper; draw a 20cm circle to guide the pavlova shape.
- Whisk the egg whites to soft peaks.
- Add the caster sugar 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking until glossy and stiff.
- Gently fold in the vinegar and cornflour.
- Spoon the mixture onto the tray and shape it into a nest with raised sides.
- Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes until crisp.
- Turn off the oven, leave the door slightly ajar, and let the pavlova cool inside for 1 hour.
Prepare the Cherries & Cream
- Whip the double cream with vanilla to soft peaks.
- Gently warm the Morello cherries in a saucepan with the cherry syrup (add a splash of liqueur if desired)
- Let them cool before topping.
Assemble the Dessert
- Place the cooled pavlova on a serving plate.
- Spread the whipped cream over the top.
- Spoon the cherries over the cream, allowing some syrup to drizzle down the sides.
- Finish with dark chocolate shavings and optional orange zest.
- Serve immediately for the best texture — crisp shell, marshmallow centre, and juicy cherries.
Notes
This Winter Black Forest Pavlova is a luxurious, festive dessert that brings together all the flavours of a traditional Black Forest gateau—dark chocolate, whipped cream and tangy cherries—reimagined in a light, airy pavlova. The crisp meringue shell with its soft, marshmallow-like centre creates the perfect base for rich cream and vibrant Darta Pitted Morello Cherries, whose deep ruby colour and naturally tart flavour cut beautifully through the sweetness, giving every bite a balanced and indulgent finish.
Perfect for Christmas Day, Boxing Day gatherings or festive dinner parties, this pavlova not only tastes incredible but also makes an impressive centrepiece. The dessert can be prepared in stages, making it ideal for busy holiday hosts: bake the meringue ahead of time, whip the cream just before serving and finish with cherries and chocolate shavings to create a restaurant-worthy presentation in minutes.
Because it’s naturally gluten-free and adaptable for dairy-free diets, this recipe is suitable for a wide range of guests—making it a reliable choice when entertaining a crowd. The use of premium Darta Morello Cherries elevates the flavour, providing a rich, fruity depth that regular tinned cherries simply can’t achieve. Their vibrant colour also enhances the festive look, making the pavlova as beautiful as it is delicious.
Whether you’re looking for a Christmas dessert that’s easy yet elegant, a showstopping centrepiece, or a creative way to showcase high-quality Morello cherries, this Winter Black Forest Pavlova ticks every box. Light, bright, and indulgent, it’s a dessert your guests will remember long after the holidays.
Nutrition
Serving: 130g | Calories: 340kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 60mg | Fiber: 2g
