How to Freeze Pavlova
You’ll be pleased to hear that freezing this Aussie/Kiwi speciality isn’t too difficult. As such, you can access this super sweet, delectable dessert whenever you fancy. Follow these steps to freeze pavlova safely:
- Allow to Cool
When your pavlova is ready, don’t remove it from the oven immediately. Most recipe books require your pavlova to cool to room temperature while still in the oven. Turn off the heat and open your oven door slightly to let the heat escape. - Transfer Pavlova to a Fresh Tray
When you’re satisfied that your pavlova has cooled, remove it from the oven. Line a tray with baking parchment and place your cooled pavlova on top. - Freeze Initially
Place the tray with the pavlova into your freezer. You will need to leave it in the freezer for 2-3 hours until it is frozen solid, then remove it. - Place in Freezer-Safe Bag
When you’ve frozen your pavlova for several hours, you should place it in a suitably sized freezer-safe bag. - Label and Freeze
Grab a marker pen and make a note of the date that you prepared the pavlova. You should also note the use-by date. You can freeze pavlova for around three months for the best results.
3 Tips for Freezing Pavlova
Now you know how to freeze it, we’ve got our 3 top tips which we strongly recommend following when freezing pavlova to have the best results:
- Remove Air – When you transfer the pavlova to a freezer-safe bag, be sure to press out as much air as possible from the bag before you seal and freeze it. This will protect your dessert from freezer burn.
- Be Gentle – Remember that pavlova is delicate, even when it’s frozen. It’s best to clear out an appropriate space in your freezer before dropping your pavlova in. Make sure there are no sharp edges that might cause your dessert to crumble while in the freezer.
- Avoid Toppings – Don’t top your pavlova with fruit before freezing it. If you want to freeze fresh fruit, that’s perfectly fine; just place them in a separate bag. Freezing them together can cause the pavlova to go soft.
How Long Can You Freeze Pavlova?
You can freeze pavlova for around three months.
It’s best to freeze it whole and slice it to serve, but you may find that you can slice it when frozen, depending on how you intend to use it once it’s been defrosted.
You Can Freeze Pavlova for up to 3 Months
How Do You Defrost Pavlova?
You will need to remove your pavlova from the freezer 2-3 hours before you need to serve it. Simply unwrap it and leave it to sit on the counter until it has thawed.
We recommend covering your pavlova with a paper towel while it’s defrosting. It’s then ready for topping with fruit and whipped cream. If you’ve frozen your fruit alongside your pavlova, don’t forget to take it out at the same time!
Can You Refreeze Pavlova?
No, we wouldn’t recommend refreezing pavlova. The delicate texture of the meringue is perhaps the best thing about the dessert. As such, you don’t want to jeopardise it by refreezing it once it has already been defrosted.
If you think you will only use a section of the pavlova at a time, you could always consider cutting and portioning it before you freeze it initially. That way, you don’t have to worry about wasting the delicious dessert if you don’t enjoy it all in one go.
Does Pavlova Freeze Well?
Pavlova freezes extremely well. The biggest threat to your dessert is freezer burn, so you need to make sure it’s properly wrapped and sealed before you place it in the freezer. While you might be tempted to skip the initial freezing step, we wouldn’t recommend it.
If you don’t wait for the pavlova to solidify before wrapping it, it can easily get damaged in the freezer. Providing you follow the instructions listed above, you should have absolutely no issue freezing pavlova.
Related FAQs
If you’ve still got questions about freezing pavlova or meringue in general, then these may help:
Can You Freeze Meringues?
You can freeze meringues in all forms. We would recommend sticking to crisp French meringues, however, which experience the least amount of textural changes when placed into the freezer.
What Happens When You Freeze Meringue?
There are actually a number of meringue types. Swiss and Italian meringues can be frozen but may turn rubbery and tough in the freezer. Instead, stick to French meringues which freeze well with little to no changes.
