Pavlova Bombs – Mini Pavlovas Filled with Lemon Curd and Raspberry Coulis

If you love elegant desserts that combine crisp textures with luscious fillings, Pavlova Bombs – Mini Pavlovas Filled with Lemon Curd and Raspberry Coulis are an absolute showstopper. These miniature pavlovas deliver everything you want from a dessert: delicate crisp meringue shells, fluffy centers, tangy lemon curd, and vibrant raspberry coulis.

Inspired by the classic pavlova dessert, these mini pavlova bombs are individually portioned treats that burst with flavor when you bite into them. The crisp outer shell contrasts beautifully with the soft marshmallow-like interior, while the lemon curd adds brightness and the raspberry sauce provides a sweet-tart balance.

Perfect for dinner parties, holidays, bridal showers, or afternoon tea, this dessert is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.


What Are Pavlova Bombs?

Pavlova is a famous meringue-based dessert named after Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. It is especially popular in Australia and New Zealand, where it’s traditionally served as a large meringue base topped with whipped cream and fruit.

Pavlova bombs take the classic idea and turn it into a modern dessert by creating small meringue shells filled with delicious ingredients.

These mini desserts feature:

  • Crisp meringue exterior
  • Soft marshmallow-like center
  • Tangy lemon curd filling
  • Sweet raspberry coulis

The result is a dessert that’s light yet indulgent.


Ingredients

For the Mini Pavlovas

  • 4 large egg whites, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Lemon Curd Filling

  • ½ cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)

Raspberry Coulis

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Toppings

  • 1 cup whipped cream
  • Fresh raspberries
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Whip the Egg Whites

In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites using a hand mixer or stand mixer until soft peaks form.

3. Add Sugar Gradually

Slowly add the sugar one tablespoon at a time while continuing to beat. Continue mixing until the meringue becomes thick, glossy, and forms stiff peaks.

4. Add Stabilizers

Gently fold in the cornstarch, vinegar, and vanilla extract. These ingredients help create the signature pavlova texture.

5. Shape the Mini Pavlovas

Spoon the meringue mixture into small round mounds on the prepared baking sheet. Use the back of the spoon to create a small indentation in the center.

6. Bake the Pavlovas

Bake for 60–70 minutes until the pavlovas are dry on the outside but still pale in color.

7. Cool Completely

Turn off the oven and leave the pavlovas inside with the door slightly open until completely cool.

8. Prepare Raspberry Coulis

In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes until the berries break down. Blend and strain if desired.

9. Fill the Pavlova Bombs

Once cooled, gently crack open the tops of the mini pavlovas.

Add a spoonful of lemon curd followed by raspberry coulis.

10. Add Whipped Cream and Garnish

Top each pavlova with whipped cream, fresh raspberries, and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Serve immediately.


Tips for Perfect Pavlovas

Use Room Temperature Egg Whites

They whip more easily and produce more volume.

Add Sugar Slowly

Gradual sugar addition ensures a stable and glossy meringue.

Avoid Humidity

High humidity can cause pavlovas to become sticky.

Don’t Rush Cooling

Allowing pavlovas to cool slowly prevents cracking.


Delicious Variations

Passionfruit Pavlova Bombs

Replace raspberry coulis with passionfruit pulp.

Chocolate Pavlovas

Add cocoa powder to the meringue and fill with chocolate ganache.

Strawberry Cream Pavlovas

Use strawberry compote instead of raspberry sauce.

Tropical Pavlova Bombs

Fill with mango curd and pineapple.


Serving Suggestions

These elegant mini desserts are perfect for many occasions.

Serve them for:

  • Dinner parties
  • Bridal showers
  • Baby showers
  • Holiday dessert tables
  • Afternoon tea

Their small size makes them ideal for dessert platters or buffet tables.


Storage Tips

Store Unfilled Pavlovas

Keep baked meringues in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Filled Pavlovas

Once filled with cream or curd, serve within 2–3 hours.

Moist fillings will soften the meringue over time.


Fun Dessert Fact

The classic pavlova dessert is named after the ballerina Anna Pavlova, who toured Australia and New Zealand in the 1920s. Chefs created the dessert in her honor, inspired by the lightness of her dancing.

Today, pavlova remains one of the most iconic desserts in the world.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pavlova Bombs – Mini Pavlovas Filled with Lemon Curd and Raspberry Coulis combine elegance, texture, and bold flavor in every bite.

They are:

  • Light and airy
  • Beautifully colorful
  • Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart
  • Ideal for entertaining

Once you serve these gorgeous mini pavlovas, they will quickly become one of your most requested desserts.

Pavlova Bombs – Mini Pavlovas Filled with Lemon Curd and Raspberry Coulis

Light and airy mini pavlovas filled with tangy lemon curd and vibrant raspberry coulis, topped with whipped cream and fresh berries.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Australian, New Zealand
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

Mini Pavlovas
  • 4 egg whites room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling
  • 0.5 cup lemon curd
Raspberry Coulis
  • 1 cup raspberries
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
Toppings
  • 1 cup whipped cream
  • fresh raspberries
  • powdered sugar for dusting

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form.
  3. Gradually add sugar while beating until stiff peaks form.
  4. Fold in cornstarch, vinegar, and vanilla extract.
  5. Spoon meringue into small rounds with a slight indentation in the center.
  6. Bake for 60–70 minutes until crisp on the outside.
  7. Cool completely in the oven with the door slightly open.
  8. Cook raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice for 5 minutes to make coulis.
  9. Fill pavlovas with lemon curd and raspberry coulis.
  10. Top with whipped cream, fresh berries, and powdered sugar.

Notes

Store pavlovas unfilled in an airtight container to maintain crispness.