This chocolate pavlova topped with whipped cream and raspberries is a show-stopper, for sure. It also happens to be easy to make! If you can make meringue, you can make this.

Photography Credit: Sally Vargas

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Pavlova, if you are not familiar with it, is a meringue cake named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlove. It’s especially popular in Australia and New Zealand as well as in the U.K. It’s a deliciously sweet and feathery light confection, often filled with whipped cream and fresh berries – and in our case, chocolate!

Here is how it works: First, make a meringue – just whip egg whites with sugar, it’s not rocket science! Fold in some cocoa powder. Go gently to avoid deflating the meringue.

Next, spread the meringue in a big circle on a parchment-lined sheet, about the size of a pie, and sprinkle with sliced almonds. Bake for a lonnngggg time at a low temperature.

Finally, top with melted chocolate (another 3 minutes of your precious time) and let it harden into a shell. Fill with whipped cream, top with berries, and that’s it.

Okay, so maybe it’s not cake-mix easy, but it sure fits the bill for a special occasion. I am definitely going to make one of these for New Year’s Eve and maybe even Christmas, since we’ll have a crowd of people to feed.

This pavlova has so many flavors and textures to consider, it will make your head spin — in a good way! First, there are the crispy edges of meringue and the soft, slightly marshmallow-y interior. Then there are the crunchy almonds and the dark chocolate shell.

Add to that, the clouds of creamy whipped cream and tart raspberries, and you have a dessert worthy of any celebration!

You can make the meringue layer a day or two ahead. Gently wrap it in foil to keep from crushing it and leave it at room temperature until you are ready to fill it.

After assembling, it will keep in the fridge, uncovered, for up to three hours. If you’re making it for a party, you make it just before guests arrive, stash it in the fridge, and pull it out to oohs and ahhs when the time for dessert rolls around.

Serious oohs and ahhhs. Happily, it tastes as good as it looks.