Pavlova is a delicious, soft and light cake. It has a meringue base that can be decorated with whipped cream, custard and fresh fruit. If you need to store pavlova, the most important thing is to keep it away from heat and humidity. The best way to store it is to put it in a dry airtight container and store it in a cool place, away from humidity.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Packaging the Pavlova Cake
Step 1. Let the pavlova cool in the oven
When the cake is cooked, turn off the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours. Wait until it is completely cold before taking it out of the oven.
- You can let the cake cool in the oven overnight.
- Don't worry if the cake has any cracks, this is completely normal.
- If you remove the cake from the oven while it is still hot, it could collapse in on itself due to the temperature change.
Step 2. Store the pavlova in a dry airtight container
If you leave it exposed to the air, the sugar in the meringue will absorb the moisture in the air. The rule is that the meringue is crunchy, but when it gets moist it becomes soft and sticky. The airtight container will act as a shield and protect it from moisture in the air.
- If possible, make the pavlova cake on a day when the air is dry and low in humidity to reduce the risk of the meringue softening.
- It is best to avoid boiling water or cooking other dishes while the cake is baking and cooling, so as not to spread moisture into the air.
Step 3. Wrap the pavlova in cling film if you don't have a suitable airtight container
Do not tighten the foil too much so as not to break the meringue. Make sure the cake is completely covered to prevent parts from being exposed to the air.
Part 2 of 2: Store Pavlova Cake in a Cool, Dry Place
Step 1. Store the pavlova in a cool, dry place
Store the airtight container on the kitchen counter, pantry, or other piece of furniture where humidity and temperature generally remain stable. Store the cake away from the stove and sources of heat or humidity.
- Store the container away from the window to keep the cake out of direct sunlight, as it could spoil.
- You can put the container in the turned off oven. Make sure it's completely cold and don't forget about the cake.
Step 2. Serve the pavlova within 2 days of making it
If you store it in an airtight container or wrapped in cling film, the taste and texture of the cake should remain almost unchanged for two days. To enjoy it at its best, pavlova should be eaten the day after preparing it.
After adding the fruit and whipped cream to the cake, you will need to eat it within a few hours
Step 3. Decorate the cake just before serving
The meringue will absorb the moisture from the custard, whipped cream and fruit and gradually become less crunchy. Add decorative elements only at the last moment, so that the meringue stays crunchy and delicious.
After adding the custard or cream, the cake will only keep its shape intact for 20-30 minutes
Step 4. Do not put the cake in the refrigerator in an attempt to keep the meringue crisp
When you bring it back to room temperature it will become covered with condensation, which will soften the meringue and ruin the shape of the cake.
