All the classic components of s'mores come together to form a decadent multi-layer pavlova. This S'mores Pavlova tastes just like a cake and is incredibly easy to put together. No campfire required.
I'm pretty sure the only thing that could force me to keep my eyes open right now is s'mores. That's how tired I am. And you know, even s'mores might be too much work for me at the moment. I'm legitimately sitting on the couch, too tired to even drink a glass of wine. That's how you know it's bad. I'm almost contemplating turning off the Bachelorette's Men Tell All that I'm catching up on because my eyes will barely stay open (to be fair, this show is kind of a snooze fest right now, right??). I keep looking at my calendar because I can't really believe it's only Tuesday. Tuesday?? Tell me that's not true! If a day ever called for s'mores, this would be it. But the kind that don't require any assembling or work. Like a s'mores pavlova. Yup, I'd stay awake for that.
Have you noticed that my love for s'mores knows no bounds? I just think it's the most heavenly dessert combination in the world. Yes, better than strawberries and cream or chocolate chip cookies and ice cold milk or apple pie and vanilla ice cream. S'mores are everything.
S'MORES PAVLOVA RECIPE
But pavlova is pretty cool, too. And I've been making it like a madwoman lately. You know, the kind of madwoman who does things like make pavlova. I've made this chocolate one a few times now and decided I wanted to try something new and fun. Since s'mores are clearly on my mind a lot, I decided to combine my two loves into a s'mores pavlova cake. It involves lots of whipped egg whites and chopped chocolate and cocoa.
My pavlovas never look very pretty when I'm forming them, but the end result is always A-OK. Cracks in pavlovas are totally allowed! But if you want to avoid cracks as best as possible, once they're done baking, keep your pavlova in the oven with the door cracked for about 2 hours. This helps them cool down slowly so cracks are avoided.
But when you're planning to cover the entire thing in a ton of whipped cream anyway, nobody will even see the imperfections! Also, you'll be mixing lots of mini marshmallows into the whipped cream. Which basically makes my dreams come true.
Once you slather one layer of pavlova with the marshmallow whipped cream, you'll crumble graham crackers on top. And then do the same thing with the second layer. This was my first layer pavlova.
Even though the pavlova was a chocolate pavlova and made with chocolate and cocoa, I still didn't think that was enough chocolate. So, I made a quick ganache. Seriously, ganache is really quick and easy.
Just spread it all on top and add more marshmallows. As many as you want.
Hello, everything I love about s'mores in pavlova form. Or is it everything I love about pavlova in s'mores form? All I know is that once it's made, it's made and the marshmallow pavlova cake lasts a few days in the fridge. No assembly required.
No campfire required, either. I recommend cutting yourself a gigantic slice.
And enjoying every single second of it. This s'mores pavlova really didn't do anything to put a stop to my pavlova obsession. Not that that's really a bad thing. Especially if you ask my husband who happens to reap many of the benefits.
If you haven't yet made a pavlova or meringue creation, I urge you to do it ASAP. Like now! Ugh, I forgot it's only Tuesday, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with a Wednesday night pavlova.
One of the best parts is that pavlovas aren't made in campfires. And they're best enjoyed on couches. I hear they go especially well with trashy reality television. Not that I'd know anything about that. I did hear a birdy say that once the Bachelorette ends, Bachelor in Paradise begins the next week. But I'm totally not interested in that. I'm just sitting here eating my pavlova, minding my own business.
This is totally worth staying up late for. I might end up staying up even later just thinking about it. Is that weird? Probably. Do I care? Nope.
What's your favorite s'mores creation?
If you loved this pavlova recipe, be sure to check out my Peppermint Pavlova with White Chocolate Whipped Cream and my Mini Chocolate Swirl Pavlovas. I'm also obsessed with this Black Forest Pavlova from Clayton's Cookbook!
S'mores Pavlova
Ingredients
- 6 large egg whites
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup finely chopped dark chocolate
- 3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- Marshmallow whipped cream (recipe below)
- 2 graham crackers, crumbled
- Chocolate ganache (recipe below)
Marshmallow Whipped Cream:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ¾ cup mini marshmallows, plus more for topping
Chocolate Ganache:
- 3 oz. finely chopped dark chocolate
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- On two pieces of parchment paper, draw circles 9 inches in diameter and place parchment paper upside-down on baking sheets.
- In a stand mixer or in a large bowl with hand mixer, beat the egg whites until soft peaks begin to form, about 2 minutes. Beat in sugar slowly until egg whites turn shiny and stiff, about 6-8 minutes.
- Fold chopped dark chocolate and cocoa gently into the egg whites until evenly dispersed.
- Dab a small amount of meringue onto each corner of the parchment paper in order to secure papers to the pans.
- Divide the meringue into two equal portions and form mounds within both of the circles on the parchment paper. Smooth sides and tops of meringue mounds with a spatula.
- Put meringue in the oven at 350 degrees and then immediately turn oven temperature down to 300 degrees. Bake for about one hour, until meringues are crisp on top, but squishy underneath.
- Turn oven off and open door a crack to let meringues cool completely for about two hours (you can remove it sooner but will have a higher risk of the pavlova cracking).
- Once cooled, invert one meringue onto a cake plate and cover in marshmallow whipped cream. Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top.
- Invert second meringue on over whipped cream and graham crackers and top with more whipped cream and graham cracker crumbs.
- Pour chocolate ganache over the whipped cream and let drizzle down the sides. Top with additional mini marshmallows.
Marshmallow Whipped Cream
- In a stand mixer or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat cream until soft peaks form.
- Add sugar and vanilla to cream and continue to beat until soft peaks form once again.
- Fold in mini marshmallows.
- Keep whipped cream chilled until ready to use.
Chocolate Ganache
- Place chopped dark chocolate in a medium bowl.
- Heat cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
- When cream is very hot (but not boiling), pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit for one minute and then stir gently until smooth.
- Allow to cool slightly before using.
Sam @ SugarSpunRun says
OK this is awesome! Such a neat, creative idea!!
Mir says
You are my hero. I've never even thought of doing a s'mores pavlova, which makes you inventive and creative and awesome!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Oh wow, what a gorgeous dessert! I'm loving the pretty layers on here. And that chocolate, yum! Sounds amazing!
Tandy | Lavender and Lime says
I've never had s'mores and I think it's time I rectify that!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
Oh my goodness, this is the ultimate s'mores dessert! Love this idea! This pavlova looks incredible!!!
Lexi says
This looks so yummy! I also, am a big fan of s'mores; I can never have too many s'mores themed desserts! 🙂
Katalina @ Peas and Peonies says
oh wow now this is different and beautiful and delicious! Such an amazing idea to combine crunchy sweet chocolate meringue with whipped cream, marshmallows and chocolate ganache, I am honestly in love. So so so in love!
sarah k @ the pajama chef says
what a great dessert! so creative. it looks amazing!
Jess @ Sweetest Menu says
Totally can't get enough of smores right now! I LOVE this smores pavlova - so creative and delicious I bet! Best pavlova flavour evaaa! 😉
Danielle says
Oh my gosh, YUM!! I've been wanting to make pavlova for awhile now but haven't been brave enough to do it. Maybe now I will be!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
Now this is exactly my kind of pavola! I don't think I have seen anything better, wow! I hope you catch up on your sleep too.
Stephanie @ The Glamorous Gourmet says
OMG I ADORE S'mores and Pavlovas and "Bravo" to you for combining two of my favorite things! Can't wait to try these - many thanks:)
Mary Frances says
What a fun cake! Who needs a campfire when you can make this!
Leah | So, How's It Taste? says
Drooling at the thought of this! I bet that creamy chocolate and whipped cream are so good with the crunchy meringue. I've never made a pavlova, so I need to change that!
Pam says
My kids would LOVE this!
Rachel Cooks says
I love that you watch the Bachelorette! Let's watch the finale together while we eat pavlova.
Lauren at Keep It Sweet says
This looks so freaking amazing! I haven't had s'mores once this summer... major fail on my part.
Cathleen @ A Taste Of Madness says
I would love to be eating this on my couch right now! I AM going camping, but there is a fire ban in BC, so I can't make smores! Boo. At least I can make something like this!
Odetta says
Ok yes I want to eat this entire cake!
Sharon Anderson says
It was amazingly delicious 🙂
Joanne says
AAAAMMAZING!! I've actually never made/eaten a pavlova. That's pretty bad, isn't it? This is totally WOW-worthy. It's a masterpiece!
Justine says
Wowser! I'm loving this one!!!