The History Of Pavlova

Episode 56 of the Sprung On Food podcast, hosted by Katherine Sprung, titled "The History Of Pavlova" was published on March 31, 2026 and runs 38 minutes.

March 31, 2026 ·38m · Sprung On Food

Summary

On this episode of Sprung On Food, host Kae Sprung talks with actor and writer David Crabb about pavlova as his favorite dessert, tied to memories of meringue-topped banana pudding, pandemic comfort, and a friend’s homemade versions (classic fruit and custard, plus salted caramel chocolate). Kae traces pavlova’s origins to ballerina Anna Pavlova’s 1920s tours, links it to the Austrian Spanische Windtorte as a meringue-and-cream ancestor, and notes cornstarch’s role, possibly popularized by Maizena marketing. The episode covers the Australia–New Zealand “pavlova war,” its rise as a celebration staple, U.S. equivalents like pie, and pop-culture appearances from stamps to Bluey and Real Housewives.You can follow and support this week's guest, David Crabb here:https://www.instagram.com/thedavidcrabb/See behind the scenes photos and video here: http://instagram.com/sprungonfood Check back for new episodes, and make sure to also subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@iamsprung You can also learn more and follow Kae Sprung here:Website: http://katherinesprung.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamsprung TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iamsprung Looking for half off your first 2 months to help make your own podcast? I recommend Riverside and Descript. You can find links below to sign up*:Riverside: https://riverside.cello.so/kbhJQ48RO1SDescript: descript.cello.so/4oB9cH6HfXHAbout the show:Sprung On Food is a digital and podcast series, hosted by Katherine "Kae" Sprung, an award-winning pastry chef and food and media entrepreneur. This season, we're talking about favorite foods- the history behind them and the role they play in the world today. Each episode features a special guest to talk about their favorite food, and help comment on the historical origins and pop-cultural and modern society moments tied to that food. Its food history meets food pop-culture, a dose of education, with sprinkles of comedy.*Please note that I'm an affiliate and might receive a commission from the links. If you plan on signing up for either app, please consider using the link to help support a fellow creator!00:00 Meet Pavlova00:46 Why David Loves It02:28 Pandemic Pavlova Rituals03:42 Texture Makes Or Breaks05:29 Cooking Versus Baking06:31 Ballerina Origin Story08:09 Dessert Inspired By Jack10:45 How Pavlova Is Made11:30 Vienna Windtorte Ancestor16:09 Cornstarch And Marketing19:37 Box Recipe Nostalgia21:22 Pavlova Origin Trial23:12 Australia Bias Verdict24:04 Herbert Burt Character Bit25:37 How Pavlova Became Iconic27:00 America’s Pavlova Equivalent29:12 Why The Debate Endures31:32 Pavlova Tour Dreaming33:05 Giant Pavlova Record35:19 Pop Culture Pavlova36:29 Finding Pavlova In LA37:54 Wrap Up And Thanks

Episode Description