Move over Pavlova - you're not NZ's fave dessert

Jordan Rondel's chocolate cake is a top choice. Photo / Doug Sherring

Move over Pavlova - the humble chocolate cake is New Zealand's favourite.

The gooey meringue dessert may top the Christmas dessert list but for birthday celebrations chocolate is the Kiwi favourite.

A survey to mark supermarket chain Pak'nSave's 30th birthday found chocolate cake the clear winner - followed by carrot cake, mud cake and banana. Fruit cake was the least favourite.

Sausage rolls were the favoured party food for all ages and chips, savories, dips and specialty cheeses also made it into the top five.

The preferred menu for children's parties hasn't changed in decades - cocktail sausages and a side of tomato sauce topped the list. Chips, icecream, cake, lollies and fairy bread also made the top five.

Healthy options including fruit, salad and sushi made the top 20.

Auckland baker Jordan Rondel, aka The Caker, said chocolate was the most requested celebration cake from her shop.

She said she steers clear of sickly fondant icing that "no one likes anyway" and focuses on making a cake taste delicious.

"It's more important for a cake to taste incredible," she said.

"The perfect adornment is often a scattering of crushed pistachios, some fresh flowers or glossy berries."

The survey also found New Zealanders were generous guests. Three in five said they would take a plate to a party, even without being asked.