Classic Pavlova with Passionfruit and Whipped Cream

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A light and airy meringue dessert with a crisp crust and marshmallow center, topped with fresh whipped cream and tropical passionfruit. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 80 minutes pairs large egg whites, caster sugar, cornstarch for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves 6 Australian cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, whisk 4 large egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.
  2. Step 2: Gradually add 1 cup caster sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, while whisking on high speed until the meringue is glossy and stiff peaks form (about 5-7 minutes).
  3. Step 3: Gently fold in 1 tsp cornstarch, 1 tsp white vinegar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract using a spatula.
  4. Step 4: Spoon the meringue onto the parchment paper and shape into a 9-inch circle with slightly higher edges to hold toppings.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and leave the meringue inside to cool completely for at least 1 hour without opening the door.
  6. Step 6: Whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the cooled pavlova base.
  7. Step 7: Spoon 1/2 cup fresh passionfruit pulp evenly over the whipped cream and serve immediately for a tropical, airy dessert.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic Pavlova with Passionfruit and Whipped Cream take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (20 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Classic Pavlova with Passionfruit and Whipped Cream?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large egg whites from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Pavlova with Passionfruit and Whipped Cream?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Classic Pavlova with Passionfruit and Whipped Cream for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Classic Pavlova with Passionfruit and Whipped Cream?

Australian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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