Pavlova with Passionfruit-Cream and Macadamia Crumble

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic Australian dessert featuring a crisp meringue shell topped with fluffy passionfruit-infused whipped cream and crunchy macadamia nut crumble. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 95 minutes layers large egg whites, caster sugar, cornstarch into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 75 min Serves 6 Australian cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). In a large bowl, whip 4 large egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1 cup caster sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, whipping on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form.
  2. Step 2: Gently fold in 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tsp white vinegar with a spatula to stabilize the meringue.
  3. Step 3: Spoon the meringue onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in a 7-inch circle, creating a slight well in the center. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes, then turn off the oven and let the meringue cool completely inside with the door ajar.
  4. Step 4: While meringue cools, whisk 1 cup heavy cream with 4 tbsp passionfruit pulp until soft peaks form.
  5. Step 5: Toss 1/2 cup roughly chopped macadamia nuts with 2 tbsp brown sugar and 1 tbsp melted butter. Spread on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8 minutes until golden and fragrant, then cool.
  6. Step 6: To serve, spoon passionfruit cream into the meringue well and sprinkle the macadamia crumble over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pavlova with Passionfruit-Cream and Macadamia Crumble take to make?

Total time is about 95 minutes (20 min prep + 75 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Pavlova with Passionfruit-Cream and Macadamia Crumble?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pavlova with Passionfruit-Cream and Macadamia Crumble?

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 Pavlova with Passionfruit-Cream and Macadamia Crumble 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 Pavlova with Passionfruit-Cream and Macadamia Crumble?

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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