Sweet Vanilla Pavlova with Passionfruit and Kiwi

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

A classic Australian pavlova featuring a crisp meringue shell with marshmallow-soft interior, topped with fresh passionfruit pulp and sliced kiwi for tropical brightness. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 80 minutes layers large egg whites, (200 g) 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 280 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: 60 min Serves 6 Australian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a clean bowl, whisk 4 large egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form.
  2. Step 2: Gradually add 1 cup caster sugar one tablespoon at a time, whisking on high until stiff, glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved.
  3. Step 3: Gently fold in 1 tsp cornstarch, 1 tsp white vinegar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract to stabilize the meringue.
  4. Step 4: Spoon the meringue onto the parchment in a 7-inch circle, shaping slightly raised edges to hold toppings.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 50-60 minutes until the outside is crisp but the inside remains soft. Turn off oven and let pavlova cool completely inside with door ajar.
  6. Step 6: Whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
  7. Step 7: Just before serving, spread whipped cream over pavlova base, top with 4 tbsp passionfruit pulp and 2 sliced kiwi fruits.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sweet Vanilla Pavlova with Passionfruit and Kiwi take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (20 min prep + 60 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 Sweet Vanilla Pavlova with Passionfruit and Kiwi?

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 Sweet Vanilla Pavlova with Passionfruit and Kiwi?

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 Sweet Vanilla Pavlova with Passionfruit and Kiwi 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 Sweet Vanilla Pavlova with Passionfruit and Kiwi?

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.