Vanilla Pavlova with Fresh Berries and Passionfruit Coulis

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A light and airy Australian meringue dessert with a crisp crust and marshmallow interior, topped with whipped cream, fresh berries, and tangy passionfruit coulis. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 95 minutes pairs large egg whites, (200g) caster sugar, cornstarch for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 75 min Serves 6 Australian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw a 7-inch (18cm) circle on the paper as a guide. In a clean bowl, beat 4 large egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.
  2. Step 2: Gradually add 1 cup (200g) caster sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, beating on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Gently fold in 1 tsp cornstarch, 1 tsp white vinegar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract with a spatula.
  3. Step 3: Spoon the meringue onto the parchment paper circle, shaping it to have slightly higher edges and a shallow well in the center. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes until the meringue is crisp on the outside but soft inside. Turn off the oven and leave the meringue inside to cool completely, about 1 hour.
  4. Step 4: Whip 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the cooled pavlova base.
  5. Step 5: Top with 2 cups fresh mixed berries and drizzle 1/2 cup passionfruit pulp over the top for a bright, tropical finish. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vanilla Pavlova with Fresh Berries and Passionfruit Coulis take to make?

Total time is about 95 minutes (20 min prep + 75 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 Vanilla Pavlova with Fresh Berries and Passionfruit Coulis?

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 Vanilla Pavlova with Fresh Berries and Passionfruit Coulis?

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 Vanilla Pavlova with Fresh Berries and Passionfruit Coulis 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 Vanilla Pavlova with Fresh Berries and Passionfruit Coulis?

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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