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Vanilla Pavlova with Pineapple & Passion Fruit Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 88 reviews
  • Author: Luna
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes plus cooling time
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This elegant Vanilla Pavlova with Pineapple & Passion Fruit recipe features crisp meringue nests filled with a creamy vanilla-scented crème fraîche and topped with fresh tropical pineapple and tangy passion fruit. Perfect as a light and refreshing dessert for special occasions or summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Meringue

  • 3 egg whites
  • 115g caster sugar
  • 2 tsp cornflour
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Crème Fraîche Topping

  • 200g crème fraîche
  • 25g icing sugar
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Fruit Topping

  • 200g pineapple, chopped into small chunks
  • 2 passion fruit, seeds scooped out

Garnish (optional)

  • Mint leaves, shredded

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Heat the oven to 130°C (110°C fan)/gas mark 1. Line a baking sheet with baking parchment. Draw four circles, 8-10cm in diameter, on the parchment, then flip it over so the penciled side is underneath.
  2. Make the Meringue: Whisk the egg whites in a large bowl using an electric whisk until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the caster sugar, whisking continuously until the mixture is thick, glossy, and holds firm peaks. Fold in the cornflour and lemon juice gently until fully incorporated.
  3. Shape and Bake Meringues: Spoon the meringue onto the marked circles in swirls, making a small dip in the center of each to hold toppings later. Place the baking sheet on the lowest oven shelf and bake for 55 minutes to 1 hour until the meringues are crisp on the outside and dry underneath.
  4. Cool the Meringues: Turn off the oven but leave the door slightly ajar. Let the meringues cool completely inside the oven to avoid cracking. They can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container.
  5. Prepare the Crème Fraîche Topping: In a bowl, whisk together the crème fraîche, icing sugar, and vanilla extract until thick and pillowy.
  6. Prepare the Fruit: In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pineapple with the passion fruit seeds and juice.
  7. Assemble the Pavlova: Spoon a quarter of the crème fraîche mixture onto each cooled meringue nest, top with pineapple and passion fruit mixture, and drizzle with the passion fruit juice for extra flavor.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of shredded mint leaves if desired, and serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of textures and flavors.

Notes

  • The meringues can be made up to one day in advance and kept in an airtight container to preserve their crispness.
  • Use fresh pineapple and ripe passion fruits for the best tropical flavor and juiciness.
  • If you prefer a sweeter topping, increase the icing sugar in the crème fraîche mixture slightly.
  • To prevent cracking, cool the meringues gradually with the oven door ajar rather than removing them immediately from the oven.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Australian/New Zealand

Keywords: vanilla pavlova, meringue dessert, pineapple dessert, passion fruit pavlova, tropical dessert, crème fraîche, summer dessert, easy dessert, baked meringue

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Find it online: https://bitesbyluna.com/vanilla-pavlova-with-pineapple-and-passion-fruit-recipe/