Classic Australian Pavlova
A beloved Australian icon, this pavlova features a crisp, golden meringue shell with a delightfully soft, marshmallow-like center. It's generously topped with whipped cream and a vibrant medley of fresh fruits, making it a perfect centerpiece for any celebration.
🧂 Ingredients
- 6 large Egg whites(Must be at room temperature for best volume and stability.)
- 330g Caster sugar(Fine granulated sugar, dissolves more easily than regular granulated sugar.)
- 2 tbsp Cornflour (Cornstarch)(Helps create the soft, marshmallow-like center.)
- 1.5 tsp White vinegar(Aids in achieving the marshmallow texture.)
- 1.5 tsp Vanilla extract(For flavor.)
- 500ml Heavy cream (Whipping cream)(Chilled, for whipping.)
- 4 Fresh passion fruit(Pulp scooped out.)
- 250g Fresh strawberries(Hulled and sliced.)
- 2 Kiwi fruit(Peeled and sliced.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 120°C (250°F). Lightly grease a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Using a pencil, draw a 23cm (9-inch) circle on the parchment paper as a guide for shaping the pavlova. Flip the parchment paper over so the pencil marks are on the underside.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Ensure your mixing bowl and whisk are impeccably clean and free from any grease. Beat the room-temperature egg whites using an electric mixer on medium speed until they form soft, fluffy peaks. This should take approximately 5 minutes. The egg whites should hold their shape loosely when the whisk is lifted.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
With the mixer still running on medium-high speed, gradually add the caster sugar, one tablespoon at a time. Allow each addition of sugar to dissolve completely before adding the next. Continue beating until the meringue is thick, stiff, and glossy. When you rub a little meringue between your fingers, it should feel smooth, not gritty. This process can take 10-15 minutes.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 4
Gently sift the cornflour over the meringue. Add the white vinegar and vanilla extract. Using a large metal spoon or spatula, carefully fold these ingredients into the meringue until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the meringue. The goal is to incorporate them without losing the air.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 5
Spoon the meringue mixture onto the prepared parchment paper, using the drawn circle as a guide. Use your spoon or spatula to mound the meringue, creating a slightly higher rim around the edges and a shallow well in the center. This shape will help hold the cream and fruit later.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Place the pavlova in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. After this time, turn off the oven completely. Leave the pavlova inside the oven with the door slightly ajar (you can prop it open with a wooden spoon) to cool down completely. This slow cooling process is crucial for preventing cracks and ensuring a crisp exterior and marshmallow center. This can take at least 3 hours, or you can leave it overnight.
⏱️ 1 hour 30 minutes baking + minimum 3 hours cooling - 7
Once the pavlova is completely cool, whip the chilled heavy cream in a clean bowl until it forms soft peaks. Be careful not to overwhip, or it will become grainy. Spoon the whipped cream generously into the well of the cooled pavlova.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 8
Spoon the pulp from the fresh passion fruits over the cream. Arrange the sliced strawberries and kiwi fruit attractively on top. Serve the pavlova immediately to enjoy its perfect texture.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using egg whites at room temperature ensures they whip to a greater volume and create a more stable meringue.
- ✓Adding sugar gradually is key to a stable meringue. It allows the sugar to dissolve properly, preventing a weeping or grainy pavlova.
- ✓The combination of cornflour and vinegar helps create the signature contrast: a crisp, dry meringue shell with a soft, chewy, marshmallow-like interior.
- ✓Ensure all equipment (bowl, whisk, spatula) is completely clean and free from any fat or grease, as even a tiny amount can prevent egg whites from whipping properly.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add tropical fruits like mango or pineapple for a more exotic flavor.
- Drizzle with melted dark or white chocolate before serving.
- Make mini individual pavlovas by drawing smaller circles on your parchment paper.