Welcome to a taste of the tropics with this delightful Tropical Fruit Pavlova! This light and airy dessert brings together the sweet tang of exotic fruits on a cloud of meringue, perfect for brightening up any occasion.
The star of this recipe is the egg whites, which create a delicate meringue base that's crisp on the outside and soft inside. Granulated sugar sweetens the meringue and helps it achieve that glossy finish. Cornstarch stabilizes the meringue and gives it a nice texture, while white vinegar adds acidity to help the egg whites whip up perfectly. Vanilla extract brings a hint of warmth and flavor to the meringue. Heavy whipping cream forms a rich, luscious topping, sweetened just right with powdered sugar. The tropical blend of mango, passion fruit, kiwi, and pineapple offers a vibrant, juicy explosion of flavors. Finally, fresh mint leaves provide a refreshing, aromatic garnish.
This pavlova is perfect on its own, but if you really want to elevate the experience, pair it with a chilled glass of sparkling wine or a light, fruity cocktail. For a tropical brunch, serve it alongside grilled seafood or a fresh summer salad.
Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the meringue bake evenly and prevents sticking. Next, in a clean, dry bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form. This is crucial for achieving the right meringue texture. Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time. Be patient and continue whisking until stiff, glossy peaks form.
Once the meringue is ready, gently fold in the cornstarch, white vinegar, and vanilla extract. This step adds stability and flavor. Now, spoon the meringue onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping it into an 8-inch circle with a slight depression in the center. This makes a perfect nest for the cream and fruit.
Bake the meringue in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Then, turn off the oven and let it cool completely inside. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracks. While the meringue cools, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. This creates a smooth, luscious topping.
To assemble the pavlova, spread the whipped cream over the cooled meringue. Arrange slices of mango, kiwi, passion fruit pulp, and pineapple on top. Finally, garnish with fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of freshness. Serve immediately to enjoy it at its best!