Description
A delightful and elegant dessert featuring a crisp yet marshmallow-soft pavlova shell topped with tangy passionfruit curd, fresh ripe mango slices, and aromatic mint leaves, finished with optional edible flowers for a visual treat.
Ingredients
Meringue Base
- 4 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 1 cup superfine sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
Fruit & Garnish
- 1 large ripe mango, sliced thin
- Fresh mint leaves, small and whole
- Edible flowers (optional)
Curd Layer
- ½ cup passionfruit curd (store-bought or homemade)
- Zest of ½ lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Beat the Base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium-high speed until soft peaks begin to form. Gradually add the superfine sugar, one tablespoon at a time, continuing to beat until the meringue is glossy and holds stiff peaks.
- Stabilize and Shape: Gently fold in the cornstarch, white vinegar, and vanilla extract to stabilize the mixture. Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). On a parchment-lined baking sheet, shape the meringue into a circular disk with slightly raised edges to hold the curd and toppings.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the meringue for 75 minutes. After baking, turn off the oven and leave the pavlova inside to cool completely with the door slightly ajar to avoid cracking and collapsing, ensuring a crisp exterior with a soft, marshmallow-like center.
- Assemble: Once completely cooled, spread the passionfruit curd evenly over the pavlova base, sprinkle the lemon zest if using for brightness, arrange thinly sliced mangoes on top, and garnish with fresh mint leaves and edible flowers if desired.
Notes
- Use room temperature egg whites for better volume in your meringue.
- Gradually add sugar to ensure a glossy and stable meringue.
- Allow pavlova to cool slowly in the oven to prevent cracking.
- Use ripe mangoes for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Passionfruit curd can be store-bought or homemade.
- Optional lemon zest brightens the curd layer and balances sweetness.
- Edible flowers add a beautiful visual element but are optional.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 1.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
