The Ultimate Aussie Dessert (Crisp Shell, Marshmallow Centre!)

If there’s one dessert that truly represents an Australian Christmas, it’s the iconic pavlova. Light, crisp on the outside, soft and marshmallowy inside and topped with fresh summer fruit.

This version is made with premium real vanilla beans, giving it a naturally sweet aroma and beautiful speckled finish. Perfect for impressing your family, guests, or anyone who loves a classic holiday dessert.

🕒 Time Required

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Cooling time: 1 hour (in the oven)
Total time: ~2 hours 20 minutes

(Serves 8–10) 🍰✨

 

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Pavlova

• Crispy outside, soft inside
• Uses real vanilla beans for unbeatable flavour
• Perfect for Christmas gatherings
• Easy to make ahead
• Gorgeous with mango, berries, or passionfruit

🥄 Ingredients (Serves 8–10)

For the Pavlova

• 4 large egg whites (room temperature)
• 1 cup (220g) caster sugar
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp cornflour
• ½ a Tropical Vanilla bean, seeds scraped

For the Whipped Vanilla Cream

• 300ml thickened cream
• 2 tbsp icing sugar
• ½ vanilla bean, seeds scraped

Toppings (Aussie Summer Favourites)

• Fresh mango slices
• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Passionfruit pulp
• Mint leaves (optional)

🍰 Instructions

1. Preheat

Preheat your oven to 120°C (fan-forced). Line a baking tray with baking paper.

2. Beat the egg whites

Using a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.

3. Add sugar slowly

Add the caster sugar one tablespoon at a time, beating until the mixture becomes glossy and the sugar dissolves completely.

Tip: Rub a little mixture between your fingers — if it feels grainy, keep beating!

4. Add vanilla, vinegar & cornflour

Gently fold in:

• Vanilla bean seeds
• Vinegar
• Cornflour

This helps the pavlova keep its shape and stay marshmallowy inside.

5. Shape your pavlova

Spoon the mixture onto your lined tray and shape it into a round.
Make a slight indent on top for the cream later.

6. Bake

Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven.
Leave the pavlova inside to cool completely. This prevents cracks.

7. Make the vanilla cream

Whip the cream, vanilla seeds, and icing sugar until soft peaks form.

8. Assemble

Just before serving, spread the vanilla cream over the pavlova and top with fruit.

🌿 Make It With Premium Vanilla

For the best flavour and aroma, use whole vanilla beans rather than imitation extract.

Try it with:

👉 Madagascar Vanilla Beans (rich, classic flavour)
👉 Tahitian Vanilla Beans PNG (floral + fruity)
👉 Tahitian Vanilla Beans (Indonesian) (sweet + creamy)

Your customers will taste the difference!

🎁 Perfect for Christmas Gatherings

Serve this pavlova on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, BBQs, or summer parties.
It’s light, refreshing, and always a crowd-pleaser.

📌 Pin & Save This Recipe

Bookmark it for later or share it with a friend who loves baking!