
Recipe
Cuban-Inspired Pavlova
Havana Delight: Cuban-Inspired Pavlova
4.8 out of 5
Indulge in a taste of Cuba with this delightful twist on the classic Australian/New Zealand dessert, Pavlova. This Cuban-inspired Pavlova combines the light and airy meringue base with tropical flavors, creating a dessert that is both refreshing and satisfying. Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Havana!
Metadata
Preparation time
20 minutes
Cooking time
1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time
1 hour and 50 minutes
Yields
6 servings
Preparation difficulty
Medium
Suitable for
Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free, Vegan (if using vegan-friendly substitutes for egg whites and coconut cream)
Allergens
N/A
Not suitable for
Paleo, Keto, Low-carb, High-protein, High-fat
Ingredients
While the original Pavlova is typically topped with fresh fruits like berries and kiwi, this Cuban-inspired version incorporates tropical fruits such as mango, pineapple, and passion fruit. Additionally, the traditional whipped cream is replaced with a creamy coconut whipped topping, adding a touch of exotic flavor to the dessert. We alse have the original recipe for Pavlova, so you can check it out.
-
4 large egg whites (120g) 4 large egg whites (120g)
-
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
-
1 teaspoon cornstarch 1 teaspoon cornstarch
-
1 teaspoon white vinegar 1 teaspoon white vinegar
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1 cup (240ml) coconut cream 1 cup (240ml) coconut cream
-
2 tablespoons powdered sugar 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
-
1 mango, diced 1 mango, diced
-
1 cup (150g) diced pineapple 1 cup (150g) diced pineapple
-
2 passion fruits, pulp scooped out 2 passion fruits, pulp scooped out
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
- Fat: 10g (7g saturated)
- Carbohydrates: 38g (32g sugars)
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
- Salt: 0.1g
Preparation
-
1.Preheat the oven to 120°C (250°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
2.In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form.
-
3.Gradually add the granulated sugar, cornstarch, white vinegar, and vanilla extract to the egg whites. Continue beating until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy.
-
4.Spoon the meringue mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping it into a round disc with slightly raised edges.
-
5.Bake the meringue in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the outside is crisp and dry.
-
6.Turn off the oven and leave the meringue inside to cool completely.
-
7.In a separate mixing bowl, whip the coconut cream and powdered sugar until thick and creamy.
-
8.Carefully transfer the cooled meringue onto a serving plate.
-
9.Spread the coconut whipped cream evenly over the meringue.
-
10.Top with diced mango, pineapple, and passion fruit pulp.
-
11.Serve immediately and enjoy the tropical flavors of this Cuban-inspired Pavlova!
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Egg whites — Ensure that there is no trace of egg yolk in the whites, as even a small amount can prevent proper whipping. Use room temperature eggs for best results.
- Coconut cream — Chill the can of coconut cream in the refrigerator overnight before whipping to ensure it separates and thickens properly.
Tips & Tricks
- To achieve the perfect meringue texture, make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are clean and free from any grease.
- Adding a touch of lemon juice or cream of tartar to the egg whites can help stabilize the meringue.
- For added crunch, sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes over the whipped cream before adding the tropical fruits.
Serving advice
Serve the Cuban-inspired Pavlova immediately after assembling to maintain the crispness of the meringue. Cut into slices and enjoy the contrast of the crunchy meringue, creamy coconut topping, and juicy tropical fruits.
Presentation advice
Garnish the Pavlova with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of elegance. The vibrant colors of the tropical fruits will make this dessert a showstopper on any table.
More recipes...
For Pavlova » Browse all
For New Zealand cuisine » Browse all
More New Zealand cuisine dishes » Browse all

Pavlova
Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert that is named after the famous Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova. It is a light and airy dessert that is perfect...

New Zealand Pumpkin Soup
New Zealand Pumpkin Soup is a creamy and flavorful soup that is made with roasted pumpkin, onions, and garlic. It is a popular dish in New Zealand...

Pork and Puha
Pork and puha soup
Pork and Puha is a traditional Maori dish that is made with pork and a type of edible fern called puha. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is...
More Cuban cuisine dishes » Browse all

Ropa vieja
Ropa vieja is a traditional Cuban dish that translates to "old clothes" in Spanish. It is a flavorful and hearty stew made with shredded beef,...

Huevos habaneros
Cuban-style scrambled eggs
Huevos habaneros is a spicy Mexican breakfast dish made with eggs and salsa.

Frita
The frita is a Cuban-style burger that is made with a spicy chorizo patty, shoestring potatoes, and a special sauce. It is a popular street food...