These Coconut Pavlovas topped with Pineapple Curd and Fresh Fruit will have you dreaming of palm trees and sandy beaches!
Today’s dessert is taking us straight to the tropics folks!
You guys….have you ever tried pavlova? If you haven’t, seriously, you’ve been missing out. Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert that has a delicately, crispy crust with a soft, light marshmallowy inside that’s absolutely to die for. It’s often topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit.
And my tropical version? Brace yourself. I’ve added some unsweetened coconut to the pavlova and then topped it with a refreshingly sweet pineapple curd, whipped cream and fresh fruit.
If you’re new to homemade pineapple curd, it’s a snap to make. It can be made several days in advance, because it will keep in the refrigerator for up to one week. It’s creamy and sweet, and you’ll only need 4 ingredients, eggs, pineapple juice, sugar and butter and about 15 minutes from start to finish.
You can pipe your mini pavlovas (about 4 inch in diameter) or just spoon the meringue mixture onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Depends on if you want fancy-schmancy or the more rustic look. Frankly, both are fab! You’ll want to make sure to make a small well in the center of each mini pavlova to hold the curd, fresh whipped cream and fruit. I used a tiny heart cookie cutter to make those adorable kiwi hearts. Cuteness overload, right?!
I think you may need to grab a beach chair and pretend you’re on a tropical island while you’re indulging in these little beauties for the full effect! Enjoy!
- Pineapple Curd:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs room temperature
- 1/2 cup one stick, unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into small cubes
- Pavlova:
- 6 egg whites
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 tsp. cornstarch
- 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup cold heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Garnish: fresh pineapple chunks fresh raspberries, fresh kiwi cut into cubes or hearts
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Pineapple Curd: In a large heavy saucepan, whisk together pineapple juice, sugar, and eggs.
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Stir in the butter and cook over low heat, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Transfer to bowl and chill, covering surface with plastic wrap to keep a skin from forming. The curd will thicken as it cools. Curd can be stored in refrigerator for up to one week.
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Pavlova: Preheat oven to 225 degrees. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat egg whites for 1 minute until soft peaks form. Slowly add sugar and continue to beat for 8-10 minutes until stiff peaks form.
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Add vanilla with spatula until well blended.
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Add cornstarch and coconut with spatula and continue to mix until well combined.
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Pipe onto prepared sheet into approximately 4 inch circles using a Wilton 1M tip. You can also just spoon into 4 inch circles. Make a small well with a spoon into the center or each circle. Bake at 225 degrees for 1 hour 15 minutes. Turn oven off and leave meringues in oven without opening the door for an additional 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool on wire racks.
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Whipped Cream: Whip the cream with a hand mixer. When it starts to thicken, add sugar and vanilla. Continue to beat until firm being careful not to overbeat.
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Assembling: Top each pavlova evenly with some pineapple curd, a dollop of fresh whipped cream and then garnish with fresh fruit.
I am definitely a pavlova lover, so I’m all over your tropical version! Love the coconut in the pavlovas and the tropical fruit topping. Beautiful!
I’m a huge coconut lover Jennifer! I had to give some of these away to neighbors or I would have eaten every last one! Thanks so much. Hope you have a great week!
Heaven ! I really enjoy your site very much ! Thank you !
Thank you soooo much! So glad you’re following along!
These are gorgeous and that pineapple curd sounds amazing!
Thanks Leigh Ann! It’s so refreshingly tropical! Hope you have a great week!
I am imagining sitting on the beach in Kauai and eating this delightful and yummy treat. It looks fabulous Mary Ann!
It’s such a tropical and delicious dessert Gerlinde! The coconut pavlovas are nice and crunchy on the outside and so marshmallowy on the inside! They’re absolutely dreamy!
I looooove pavlovas, and these are some next level delicious, stunningly beautiful pavlovas, Mare!!! I mean, I can taste the tropics just looking at these!! I love that you added coconut! Plus that pineapple curd and gorgeous fresh fruit!? I can’t stop drooling! Pinned! Cheers! <3
Me too Chey! The crunchy and marshmallowy textures always have me swooning!! Thank God for neighbors or I would have eaten one too many of these!
You’ve brought us straight to the tropics and I love it! Your photos literally tell a story and it’s a very engaging one, my friend! Love it! Pinned!
Thanks Annie! I love the taste of coconut and pineapple together! It’s always been a favorite, so I had to share! Have a great week!
These look amaaaazing, Mary Ann! Like a vacation in dessert form! I’ve never made pineapple curd but that’s about to change :). Have a great week!
Yes, I like that Kelsie! A vacation in dessert form!! You have a wonderful week too!
My husband would go crazy over these. Pineapple and coconut are 2 of his favorite flavors. I love the photos!!
Mine too Natasha! Thanks so much! Happy Monday!
That actually may be too pretty to eat!
Bet you’d still eat it! Love you!
Literally dying over that curd <3
It’s so creamy and tropical guys! You’d love it!
These sound AMAZING Mary Ann!!! What a great flavor combo and idea!
You’d love them Lindsay! Hope you give them a go!
LOVE these pretty pavlovas, MaryAnn! The pineapple curd is calling my name, and the heart-shaped kiwi… adorbs! Beautiful work as usual! :-)
Thanks so much Michele! I hope you give them a try! The pineapple curd is so easy and delicious! And those pavlovas…yummy!
love love love these coconut-pavlovas!!!! SO pretty!
Thanks Alice! I love anything with tropical flavors!
These are so pretty! And pineapple curd?! Yum!
Thanks Lori! I hope you try them!
These pavlovas are gorgeous Mary Ann!! Beautiful!!!! xoxo
Thanks so much Rebecca! XO
I’m not kidding when I say that I actually dream about Pavlova. It is in my top 5 favourite desserts and I could have it all the time. I LOVE your coconut version and that pineapple curd is just genius!
You’d love the tropical flavors of these then Alida! The pineapple curd has just the right amount of sweetness.
You are so clever to make pineapple curd Mary Ann! I am simply LOVING THIS DESSERT! It did take me to the tropics for a minute :D Gorgeous creation!
Thanks Amisha! I’ve always loved the pineapple coconut combo, so these totally fit the bill!
I seriously LOVE pavlovas. They’re the simplest yet most delicious desserts and this tropical twist is just perfect!
I know, aren’t they so easy Gina?! Sometimes I pipe them, and sometimes I just use a spoon for a more rustic look.
This looks amazing!!!
Thanks Lisa!
Oooh, Mary Ann, these are stunning! I love Pavlovas and these, with that pineapple curd, sound amazing. I’ve never made curd…I need to try this!
I just know you’ll love these Caroline!
Simply stunning!! These are the perfect little summer dessert!
Thanks Tieghan! Don’t you just love tropical flavors?!
I’ve never made pavlova before, Mary Ann – but this looks seriously gorgeous- such pretty colors and I love the tropical flavors!
It’s quite easy Geraldine. You should definitely give it a try. The coconut/pineapple combo has always been a favorite of mine!
Oh my goodness, these look wonderful, a perfect summer dessert. Love your heart shaped kiwi. I think kiwi are so pretty but you’ve certainly made them spectacular!
Thanks so much Chris! These were so fun to make! I’ve seen some heart strawberries all summer, so I changed it up with kiwis! Hope you’re having an awesome week!
That looks very yummy! This is the first time I’ve heard of this dessert. Would definitely love to try it someday. :)
Thanks Aaron! It’s so light and tropical. I think you’d really love it. Hope you give it a try!
These are the prettiest pavlovas! Absolutely love the tropical flavors here! :)
Oh, they’re so delicious Laura! Thanks so much!