• Vegan meringue is best served within an hour of drying, as it absorbs humidity far quicker than egg-based meringue. As such, this Pavlova will
    become very sticky the longer it stands.

    Vegan piña colada pavlova

    Serves: 4 - 6
    Total Time: 2 hrs + 1 hr, to dry

    Ingredients

    • PAVLOVA

    • 150ml chickpea brine (aquafaba)
    • ¼ tsp cream of tartar
    • 135g castor sugar
    • ½ tsp xanthan gum
    • COCONUT PASTRY CREAM

    • 200ml coconut milk
    • 35g white sugar
    • pinch salt
    • ½ tsp vanilla essence
    • 20g cornflour
    • 2 tbsp rum
    • 50g coconut yoghurt
    • 1 x small pineapple, peeled and cut into chunks
    • granadilla pulp, to serve
    • toasted coconut flakes, to serve

    Instructions

    1

    For the Pavlova, preheat the oven to 120°C. Line a baking sheet with baking paper. Set aside until needed.

    2

    Place the chickpea brine in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Add the cream of tartar and beat on medium speed for about 5 minutes. Increase the speed and beat on high until stiff peaks form, about 5 – 10 minutes.

    3

    Add the castor sugar 1 tablespoonful at a time, beating well between each addition. Sift the xanthan gum over the mixture. Beat briefly to incorporate.

    4

    Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to shape it into a 20cm square. Bake in the preheated oven until crisp, about 1 hour. Switch the oven off and allow the meringue to dry out in the oven with the door closed, about 1 hour.

    5

    For the coconut pastry cream, place 150ml of the coconut milk in a saucepan. Add the white sugar, salt and vanilla essence. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

    6

    While the mixture is heating up, combine the cornflour, rum and the remaining 50ml coconut milk in a small bowl. Stir until a smooth paste forms. Slowly whisk the paste into the boiling coconut-milk mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture has thickened slightly, about 4 – 5 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a heatproof bowl. Cover with cling film and refrigerate until chilled. Fold in the coconut yoghurt.

    7

    To serve, place the Pavlova in a large serving platter. Spread the pastry cream over and top with the pineapple chunks, granadilla pulp and toasted coconut flakes. Serve immediately.

    Imka Webb
    Author

    Imka Webb is a freelance digital marketing expert and the digital editor of Food & Home Entertaining magazine.  www.imkawebb.com