A Holiday Pavlova to Steal the Show

Light, dreamy, and perfect for a Kiwi summer Christmas. This Jamie Oliver Pavlova Royale has been given a local twist with kiwifruit and strawberries, creating a festive dessert that feels fresh, bright, and effortlessly celebratory.

Pavlova Royale: Sweet, Crisp and Perfect for Summer

A Kiwi Christmas wouldnโ€™t be complete without pavlova. Weโ€™ve taken Jamie Oliverโ€™s classic Pavlova Royale and added a little Kiwi flair, swapping the traditional raspberries for tangy kiwifruit and sweet strawberries. The result is a dessert that is crisp on the outside, marshmallow-soft inside, and topped with a medley of fresh summer fruits. Perfect for long sunny lunches, warm festive evenings, or any celebration where you want something show-stopping but easy.

What You Need

6 large free-range egg whites

300 g caster sugar

2 kiwifruit, sliced

200 g strawberries, halved or sliced

2 tbsp Pimmโ€™s (optional)

50 g flaked almonds (toasted)

600 ml double cream

300 ml Greek yoghurt

1 tbsp icing sugar

2 tsp vanilla paste or extract

1 jar (about 320 g) lemon curd

50 g white chocolate (for grating)

Fresh mint leaves

How To Make It

Preheat your oven to 130ยฐC and separate the egg whites.

Whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add the caster sugar until the mixture is glossy and smooth.

Line two trays with baking paper. Spoon two thirds of the meringue into a 30 cm circle on one tray, then shape the remaining third into a 20 cm circle on the second tray.

Bake for 1 hour, then turn the oven off and leave the meringues to cool completely in the oven.

Toss the kiwifruit and strawberries with the Pimmโ€™s if using, and lightly toast the flaked almonds in a dry pan.

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

Assemble by layering the larger meringue with half the cream, half the lemon curd, the kiwi and strawberry mixture, and the toasted almonds.

Top with the smaller meringue and repeat the layers. Finish with additional fresh kiwifruit and strawberries, grated white chocolate and mint leaves.

Why It Works

This is Jamie Oliverโ€™s classic recipe with a Kiwi twist, perfect for summer Christmases. Crisp meringue, fluffy cream, and vibrant fruit make it a show-stopping dessert. Meringues can be baked ahead, saving time for holiday hosting. Flexible enough to include any seasonal summer fruits you love.