Bush Fruit Pavlova with Davidson Plum Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A crisp meringue pavlova topped with whipped cream and tangy Davidson plum sauce, celebrating Australia's native bush fruits in a classic dessert form. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 75 minutes layers large egg whites, caster sugar, cornstarch into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves 6 Australian cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a clean bowl, whisk 4 large egg whites on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
  2. Step 2: Gradually add 1 cup caster sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, whisking continuously until the meringue is glossy and stiff peaks form. Gently fold in 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tsp white vinegar.
  3. Step 3: Spoon the meringue onto the lined baking sheet forming a 9-inch circle with slightly higher edges. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the outside is crisp and pale cream colored. Turn off oven and leave meringue inside to cool completely with door slightly open.
  4. Step 4: Whip 1 cup heavy cream with 1 tsp vanilla extract and 2 tbsp powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread whipped cream over cooled meringue.
  5. Step 5: Spoon 1/2 cup tangy Davidson plum puree over the whipped cream just before serving to add vibrant color and a sweet-tart flavor that complements the crisp pavlova shell.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bush Fruit Pavlova with Davidson Plum Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Bush Fruit Pavlova with Davidson Plum Sauce?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bush Fruit Pavlova with Davidson Plum Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bush Fruit Pavlova with Davidson Plum Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Bush Fruit Pavlova with Davidson Plum Sauce?

Australian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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