Golden Quandong and Finger Lime Pavlova

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

A light meringue dessert topped with native Australian quandong fruit and zesty finger lime pearls for a bright, tangy finish. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 95 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 320 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: 20 min Cook: 75 min Serves 6 Australian cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). In a large clean bowl, whisk 4 large egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1 cup caster sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1 tsp white vinegar while continuing to whisk until stiff, glossy peaks form.
  2. Step 2: Spoon the meringue onto a parchment-lined baking tray, shaping it into a 9-inch round with a slight well in the center. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes until crisp on the outside but soft inside. Turn off the oven and let it cool inside completely.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, whip 1 cup heavy cream with 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1 tbsp icing sugar until soft peaks form.
  4. Step 4: Once the meringue is cooled, spread the whipped cream evenly over the top. Arrange 1 cup sliced quandong fruit around the cream and sprinkle 2 tbsp finger lime pearls for a burst of citrus flavor.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of textures and fresh native fruit flavors.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Golden Quandong and Finger Lime Pavlova take to make?

Total time is about 95 minutes (20 min prep + 75 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 Golden Quandong and Finger Lime Pavlova?

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 Golden Quandong and Finger Lime Pavlova?

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 Golden Quandong and Finger Lime Pavlova 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 Golden Quandong and Finger Lime Pavlova?

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.

Related recipes