Lemon Aspen and Finger Lime Pavlova with Davidson’s Plum Coulis

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

An airy pavlova topped with tart finger lime pearls and lemon aspen zest, served alongside a vibrant Davidson’s plum coulis that adds a deep fruity contrast. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 80 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: 60 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 your oven to 275°F (135°C). In a clean, dry bowl, whisk 4 large egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
  2. Step 2: Gradually add 1 cup caster sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1 tsp white vinegar while whisking continuously until stiff, glossy peaks form and the sugar dissolves completely.
  3. Step 3: Gently fold in 1 tsp lemon aspen zest, then spoon the meringue onto a parchment-lined baking tray, shaping into a 9-inch circle with a slight well in the center.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and leave pavlova inside to cool completely for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, prepare the coulis by heating 1/2 cup Davidson’s plum puree, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat, simmering for 5 minutes until slightly thickened; cool.
  6. Step 6: Whip 1 cup whipping cream until soft peaks form. Once pavlova is cool, top with whipped cream, scatter 3 tbsp finger lime pearls over the cream, and drizzle with the Davidson’s plum coulis before serving.

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 Lemon Aspen and Finger Lime Pavlova with Davidson’s Plum Coulis take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (20 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 Lemon Aspen and Finger Lime Pavlova with Davidson’s Plum Coulis?

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 Lemon Aspen and Finger Lime Pavlova with Davidson’s Plum Coulis?

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 Lemon Aspen and Finger Lime Pavlova with Davidson’s Plum Coulis 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 Lemon Aspen and Finger Lime Pavlova with Davidson’s Plum Coulis?

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