Macadamia and Davidson's Plum Pavlova with Finger Lime Cream
Light and airy pavlova topped with toasted macadamia nuts, tangy Davidson's plum compote, and whipped cream infused with finger lime pearls. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 95 minutes layers large egg whites, caster sugar, white vinegar 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 350 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.
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup caster sugar
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup, toasted and roughly chopped macadamia nuts
- 1/2 cup Davidson's plum jam
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp icing sugar
- 2, pulp extracted finger limes
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw a 7-inch circle as a guide.
- Step 2: In a clean, dry bowl, beat 4 large egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1 cup caster sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Step 3: Gently fold in 1 tsp white vinegar and 1 tsp cornstarch to stabilize the meringue without deflating it.
- Step 4: Spoon the meringue inside the circle on the parchment, shaping it into a nest with higher edges to hold toppings.
- Step 5: Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes, then turn off the oven and leave the pavlova inside to cool completely for at least 1 hour, preventing cracks.
- Step 6: Toast 1/2 cup macadamia nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Step 7: In a mixing bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tbsp icing sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Fold in the pulp of 2 finger limes for a burst of citrus texture.
- Step 8: Gently spread the whipped finger lime cream onto the cooled pavlova base. Spoon 1/2 cup Davidson's plum jam over the cream and scatter toasted macadamia nuts on top.
- Step 9: Serve immediately for a delicate, tangy, and crunchy dessert experience.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Macadamia and Davidson's Plum Pavlova with Finger Lime Cream 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 Macadamia and Davidson's Plum Pavlova with Finger Lime Cream?
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 Macadamia and Davidson's Plum Pavlova with Finger Lime Cream?
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 Macadamia and Davidson's Plum Pavlova with Finger Lime Cream 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 Macadamia and Davidson's Plum Pavlova with Finger Lime Cream?
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.
