Macadamia and Davidson's Plum Pavlova with Whipped Cream

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

A classic Australian pavlova dessert topped with crunchy macadamia nuts and a tangy Davidson's plum sauce for a vibrant twist. 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 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 75 min Serves 6 Australian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 275°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a clean bowl, whisk 4 large egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form.
  2. Step 2: Gradually add 1 cup caster sugar, one tablespoon at a time, whisking on high speed until stiff glossy peaks form. Gently fold in 1 tsp cornstarch, 1 tsp white vinegar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract without deflating the meringue.
  3. Step 3: Spoon the meringue onto the parchment paper forming a 9-inch circle with slightly higher edges to hold toppings. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes, then turn off oven and let pavlova cool inside the oven completely for 2 hours.
  4. Step 4: Whip 1 cup heavy whipping cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread cream inside the cooled pavlova.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle 1/2 cup Davidson's plum puree over the cream and sprinkle with 1/2 cup toasted chopped macadamia nuts just before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Macadamia and Davidson's Plum Pavlova with Whipped 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 Whipped 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 Whipped 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 Whipped 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 Whipped 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.

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