Macadamia and Davidson’s Plum Pavlova with Whipped Cream

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light and airy pavlova topped with crunchy macadamia nuts and tart Davidson’s plum sauce, finished with a cloud of whipped cream. 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. 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, 1 tbsp at a time, whisking on high speed until glossy stiff peaks form and sugar is dissolved.
  3. Step 3: Fold in 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tsp white vinegar gently to stabilize the meringue.
  4. Step 4: Spoon the meringue onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to form an 8-inch circle with a slight well in the center.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes until the outside is crisp. Turn off oven and let pavlova cool inside with door slightly ajar.
  6. Step 6: Whip 1 cup heavy cream with 1 tsp vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
  7. Step 7: Top the cooled pavlova with the whipped cream, drizzle 1/3 cup Davidson’s plum jam, and sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts before serving.

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.

Equipment for this recipe

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