Macadamia and Macerated Strawberry Pavlova with Lemon Myrtle Whipped Cream

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

A classic Australian dessert with crisp meringue, topped with macerated strawberries, crunchy macadamia nuts, and lemon myrtle infused whipped cream. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 100 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 280 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: 25 min Cook: 75 min Serves 6 Australian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). In a clean, dry bowl, beat 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, while beating on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form (about 5 minutes). Fold in 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tsp white vinegar gently with a spatula.
  3. Step 3: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spoon the meringue into a 7-inch circle, building up the edges slightly to form a nest shape.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes until crisp on the outside. Turn off the oven and let the meringue cool completely inside with the door ajar.
  5. Step 5: While the meringue cools, combine 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries with 2 tbsp granulated sugar in a bowl. Let macerate at room temperature for 20 minutes until juicy.
  6. Step 6: In a chilled bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream with 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1/2 tsp lemon myrtle powder until medium peaks form.
  7. Step 7: To assemble, place the meringue on a serving plate. Spoon the macerated strawberries and their juices into the center, then dollop with lemon myrtle whipped cream.
  8. Step 8: Sprinkle 1/2 cup roughly chopped macadamia nuts over the top and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Macadamia and Macerated Strawberry Pavlova with Lemon Myrtle Whipped Cream take to make?

Total time is about 100 minutes (25 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 Macerated Strawberry Pavlova with Lemon Myrtle 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 Macerated Strawberry Pavlova with Lemon Myrtle 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 Macerated Strawberry Pavlova with Lemon Myrtle 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 Macerated Strawberry Pavlova with Lemon Myrtle 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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