Queen Garnet Plum and Wattleseed Pavlova

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

Light and airy pavlova topped with whipped cream, fresh Queen Garnet plums, and a sprinkle of toasted wattleseed for a native Australian 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 290 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 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 250°F. In a clean dry bowl, beat 4 large egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1 cup caster sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, beating on high until stiff, glossy peaks form.
  2. Step 2: Gently fold in 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tsp white vinegar with a spatula until combined.
  3. Step 3: Spoon the meringue onto a parchment-lined baking sheet into a 7-inch circle with a slight well in the center. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes until crisp on the outside but slightly soft inside. Turn off oven and leave pavlova inside to cool completely, about 1 hour.
  4. Step 4: Whip 1 cup heavy cream with 1 tsp vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread the cream over the cooled pavlova.
  5. Step 5: Arrange 3 sliced Queen Garnet plums on top and sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted ground wattleseed and 1 tbsp powdered sugar before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Queen Garnet Plum and Wattleseed Pavlova 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 Queen Garnet Plum and Wattleseed Pavlova?

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 Queen Garnet Plum and Wattleseed Pavlova?

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 Queen Garnet Plum and Wattleseed Pavlova 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 Queen Garnet Plum and Wattleseed Pavlova?

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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