By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
Coconut, caramel and coffee-based dessert creations are classics for a reason, which is why we’d never recommend completely forgoing them!
However, if you're a fan of experimenting with unconventional flavours, incorporating native ingredients into your baking is an excellent way to upgrade your dessert game. Smartly using these substitutions can bring distinct, earthy and vibrant flavours that are both delicious and distinctly Australian.
Whether you’re the Queen of cakes or a sucker for a smoothie bowl, here are some ideas to help you start weaving native Australian ingredients into your favourite sweet dishes:
Kakadu plum is a native Australian fruit known for its tangy, citrus-like flavour and vibrant green-and-gold hue (how appropriate). Packed with antioxidants and a touch of tartness, it's the perfect addition to a refreshing smoothie bowl.
This recipe, which blends frozen bananas, spinach, avocado, chia seeds and Kakadu plum powder, makes an ideal start to your day or a revitalising afternoon snack.
Lemon Myrtle Panna Cotta
Lemon myrtle, often crowned the ‘queen of lemon herbs’, is a versatile and aromatic ingredient native to Australia. With a vibrant, citrusy flavour that is more intense and purer than traditional lemon, it is an excellent addition to both savoury and sweet recipes - such as a panna cotta.
To incorporate this indigenous ingredient into the creamy Italian classic, simply infuse your cream and milk mixture with lemon myrtle leaves and let it set in the fridge. For an added touch of elegance, top the panna cotta with some lemon myrtle syrup.
Leatherwood Honey Cheesecake
Leatherwood honey is a rare and fragrant honey produced by bees that feed on the nectar of the Leatherwood tree in Tasmania. Known for its rich, floral flavour and herbal notes, it’s a perfect ingredient for adding depth and a natural sweetness to your favourite desserts.
Leatherwood honey cheesecake is an easy and indulgent treat to make, especially when you're looking to showcase this unique honey. Simply replace the usual sugar in the cheesecake filling with Leatherwood honey, adding it to the cream cheese, vanilla and eggs. You can enhance the flavour further by drizzling extra honey on top of the baked cheesecake or incorporating some crushed macadamia nuts for added texture and crunch.
Wattleseed Brownies
With its nutty and slightly roasted flavour, wattleseed is a versatile native ingredient that works well in both sweet and savoury dishes. In desserts, it brings a distinct earthy undertone, making it an excellent addition to brownies, cakes and cookies.
Wattleseed brownies are a wonderful way to add a twist to your classic chocolate brownie recipe. Simply substitute a small portion of the flour with finely ground wattleseed flour. This will add a rich, toasted flavour that pairs wonderfully with dark chocolate. Top the brownies with a sprinkle of sea salt or serve with a scoop of bush food ice cream for a truly unique dessert experience.
Macadamia Praline
Macadamias are Australia’s native nuts, with a sweet, buttery flavour that is the perfect base for creating a crunchy praline. The smooth, rich texture of macadamia nuts makes them an ideal addition to many desserts and their natural sweetness complements both chocolate and caramel perfectly.
To make macadamia praline, heat sugar and a little water until the sugar dissolves and caramelises. Stir in chopped macadamia nuts and pour the mixture onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper to set. Once cool, break into shards and sprinkle over your favourite desserts, such as ice cream, cakes, or even your morning muesli. The result is a sweet, crunchy topping that brings a delightful nuttiness and texture to any dish.
Finger Lime Cocktails
Every part of a finger lime is edible, making it a versatile addition to your cocktail creations. While the jewel-like juice pearls inside are the star attraction, don’t overlook the skin. Much like traditional lemons or limes, the skin can add a burst of flavour. For an effortless and creative twist, try using the skin to add a vibrant, zesty finish to your cocktails - it’s a simple way to elevate your drink with minimal effort.
