Description
These tangy and creamy Passion Fruit Bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious passion fruit curd filling, and a smooth passion fruit cream topping. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, these bars make a refreshing dessert that’s ideal for summer or any time you crave a tropical treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs (about 10 whole graham crackers)
- 1/4 cup (28g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 1/8 teaspoon table salt
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
Curd Filling
- 3/4 cup (149g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (30g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
- 1/8 teaspoon table salt
- 1 1/2 cups (270g) passion fruit purée
- 2 tablespoons (28g) lemon juice
- 4 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
Cream Topping
- 1 cup (227g) heavy cream
- 1/3 cup (66g) granulated sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon table salt
- 1/4 cup (45g) passion fruit purée
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F with a rack in the center. Line an 8-inch square pan with a parchment sling and lightly grease the parchment to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs, confectioners’ sugar, and salt. Add melted butter and mix until the combination is uniform and crumbly.
- Press Crust Into Pan: Transfer the crust mixture into the prepared pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass along with your fingertips to press the crust firmly and evenly across the bottom of the pan.
- Bake the Crust: Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until the crust becomes fragrant and darker in color. Remove from oven and allow it to cool slightly while preparing the filling.
- Prepare the Curd Filling: In a large saucepan, whisk sugar, flour, and salt together. Add passion fruit purée, lemon juice, eggs, and egg yolks, whisking to combine thoroughly.
- Cook the Curd: Cook the curd mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly and making sure to scrape the pan corners. Continue until the mixture releases steam and just begins to thicken, about 5 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in butter until smooth and shiny.
- Lower Oven Temperature: Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F while the curd cools slightly.
- Strain and Add Curd to Crust: Pour the hot curd through a fine-mesh strainer onto the crust to ensure a smooth texture, collecting any clinging curd. Spread evenly over the crust surface.
- Bake the Bars: Return pan to the oven and bake 18 to 20 minutes until the curd layer is set but not browned. Remove from the oven and start preparing the topping.
- Prepare the Cream Topping: In a small saucepan, combine cream, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar. Maintain a gentle boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly and adjusting heat to prevent rapid boiling. The mixture will thicken slightly.
- Add Passion Fruit and Lemon to Cream: Remove from heat and stir in passion fruit purée and lemon juice to incorporate flavors fully.
- Pour Topping and Chill: Gently pour the cream topping over the baked curd layer. Place the pan uncovered in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight until fully set and chilled.
- Slice and Serve: Use the parchment sling to lift the bars out of the pan. For clean cuts, dip a chef’s knife in hot water, dry it thoroughly and slice. Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
- Store Leftovers: Store leftover passion fruit bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Use fresh passion fruit purée for the best flavor; canned can be substituted if fresh is unavailable.
- Make sure to whisk constantly during curd cooking to prevent curdling and ensure smooth texture.
- For the cleanest bar slices, warm your knife in hot water and dry between cuts.
- Chilling the bars overnight improves flavor and sets the layers properly.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: passion fruit bars, passion fruit dessert, tropical dessert, passion fruit curd, graham cracker crust, creamy passion fruit bars
