As I lifted the lid off the container, the sweet and tangy aroma of passionfruit danced around the room, instantly bringing a taste of the tropics to my kitchen. This Tropical Passionfruit Slice is not just a dessert; it’s a light, no-bake delight that whisks you away to sun-drenched shores with every bite. With its buttery coconut shortbread crust and creamy filling, it’s a quick and easy way to impress your guests without hours spent slaving away in the kitchen. It’s perfect for warm days when you crave something refreshing yet indulgent. Ready to add a touch of paradise to your dessert list? Let’s dive into this delectable slice that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why is this Passionfruit Slice a must-try?
Simplicity: This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it perfect for novice bakers and seasoned chefs alike.
Tropical Flavor: Each bite bursts with vibrant passionfruit notes, transporting you straight to a tropical paradise.
No-Bake Convenience: A hassle-free dessert that requires no baking, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
Versatile Options: Feel free to swap passionfruit for other fruit purees, creating personalized variations for every occasion.
Perfect for Gatherings: Impress your guests with this stunning dessert that’s sure to be the star of any summer gathering! For additional tropical inspiration, check out our refreshing summer fruit desserts.
Passionfruit Slice Ingredients
• Dive into the refreshing flavors with these simple ingredients.
For the Base
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture to the base; substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
• Desiccated Coconut – Provides texture and a subtle coconut flavor that complements the passionfruit.
• Caster Sugar – Sweetens the base and filling; finely milled for easy mixing; white granulated sugar can be used too.
• Plain Flour – Defines the structure of the shortbread base; for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour.
For the Filling
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – Brings creaminess and sweetness to the delicious filling.
• Fresh Lemon Juice – Delivers the acidity that balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Strained Passionfruit Pulp – The star of the show, providing flavor and creaminess to the filling and topping.
For the Topping
• Powdered Gelatine – Sets the jelly topping for that perfect, glossy finish.
• Cold Water – Activates gelatine; it must be chilled to prevent premature setting.
Optional Garnish
• Passionfruit Seeds – Adds visual appeal and a slightly crunchy texture to your Passionfruit Slice.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Passionfruit Slice
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Tin
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). While it’s warming up, line an 8-inch square baking tin with parchment paper, ensuring it hangs over the edges for easy lifting later. This important first step sets the stage for a perfect Passionfruit Slice.
Step 2: Make the Coconut Shortbread Base
In a mixing bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, desiccated coconut, caster sugar, and plain flour. Stir until the mixture clumps together and resembles wet sand. This mixture will create a deliciously crumbly base for your Passionfruit Slice.
Step 3: Press and Bake the Base
Transfer the crumbly mixture into the lined baking tin, pressing it firmly and evenly across the base. Bake in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden. Remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely while you prepare the filling.
Step 4: Make the Passionfruit Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, and strained passionfruit pulp until smooth and well-combined. This creamy filling will enhance the tropical flavors of your Passionfruit Slice, so make sure everything is evenly blended before pouring it onto the cooled base.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping with Gelatine
To create the glossy topping, soften the powdered gelatine in a small bowl with cold water. Meanwhile, gently heat some strained passionfruit pulp in a saucepan. Once warm, stir in the soaked gelatine until fully dissolved, ensuring there are no lumps that could mar your beautiful Passionfruit Slice.
Step 6: Final Assembly and Chilling
Mix the dissolved gelatine and sugar into the warm passionfruit pulp until combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the passionfruit filling layer. Then, refrigerate the entire Passionfruit Slice for about 2 hours, or until the topping is fully set and firm to the touch, giving you that perfect glossy finish.
Expert Tips for Passionfruit Slice
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh passionfruit provides the best flavor. If unavailable, frozen pulp can be a convenient substitute without sacrificing taste.
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Gelatine Mastery: Ensure the gelatine is fully dissolved with no lumps. This is crucial for that smooth, glossy jelly topping everyone will love.
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Cool Down: Allow the coconut base to cool completely before adding the filling. This prevents curdling and ensures a lovely, cohesive texture in your Passionfruit Slice.
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Cut with Care: For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts. This will keep those beautiful layers intact and presentable for serving.
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Make Ahead: This dessert tastes even better when made a day in advance, giving the flavors time to meld beautifully. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for optimal freshness.
Passionfruit Slice Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and customize it to your taste—they say every chef adds a little bit of their own magic!
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Tropical Twist: Replace passionfruit pulp with mango or strawberry puree for a different fruit profile. Each fruit brings its unique sweetness and flavor, a delightful surprise for your taste buds.
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Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut milk instead of sweetened condensed milk for a vegan option that maintains a creamy texture. It adds a richer coconut flavor while being completely plant-based.
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Gluten-Free Goodness: Opt for a gluten-free flour blend in place of plain flour to keep this dessert suitable for gluten-sensitive guests. It’s an easy swap that ensures everyone gets to enjoy!
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Extra Creaminess: Top the slice with a generous layer of whipped coconut cream before serving. This fluffy addition complements the tropical flavors beautifully, turning your dessert into a cloud of delight.
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Zesty Kick: Incorporate some lime zest into the filling for an extra zing. The zest elevates the passionfruit’s tanginess, creating a delightful balance that dances on the palate.
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Heavenly Chocolate: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the finished slice for a deliciously unexpected twist. The combination of chocolate and passionfruit is a luxurious treat that will leave everyone wanting more.
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Crunch Factor: Add crushed nuts or biscuits on top of the jelly layer for a satisfying crunch. It’s a simple way to enhance texture while adding extra flavor nuances.
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Layered Flavor: Create a double layer of filling by mixing in some pureed raspberries with the passionfruit. This colorful twist not only tastes delightful but also presents beautifully when served.
For more ideas on how to tantalize your taste buds, take a peek at our delicious no-bake dessert collection!
How to Store and Freeze Passionfruit Slice
Fridge: Store your Passionfruit Slice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This keeps it fresh and ready for those sweet cravings!
Freezer: You can freeze the sliced pieces for up to 3 months. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in a sturdy freezer bag. Allow thawing in the fridge before serving for best results.
Reheating: For a refreshing treat, serve it straight from the fridge. If you prefer it slightly softened, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying.
Make-Ahead Tip: This dessert is perfect for preparing ahead of time. Make it a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully for an even tastier Passionfruit Slice.
Make Ahead Options
These Tropical Passionfruit Slice treats are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the coconut shortbread base up to 3 days in advance; simply bake and then cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. The creamy passionfruit filling can be made up to 24 hours ahead – just mix it together and pour it onto the cooled base. For the gelatine topping, prepare the mixture but wait to pour it on just before refrigeration, so it stays fresh and glossy. This way, when you’re ready to serve, simply top it off with the gelatine and chill for about 2 hours to set. Your Passionfruit Slice will be just as delicious and ready to impress!
What to Serve with Tropical Passionfruit Slice
Pairing your slice with complementary flavors and textures will elevate your dessert experience to paradise.
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Coconut Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy coconut ice cream provides a rich, cooling contrast to the tangy passionfruit, enhancing that tropical bliss.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits like mango, kiwi, and berries adds a burst of freshness and vibrant colors to your dessert plate. It’s a refreshing touch that celebrates the tropics.
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Grilled Pineapple: Caramelized grilled pineapple brings a smoky yet sweet flavor that beautifully complements the passionfruit, creating a delightful balance on your palate.
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Mint Limeade: This refreshing drink, with zesty lime and cooling mint, is the perfect quenching sip to cleanse your palate between bites of the rich passionfruit slice.
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Macadamia Nuts: Toasted macadamia nuts sprinkled on top offer a delightful crunch and a nutty warmth that pairs wonderfully with the creamy filling.
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Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of dark chocolate provides a satisfying contrast of bitterness that enriches the overall flavor profile of the tropical dessert.
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Shredded Coconut: Top your slice with toasted shredded coconut for added texture and a rich coconut flavor, intensifying the tropical experience.
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Passionfruit Sorbet: For an extra burst of passionfruit flavor, serve a small scoop of passionfruit sorbet on the side; it’s refreshing and keeps the tropical theme going strong.
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Thai Tea or Iced Coffee: These aromatic beverages with subtle sweetness balance the tartness of the passionfruit slice, making for a comforting finish to your meal.
Passionfruit Slice Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe passionfruits for the best flavor?
Absolutely! Look for passionfruits that have a wrinkled, dusky skin; this indicates ripeness. They should feel heavy for their size and have a fragrant aroma. Avoid smooth, shiny ones as they’re often unripe and less flavorful.
How should I store leftover Passionfruit Slice?
Store your Passionfruit Slice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This keeps it fresh and prevents any drying out. Just make sure it’s completely chilled before sealing for optimal freshness!
Can I freeze the Passionfruit Slice?
Very much! You can freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them into a sturdy freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight to maintain their delightful texture.
What should I do if my gelatine doesn’t dissolve properly?
If your gelatine doesn’t dissolve fully, try gently warming the passionfruit pulp a bit longer to help encourage it to melt away. Always ensure it’s thoroughly mixed until smooth with no lumps before pouring it onto your slice. If lumps occur, you can strain the mixture through a fine sieve before using it.
Is this dessert suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Yes! You can easily make substitutions for various dietary needs. Use vegan butter for a dairy-free version, gluten-free flour for those with gluten sensitivity, and ensure the condensed milk is free from lactose if needed. Always check labels to avoid allergens if you’re serving others.
How far in advance can I make the Passionfruit Slice?
I often recommend making this dessert a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This also helps with setting the topping! So, if you’re planning for a special occasion, your Passionfruit Slice will be ready to dazzle right when you need it.
Delicious Passionfruit Slice: Your Perfect No-Bake Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line an 8-inch square baking tin with parchment paper.
- Combine melted unsalted butter, desiccated coconut, caster sugar, and plain flour in a mixing bowl.
- Transfer the mixture into the lined baking tin, pressing it firmly and evenly across the base. Bake for 15 minutes until edges are golden, then cool completely.
- Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, and strained passionfruit pulp until smooth.
- Soften powdered gelatine in cold water. Heat some strained passionfruit pulp in a saucepan, then dissolve the gelatine in it.
- Combine dissolved gelatine mixture with the passionfruit filling, pour over the base, and refrigerate for about 2 hours.
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