Passion Fruit Bars

Recipe by David Turner

If you like lemon bars, you’ll love these Passion Fruit Bars, which are just as bright and tart but deliver an unmatched tropical flavor. In addition to the two classic layers — an easy press-in graham cracker crust and a smooth, rich curd — our version has a bonus third layer: a creamy topping that brings even more intense passion fruit flavor while also balancing the intense tanginess. As stunning as they are delicious, these bars make seeking out passion fruit purée worthwhile. 

Prep
45 mins
Bake
28 to 35 mins
Total
7 hrs
Yield
one 8" square pan
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A table set with pastel colored tableware and plates with Passionfruit Bars spread out. - select to zoom
A table set with pastel colored tableware and plates with Passionfruit Bars spread out. - select to zoom
Passionfruit Bars - angled side view - layers of yellow passionfruit curd, crust, and cream. - select to zoom
A Passionfruit Bar from the side and stacked to show smooth and creamy layers of passionfruit and crust. - select to zoom
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Instructions

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  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F with a rack in the center. Line an 8" square pan with a parchment sling and lightly grease the parchment. 

  2. To make the crust: In a medium bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, confectioners’ sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter and mix until thoroughly combined.    

  3. Transfer the crust mixture to the prepared pan, then use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass and the pads of your fingers to press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan. 

  4. Bake the crust for 10 to 15 minutes, until fragrant and slightly darker in color and then remove from the oven. While the crust bakes, prepare the curd filling. 

  5. To make the curd filling: In a large saucepan, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt. Add the passion fruit purée, lemon juice, eggs, and yolks, and whisk to combine.  

  6. Cook the curd mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly and being sure to get into the corners of the pan, until it begins releasing steam when stirred and just begins to thicken, 5 to 8 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the butter; the mixture will become smooth and shiny. 

  7. When the crust is done baking, remove it from the oven and place it on a rack. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F. 

  8. Pour the hot curd through a fine-mesh strainer onto the crust, being sure to collect any curd that clings to the bottom of the strainer. Spread it into an even layer, covering the entire surface of the crust. 

  9. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the curd layer is completely set but has not taken on any color and then remove it from the oven. While the curd bakes, prepare the cream topping. 

  10. To make the cream topping: In a small saucepan, combine the cream, sugar, and salt. Cook over high heat until boiling, stirring occasionally with a heatproof spatula to dissolve the sugar. Once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Watch the mixture carefully and further reduce the heat if the cream starts to boil rapidly. The mixture will thicken only slightly; it will look almost as fluid as plain cream. 

  11. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the passion fruit purée and lemon juice.  

  12. Gently pour the cream topping over the curd layer, then carefully place the pan, uncovered, in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or overnight, until the top layer is set and the bars are completely chilled. 

  13. Once set, lift the Passion Fruit Bars out of the pan using the parchment sling and transfer them to a cutting board. For the cleanest cuts, dip a chef’s knife in hot water and dry it thoroughly, between every cut. These bars are best served chilled.  

  14. Storage information: Store any leftover Passion Fruit Bars, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week; freeze for longer storage.  

Tips from our Bakers

  • For best results, be sure to use a product that is 100% passion fruit purée (sometimes called juice purée), which does not contain any seeds or added fruit juices, sugar, or water. 

  • Leftover passion fruit purée makes a deliciously zingy addition to lemonade, iced tea, or cocktails. It can also be frozen and thawed for future use.