This Passion Fruit Meringue Tart is a stunning dessert that combines a crunchy cookie crust with a luscious, tangy passion fruit cream filling, all topped with a light and fluffy Swiss meringue. The bright, tropical flavors of passion fruit make this tart a refreshing and indulgent treat, perfect for any occasion. The contrasting textures—from the crisp crust to the smooth cream and airy meringue—create a delightful experience with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This: You’ll fall in love with this tart for its perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, making it an ideal dessert for those who enjoy bright and bold flavors. The passion fruit filling is rich and creamy, providing a delightful contrast to the crispiness of the cookie base. Topped with a light, sweet Swiss meringue, this tart not only tastes amazing but also looks absolutely stunning on any dessert table. It’s a dessert that’s both sophisticated and satisfying, with each layer offering something special.
Perfect Occasion: This Passion Fruit Meringue Tart is perfect for celebrations, whether it’s a summer gathering, a festive holiday, or simply a special family dinner. Its vibrant flavor and beautiful presentation make it an ideal choice for impressing guests, and it’s also a fantastic way to bring a taste of the tropics to your table, no matter the season.
Decoration Tips: For a striking presentation, consider piping the Swiss meringue in decorative swirls or peaks across the top of the tart. Use a kitchen torch to lightly toast the meringue, adding a golden hue that enhances its visual appeal. You can also garnish with fresh passion fruit seeds or a sprinkle of edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance. Serving this tart on a brightly colored platter will make the vibrant colors pop, creating an inviting display.
Ingredients:
Base:
- 400 g of Maria cookies (approximately two packages)
- 150 g of butter
Cream:
- 2 cans of sweetened condensed milk
- 250 g of passion fruit pulp (frozen pulp can be used)
- 2 egg yolks
Topping:
- Passion fruit curd (optional)
- Swiss meringue (made using the leftover egg whites)
- Prepare the Crust: Start by crushing the Maria cookies into fine crumbs. Mix the crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. This will form the base of your tart, providing a delightful crunch that complements the creamy filling.
- Create the Creamy Filling: In a blender, combine the sweetened condensed milk, passion fruit pulp, and egg yolks. Blend until the mixture is smooth and completely homogeneous. This creamy filling is where the tart gets its tangy, tropical flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet meringue topping.
- Prepare the Tart Shell: Line a tart pan with two overlapping strips of parchment paper. This simple trick will make it easier to remove the tart from the pan if it doesn’t have a removable base. Spread the cookie and butter mixture evenly across the bottom and up the sides of the tart pan, pressing firmly to ensure a solid base.
- Fill and Bake: Pour the passion fruit cream filling into the prepared tart shell, smoothing it out with a spatula to ensure an even layer. Place the tart in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch.
- Cool and Chill: After baking, remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, if you’re using passion fruit curd, spread it over the top of the tart, creating a glossy, flavorful layer. Transfer the tart to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the tart to firm up.
- Decorate and Serve: Once the tart is well-chilled, carefully remove it from the pan using the parchment paper strips. Decorate the top with a generous layer of Swiss meringue, either spread smoothly or piped into decorative shapes. For a beautiful finish, lightly toast the meringue with a kitchen torch until golden. Serve this stunning tart to your guests and watch as they marvel at both its beauty and its delicious flavor.
Enjoy: Savor each bite of this tangy, creamy, and utterly delightful Passion Fruit Meringue Tart—an experience that brings a tropical twist to your dessert table!