Tropical Passion Fruit Bars

Oh wow, you guys, I just made these Tropical Passion Fruit Bars, and oh my goodness, they’re like sunshine on a plate. One bite and I felt like I was on a little island vacation. They’re so bright and yummy!

The sweet-tangy passion fruit is just perfect with that soft, buttery crust. I couldn’t stop smiling while eating them. Even my kids were obsessed.

So hey, if you want a fun treat that tastes like summer, you gotta try these. Trust me, they’re a total mood booster!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Exotic Flavors: The unique flavor of passion fruit takes these bars to the next level, offering a delightful mix of sweet and tangy.
• Make-Ahead Delight: These bars can be prepared ahead of time, making them perfect for busy schedules or large gatherings.
• Perfectly Balanced: The buttery, slightly sweet crust and smooth, zesty passion fruit filling create a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
• Ideal for Sharing: With their vibrant, tropical taste, these bars are perfect for sharing with friends, family, or colleagues.
• Simple and Delicious: Despite the complex flavors, these bars are surprisingly simple to prepare and require just a few key ingredients.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you start making these Tropical Passion Fruit Bars, make sure you have the following kitchen tools:

• 8×8-inch Baking Dish: This will be the perfect size for the bars, providing the right depth for the crust and filling.
• Mixing Bowls: A set of mixing bowls to combine the ingredients for the crust and filling.
• Whisk: For beating the eggs and incorporating the dry ingredients smoothly.
• Spatula: To spread the crust mixture evenly in the baking dish and to help you get every bit of filling out of the bowl.
• Wire Rack: To cool the bars completely after baking.
• Parchment Paper: This will make it easy to remove the bars from the baking dish and cut them into perfect squares.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these mouthwatering Tropical Passion Fruit Bars. The measurements are listed in the recipe card below:

For the Crust:

• All-purpose flour: 1 cup
• Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup
• Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, melted

For the Filling:

• Granulated sugar: 1 1/2 cups
• Passion fruit puree: 1/2 cup (you can find this at most specialty grocery stores or make your own by blending fresh passion fruit pulp)
• Large eggs: 4
• All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup
• Baking powder: 1 tsp
• Salt: 1/4 tsp
• Powdered sugar: For dusting on top once the bars are cooled

Variations for Tropical Passion Fruit Bars

While this recipe is delicious as is, there are several ways you can tweak it to suit your preferences or make it even more unique:

• Add Coconut: If you’re a fan of coconut, try adding shredded coconut to the crust or sprinkling it on top of the bars before baking. It pairs beautifully with the tropical flavors.
• Mix in Lime Zest: For an extra citrusy punch, add a teaspoon of lime zest to the passion fruit filling. It enhances the tropical flavor and adds brightness to the bars.
• Use Other Tropical Fruits: If you can’t find passion fruit puree, substitute it with mango, guava, or pineapple puree for a different but equally delicious tropical flavor.
• Make it Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This is a great way to cater to guests with dietary restrictions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have everything ready, it’s time to make these incredible Tropical Passion Fruit Bars! The process is simple, and you’ll be enjoying these bars in no time.

1. Prepare the Crust

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Line your 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to easily remove the bars after baking.
• In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar.
• Pour in the melted unsalted butter and stir until the mixture forms a crumbly dough.
• Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
• Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden. Once done, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly.

2. Make the Passion Fruit Filling

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, 4 large eggs, and 1/2 cup of passion fruit puree. Whisk until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth.
• Add 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of baking powder, and 1/4 tsp of salt to the mixture. Whisk until all the ingredients are incorporated and the batter is lump-free.
• Carefully pour the passion fruit filling over the slightly cooled crust. Be sure to spread it evenly across the surface.

3. Bake the Passion Fruit Bars

• Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until the center is set, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Keep an eye on it toward the end to avoid overbaking. The filling should be firm and lightly golden on top.
• Once done, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the baking dish for at least 30 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting.

4. Slice and Serve

• Once the bars are completely cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the dish.
• Cut into squares (you can make them small or large depending on your preference).
• Dust the tops of the bars with powdered sugar for a pretty finishing touch.

How to Serve Tropical Passion Fruit Bars

These Tropical Passion Fruit Bars are a versatile treat that pairs wonderfully with various beverages and can be served in several ways:

• Serve with a tropical drink: These bars are perfect alongside a fresh coconut water or a fruity cocktail like a piña colada or tropical mojito.
• Serve at a brunch: They’re a beautiful addition to any brunch spread, adding color and an exotic twist to your table.
• Serve with whipped cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra indulgent treat.
• Serve with fresh fruit: Top the bars with a fresh fruit salad for an added burst of tropical flavor.

Storing Tropical Passion Fruit Bars

• Room Temperature: These bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
• Refrigerator: If you need them to last longer, store the bars in the fridge for up to 4 days. The coolness of the fridge actually enhances the passion fruit flavor!
• Freezing: These bars freeze well. Simply cut them into squares, wrap them in plastic wrap, and then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.

Nutrition Information (Per Bar)

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	200 kcal
Fat	12g
Carbohydrates	24g
Protein	2g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	18g

Conclusion

Tropical Passion Fruit Bars are the perfect treat for anyone looking to brighten their day with a burst of tropical flavor. The combination of a buttery crust and zesty passion fruit filling is truly irresistible. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering, enjoying them with a tropical drink, or just treating yourself, these bars will transport your taste buds to a sun-filled paradise. And with how easy they are to make, you’ll find yourself baking them again and again!