Tropical Coconut Passion Fruit Squares Recipe

Tropical Bliss: Homemade Coconut Passion Fruit Squares Recipe

Sweet, tangy, and utterly irresistible, these coconut passion fruit squares dance with tropical flavors that transport you to a sun-drenched paradise.

Bursting with vibrant passion fruit essence, the recipe weaves together creamy coconut and zesty citrus notes for a dessert that sings of summer.

Layers of buttery crust and silky filling create a harmonious balance of textures that melt in your mouth.

The bright, golden passion fruit curd cuts through rich coconut undertones, creating a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent.

Each bite promises a delightful escape from ordinary treats, offering a sophisticated twist on classic dessert squares.

Grab your apron and get ready to impress with this show-stopping tropical delight that’s sure to become a new favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 32 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes

Calories: 173 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients Needed for Coconut Passion Fruit Squares

For Base:
  • Soft Butter: Delivers rich, creamy texture and helps bind ingredients smoothly.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds warm, caramel-like sweetness and enhances golden color.
  • Flour: Provides structural foundation for crisp, sturdy shortbread base.
  • Grated Coconut: Introduces delightful tropical crunch and nutty undertones.
For Passion Cream Filling:
  • Eggs: Creates silky, luxurious custard consistency and helps set filling.
  • Sugar: Balances tartness and provides smooth, sweet foundation.
  • Flour: Stabilizes cream and ensures proper thickening of filling.
  • Passion Fruit Puree: Delivers vibrant, tangy tropical flavor profile.
For Garnish:
  • Additional Grated Coconut: Offers decorative topping with textural contrast and heightened tropical essence.

Tools You’ll Use for Coconut Passion Fruit Squares

  • Electric mixer or whisk: Essential for creaming butter and sugar, beating eggs smoothly.
  • 20 x 20 cm baking mold or frame: Perfectly sized for creating uniform passion fruit squares.
  • Parchment paper: Crucial for easy removal and preventing sticking of the dessert.
  • Aluminum foil: Helps prevent leaks when using a baking frame.
  • Mixing bowls: Needed for preparing shortbread base and passion fruit cream.
  • Fork: Used to prick the base and prevent puffing during baking.
  • Wire rack: Allows dessert to cool evenly after baking.
  • Measuring scale: Ensures precise ingredient measurements.
  • Sifter or fine strainer: Helpful for evenly distributing flour.

How to Make Coconut Passion Fruit Squares, Step-by-Step

  • Shortbread Foundation Preparation

Create a buttery base by mixing soft butter, brown sugar, flour, and coconut until a smooth dough forms. Press the mixture evenly into a lined baking pan, ensuring a flat surface.

  • Base Baking

Poke small holes across the dough surface using a fork. Bake until the edges turn a light golden color, developing a crisp and delicate texture.

  • Passion Fruit Cream Magic

Whisk eggs and sugar together until they become light and fluffy. Gently fold in flour and fresh passion fruit juice, creating a vibrant, tangy cream that will rest atop the golden shortbread.

  • Layer and Bake

Pour the passion fruit cream carefully over the pre-baked shortbread base. Return to the oven and bake until the cream sets with a gentle wobble.

  • Cooling and Finishing

Allow the dessert to cool completely on a wire rack. Sprinkle additional coconut flakes across the top for a tropical touch. Slice into elegant squares that showcase the beautiful layers.

  • Serving Suggestion

Keep the squares chilled until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. Perfect for a refreshing dessert that transports you to a sunny island paradise.

Tips & Tweaks for Coconut Passion Fruit Squares Success

  • Replace regular flour with gluten-free options like almond or rice flour for a dietary-friendly version that maintains the delicate texture.
  • Toast the grated coconut before mixing into the base or topping to intensify its nutty, rich profile and add extra crunch to your dessert.
  • Control the sugar content by using honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar, which can provide a more complex sweetness and unique depth of flavor.
  • Experiment with different tropical fruit purees like mango or guava to create exciting flavor combinations that complement the coconut base.
  • Use a digital kitchen thermometer to ensure precise oven temperature and achieve consistent results with the delicate custard-like passion fruit layer.

Ways to Serve Coconut Passion Fruit Squares Beautifully

  • Elevate Your Dessert Presentation
  • Pair these tangy-sweet squares with a chilled coconut sorbet or fresh passion fruit coulis for an extra tropical burst of flavor.
  • Garnish Tropical Delight
  • Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes and fresh passion fruit seeds on top to add texture and enhance the visual appeal of your dessert squares.
  • Serve with Complementary Beverages
  • Enjoy alongside a crisp white wine, light rum cocktail, or tropical iced tea to balance the rich, fruity flavors of the coconut passion fruit squares.
  • Perfect Party Platter
  • Arrange the squares on a beautiful wooden board with fresh mint leaves and edible flowers for an Instagram-worthy dessert display that will impress guests at any gathering.

Coconut Passion Fruit Squares – Prep & Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate Wisely: Keep these delightful squares in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days, maintaining their fresh texture and vibrant flavor.
  • Freeze for Later: Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to store for up to 3 weeks, perfect for unexpected sweet cravings.
  • Serve at Optimal Temperature: Remove from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the dessert to soften slightly and enhance its creamy passion fruit essence.
  • Prevent Moisture Buildup: Place a small piece of parchment paper between layers when stacking squares to prevent sticking and preserve their delicate coconut shortbread base.
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Tropical Coconut Passion Fruit Squares Recipe

Tropical Coconut Passion Fruit Squares


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4.9 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Delightful coconut passion fruit squares blend tropical flavors with creamy texture. Rich Caribbean-inspired dessert delivers sweet-tart notes that dance across palates, inviting you to savor each memorable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 150 g (5.3 oz) passion fruit puree or juice
  • 100 g (3.5 oz) eggs (about 2 eggs)
  • 125 g (4.4 oz) flour
  • 90 g (3.2 oz) soft demi-sel butter
  • 85 g (3 oz) granulated sugar
  • 40 g (1.4 oz) brown sugar
  • 20 g (0.7 oz) grated coconut

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Blend softened butter and brown sugar until creamy, then gradually fold in flour and grated coconut to create a uniform dough. Press mixture evenly into parchment-lined 8-inch baking pan, using a fork to pierce the surface.
  2. Initial Baking: Place crust in preheated 350°F oven and bake for 16 minutes until light golden. Reduce oven temperature to 320°F after removing pan.
  3. Passion Fruit Cream Formation: Whisk eggs and granulated sugar thoroughly, then incorporate flour and passion fruit puree until smooth and well-integrated.
  4. Layering and Final Baking: Pour passion fruit cream over pre-baked shortbread base, ensuring even distribution. Return to 320°F oven and bake for 16 minutes until cream sets with a slight center jiggle.
  5. Cooling and Finishing: Remove from oven and transfer to wire rack, allowing complete cooling. Sprinkle additional grated coconut on top for enhanced texture and visual appeal.
  6. Serving and Storage: Slice into precise squares using a sharp knife. Refrigerate in sealed container for optimal freshness, maintaining quality for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • Precision Matters: Weigh ingredients for consistent texture and flavor, especially when baking delicate desserts like these squares.
  • Crust Consistency: Press shortbread base firmly and evenly to create a stable foundation that prevents crumbling when cutting.
  • Temperature Control: Watch the passion fruit cream closely during baking; a slightly jiggly center indicates perfect doneness and prevents overcooking.
  • Storage Tip: Refrigeration helps maintain the squares’ structure and keeps the passion fruit cream fresh, enhancing flavor development over 24-48 hours.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 32 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 173
  • Sugar: 9.6 g
  • Sodium: 62 mg
  • Fat: 7.1 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25.8 g
  • Fiber: 1.1 g
  • Protein: 3.6 g
  • Cholesterol: 58 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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