There’s nothing quite like the sweet, tangy kiss of passionfruit to transport you straight to a sunny beachside paradise. Today, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for an Easy No-Bake Passionfruit Slice with Coconut Shortbread, a dessert that captures that tropical bliss in every bite. This delightfully creamy dessert is not only a breeze to whip up but also a fantastic make-ahead treat, perfect for family gatherings or a quiet evening at home. Picture this: a buttery coconut base layered with a smooth, tangy filling and crowned with a glossy passionfruit jelly topping—that’s the kind of indulgence that lifts any mood! So, are you ready to dive into this blissful, no-bake adventure? Let’s get started!

Why is this Passionfruit Slice a Must-Try?

Irresistible Flavor: The sweet and tangy passionfruit shines through in both the filling and topping, creating a vibrant flavor that dances on your palate.

No-Bake Convenience: This recipe eliminates the oven hassle, making it perfect for warm days when you want a cool dessert without the heat.

Family-Friendly: With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, everyone can get involved in the fun of making this tropical treat!

Perfect for Prepping: Make it a day ahead for gatherings or save time during busy weeks—this dessert tastes even better after chilling in the fridge!

Versatile Toppings: Feel free to swap in different citrus juices or experiment with seeds for added texture and flair. Your creativity knows no bounds here!

You’ll love serving this stunning slice, garnished with fresh mint or passionfruit seeds, making it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds!

Passionfruit Slice Ingredients

Discover the essential components for this delicious Passionfruit Slice!

For the Shortbread Base

Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture to the shortbread; use it melted for better mixing.
Desiccated Coconut – Provides delightful chewiness and enhances the coconut flavor; almond meal can be a nutty alternative.
Caster Sugar – Sweetens the base and filling perfectly; granulated sugar will work if needed.
Plain Flour – Gives structure to the base; gluten-free flour can make this treat suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.

For the Passionfruit Filling

Sweetened Condensed Milk – Brings creaminess and sweetness; this ingredient is non-negotiable for the best results!
Fresh Lemon Juice – Balances sweetness with a zesty punch; lime juice is a great substitute for a different spin.
Strained Passionfruit Pulp – Offers that signature tropical flavor; feel free to use canned pulp if fresh isn’t available.

For the Jelly Topping

Powdered Gelatine – Helps set the passionfruit jelly; agar-agar can be used as a veggie-friendly alternative.
Cold Water – Essential for blooming the gelatine before mixing it in.

Get ready to enjoy every slice of this delightful Passionfruit Slice, perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Passionfruit Slice

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Tin
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grab an 8-inch square baking tin and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. This Passionfruit Slice will need a sturdy base, so ensuring the tin is ready will set the stage for delicious results.

Step 2: Mix the Shortbread Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, desiccated coconut, caster sugar, and plain flour. Stir until fully incorporated, forming a dough that sticks together. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the base of your lined tin, creating a solid layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and fragrant, then set aside to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Passionfruit Filling
In a clean bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, and strained passionfruit pulp until well blended. This creamy filling is the key to your Passionfruit Slice, so ensure there are no lumps. Once cooled, pour this delightful mixture over the shortbread base and spread it evenly to ensure it sets nicely. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, just until the filling is set—watch for a slight jiggle in the center.

Step 4: Make the Jelly Topping
For the glossy jelly topping, sprinkle powdered gelatine over strained passionfruit pulp in a small saucepan. Let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom. Then, gently heat the saucepan over low heat, stirring until the gelatine dissolves completely. Mix in caster sugar and cold water until well combined, ensuring a smooth consistency for the topping.

Step 5: Assemble and Chill the Slice
Carefully pour the prepared gelatine mixture over the passionfruit filling, spreading it gently to cover the surface. Place the tin in the refrigerator and allow the entire Passionfruit Slice to chill for at least 2 hours, or until set. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is firm to the touch and gleaming with sheen.

Step 6: Slice and Serve
Once set, remove the Passionfruit Slice from the refrigerator. Use the parchment overhang to lift it out of the tin and place it on a cutting board. Slice into squares or rectangles, and serve chilled. For a beautiful presentation, consider garnishing with fresh mint leaves or additional passionfruit seeds—an inviting touch for your delightful treat!

How to Store and Freeze Passionfruit Slice

Fridge: Store any leftover Passionfruit Slice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.

Thawing: To enjoy frozen slices, simply transfer them to the fridge overnight for gentle thawing, ensuring the jelly topping remains intact.

Serving Tip: Serve chilled straight from the fridge for the best texture and taste; the flavors develop beautifully after a day or two!

What to Serve with Easy No-Bake Passionfruit Slice

The combination of textures and flavors in this delightful dessert opens the door to a variety of delicious accompaniments.

Whipped Cream: Adds a light and airy contrast to the dense, creamy layers of the slice, enhancing its tropical charm.
Fresh Fruit Salad: Refreshing and colorful, a mix of tropical fruits like mango and kiwi pairs beautifully with the passionfruit flavor.
Coconut Ice Cream: This creamy, dreamy ice cream echoes the coconut in the shortbread while providing a cool, velvety finish.
Mint Tea: The soothing, herbal notes of mint tea offer a refreshing complement, balancing the dessert’s sweetness and tang.
Chocolate Drizzle: A rich chocolate sauce drizzled on top creates a delightful, indulgent contrast to the fruity notes of the slice.
Pineapple Salsa: Bright and zesty, a pineapple salsa brings a fun, fruity flair, enhancing the tropical experience of each bite.
Sparkling Wine: The light, bubbly texture of sparkling wine adds a festive touch, making it perfect for celebrations or gatherings.
Mango Sorbet: A fruity and tangy sorbet serves as a refreshing palate cleanser, perfectly complementing the flavors without overpowering them.
Crispy Biscotti: The crunchiness of biscuit-style treats adds a delightful contrast to the soft textures of the slice, making for a fun pairing.
Vanilla Custard: A smooth custard provides a rich, creamy element that beautifully contrasts the tangy passionfruit filling.

Expert Tips for Passionfruit Slice

Butter Matters: Ensure the butter is fully melted to avoid a crumbly shortbread base. This step is crucial for texture!

Cool Completely: Let the shortbread base cool entirely before adding the filling. If not, you risk a mix between the layers instead of distinct flavors.

Choose Fresh Pulp: For vibrant flavor, use fresh passionfruit pulp. If unavailable, canned pulp works in a pinch, but fresh is best!

Mind the Chill Time: Allow enough chilling time for the top layer to set properly. Rushing could lead to a runny jelly topping.

Perfectly Cut Pieces: Use a warm knife to slice the Passionfruit Slice cleanly, preventing a sticky mess and ensuring beautiful presentation.

Passionfruit Slice: Creative Variations

Feel free to let your imagination run wild with these delicious twists on the classic passionfruit slice!

Lime Zest: Add a sprinkle of lime zest to the filling for an aromatic, citrusy note that brightens every bite.
Graham Cracker Base: Swap coconut shortbread for crushed graham crackers to introduce a different flavor and texture; it creates a delightful contrast.
Passionfruit Seeds: Mix in passionfruit seeds into the filling for an unexpected burst of crunch that enhances the tropical experience.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the set jelly for a gorgeous finish that adds rich depth to each slice’s sweetness.
Vegan Version: Replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream and use agar-agar instead of gelatine for a delightful vegan twist.
Mixed Citrus: Experiment with a blend of citrus juices, like blood orange or grapefruit, in the filling to create vibrant, complex flavors.
Coconut Cream Topping: Use whipped coconut cream instead of jelly for a creamy, fluffy topping that is both heavenly and indulgent.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the filling for a subtle hint of heat, resulting in a surprising flavor explosion.

Ready to customize your passionfruit slice? Whichever variation you choose, this delightful dessert will surely please everyone at the table! For a family-friendly dessert perfect for gatherings, you could try giving it a twist with some of the ideas mentioned in our Tips & Tricks for Perfect Desserts section. Embrace the spirit of creativity and savor every slice!

Make Ahead Options

These Easy No-Bake Passionfruit Slices are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeks! You can prepare the shortbread base up to 24 hours in advance; simply bake, let it cool completely, and store it wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. The filling can also be mixed a day ahead and poured over the base when you’re ready to finish; just cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. For the final touch, create the jelly topping the day you plan to serve, pouring it over the filling and chilling for at least 2 hours until set. This ensures your Passionfruit Slice remains just as delicious and beautifully layered!

Easy No-Bake Passionfruit Slice Recipe FAQs

What kind of passionfruit should I use?
Absolutely! Fresh passionfruit are ideal for this recipe due to their vibrant flavor. However, if fresh isn’t available, canned passionfruit pulp works beautifully as a substitute. Just be sure to use the strained pulp for a smooth texture.

How should I store the Passionfruit Slice?
Keep your Passionfruit Slice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For best results, make sure the slices are well-wrapped to prevent drying out and keep that delicious moisture intact!

Can I freeze the Passionfruit Slice?
Yes, you can! Individually wrap the slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They will stay delicious for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight to maintain the perfect jelly topping consistency.

What if my jelly topping isn’t setting properly?
If your topping doesn’t set, it could be due to insufficient gelatine or not allowing enough time in the refrigerator. Make sure to follow the blooming instructions carefully. You can also try adding a tablespoon of cold water and reheating it just enough to dissolve the gelatine before re-pouring it over the filling.

Are there any allergy considerations with this recipe?
Yes! This Passionfruit Slice contains dairy (butter and sweetened condensed milk), and gluten (from plain flour). For those with allergies, substitute with dairy-free alternatives and use gluten-free flour. Always read the labels of your ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

How do I know if my ingredients are fresh enough?
When selecting ingredients, look for:

Passionfruit: Should be slightly wrinkled and firm; avoid any that are overly soft or have dark spots.
Butter: Fresh butter should have a light yellow color and a pleasant aroma. Check for any off smells or changes in texture.
Coconut: Desiccated coconut should be white and dry with no signs of rancidity, such as a sour smell or clumping.