Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you to a tropical paradise with these irresistible Passion Fruit Meringue Tartlets! Imagine biting into a delicate, buttery shell filled with tangy passion fruit curd and topped with a cloud-like meringue that melts in your mouth. These elegant desserts are not just a treat—they're a sensory experience that combines the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors that will leave your guests absolutely mesmerized.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: International
Serves: 12 tartlets
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup passion fruit pulp
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 3 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the tartlet shells bake evenly and become golden brown.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk together until well blended.
- Add 1/2 cup of softened butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 12-cup tartlet pan. Make sure the crust is evenly distributed and compact.
- Bake the tartlet shells in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
- While the crusts are cooling, prepare the passion fruit filling. In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of passion fruit pulp and 1/2 cup of sugar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 large egg yolks. Gradually add the warm passion fruit mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Pour the passion fruit filling into the cooled tartlet shells, filling each shell about 3/4 full. Set aside while you prepare the meringue.
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat 3 large egg whites with 1/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add 1/4 cup of sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form and the meringue is glossy.
- Carefully spoon or pipe the meringue over the filled tartlets, making sure to cover the filling completely and create peaks for decoration.
- Bake the tartlets in the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly browned. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Once baked, remove the tartlets from the oven and allow them to cool completely at room temperature.
- Once cooled, carefully remove the tartlets from the pan. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy your delicious Passion Fruit Meringue Tartlets!
Tips
- Choose ripe passion fruits: Look for fruits that are slightly wrinkled and feel heavy for their size, indicating maximum flavor and juice.
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Prevent soggy crusts: Blind bake the tartlet shells to create a crisp base that won't get soggy from the fruit filling.
- Meringue perfection: Clean your mixing bowl and whisk thoroughly to ensure egg whites whip up to their full, glossy potential.
- Avoid overbeating meringue: Stop beating when stiff, glossy peaks form to prevent a grainy texture.
- Torch for extra flair: For a professional touch, use a kitchen torch to brown the meringue instead of oven-broiling.
- Serve chilled: These tartlets are best enjoyed within a few hours of preparation, kept refrigerated until serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 75mg
