Passionfruit Meringue Pie Recipe

If you’re a fan of tangy and sweet desserts that feel both refreshing and indulgent, you’re in for a treat with this Passionfruit Meringue Pie Recipe. The blend of zesty passionfruit and smooth condensed milk filling topped with a golden, fluffy meringue is nothing short of magical. I find it’s a crowd-pleaser, especially during warm weather or as a bright finale to a dinner party.

What makes this Passionfruit Meringue Pie Recipe stand out is the balance of flavors—tart passionfruit cutting through the sweetness, all wrapped up in a crisp shortcrust pastry shell with that cloud-like meringue on top. Trust me, once you try making this at home, you’ll want to have it ready for any occasion that calls for something special yet not overly complicated.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a key role in bringing this pie to life. From the buttery crust to the velvety filling and the airy meringue topping, these components work beautifully together. Here are my notes to help you shop smart and pick the best versions for success:

• Ready rolled sweet short pastry: I like using ready rolled sheets for convenience and consistent thickness. Look for good-quality brands that stay crisp after baking.
• Sweetened condensed milk: This gives the filling a luscious creaminess. Make sure it’s sweetened, not evaporated milk.
• Egg and egg yolks: These help set the filling and create that smooth texture. Use fresh eggs for the best results.
• Lemon juice: This adds a bright acidity that balances the sweetness. Freshly squeezed lemon juice will really lift the flavor.
• Passionfruit pulp: I always prefer fresh passionfruit – its aromatic aroma is unbeatable compared to frozen pulp.
• Egg whites: For the meringue’s fluffy, glossy finish. Separate carefully to avoid any yolk, which can prevent stiff peaks.
• Pinch of salt: Just a little to enhance sweetness and stabilize your meringue.
• Caster sugar: Caster sugar dissolves easily, perfect for that shiny, stable meringue topping.

Variations

One of the joys of this Passionfruit Meringue Pie Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Over time, I’ve found a few variations that make it even more fun to customize according to your mood or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to get creative here!

• Use grapefruit instead of lemon juice: I tried this once and it gave a slightly less tart but still punchy result, perfect if you prefer a milder citrus note.
• Gluten-free crust: For friends with gluten sensitivities, swapping the shortcrust sheets for a gluten-free pastry works really well and still crisps up beautifully.
• Toasted coconut topping: Adding shredded toasted coconut on top of the meringue gives a tropical twist and adds a lovely crunch.

How to Make Passionfruit Meringue Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Base

Start by lining a 23cm (9-inch) pie dish with one sheet of your ready rolled sweet short pastry. Press it firmly into the dish, trimming off the excess edges. Pop it in the fridge while you make the filling—it helps the crust keep its shape and bake crisp.

Step 2: Make the Tangy Passionfruit Filling

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, whole egg, and 3 egg yolks until smooth. Add in the lemon juice and passionfruit pulp, then mix until everything is well combined. This filling is the heart of the pie and getting it smooth without lumps makes all the difference. Pour this mixture into the chilled pastry shell and gently spread it out evenly.

Step 3: Whip Up the Perfect Meringue

Using a clean bowl and beaters, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Gradually add caster sugar while continuing to beat until you reach stiff, glossy peaks. This step can be a game-changer—avoid rushing it or you’ll end up with grainy meringue. Spread the meringue generously over the filling, making sure it touches the crust edges to seal the pie well.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Set

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the pie for about 20 minutes or until the meringue is beautifully golden on top. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning—if it’s browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil. Once done, let the pie cool completely before slicing; this allows the filling to set perfectly.

How to Serve Passionfruit Meringue Pie Recipe

Garnishes

I love to keep the garnish simple so the passionfruit flavor shines. A few fresh passionfruit seeds scattered on top or a light dusting of powdered sugar adds just a touch of elegance without overpowering the pie. Sometimes, I’ll add a sprig of mint for a pop of green and freshness.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a light herbal tea. If serving as part of a larger dessert spread, consider small fresh fruit skewers or a simple vanilla ice cream scoop to complement the tartness.

Creative Ways to Present

I once served this pie in mini tart shells for a brunch party, which was such a hit—it made the presentation fun and guests loved having individual portions. For a festive look, piping the meringue in swirls or peaks adds a lovely, textured top that impresses every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually stay fresh for up to 2 days. Just a heads up—the meringue might soften a little over time, so I always plan to enjoy it pretty soon after baking for the best texture.

Freezing

This Passionfruit Meringue Pie Recipe isn’t the best candidate for freezing due to the delicate meringue topping, which can weep and become soggy when thawed. If you want to prepare ahead, I suggest baking the crust and making the filling in advance, then assembling and baking the meringue just before serving.

Reheating

If you have leftovers that you want a bit warm, gently reheat slices in a low oven (around 150°C/300°F) for 5-7 minutes, but avoid the microwave which can make the meringue chewy. Just remember, warming slightly helps refresh the flavors without compromising that beautiful texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Passionfruit Meringue Pie Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines simplicity with a wow factor every time I bring it to the table. If you love desserts that brighten the day and impress friends without too much fuss, this is definitely one to have in your recipe box. I hope you get to try making it soon—you’ll love how the tangy passionfruit and cloud-like meringue come together in every bite!

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