This no-bake Passion Fruit Tiramisu is a Latin twist to the classic Italian Tiramisu recipe that combines layers of Passion Fruit juice-soaked ladyfingers and a creamy mascarpone filling infused with rum and passion fruit, then topped with fresh fruit.
This Passion Fruit version of the classic Tiramisu recipe comes to you with a Latin Flair! This passion fruit cake follows the same recipe as the traditional Tiramisu but, with some ingredient substitutions making this Latin version taste lighter yet decadent. Super delicioso, the best Passion Fruit recipe!
This decadent Passion Fruit dessert is part of a series of Latin-inspired recipes like this Mango Tart with Pastry Cream and Coconut-Graham Crackers Crust that features other tropical fruits, our Strawberry Tres Leches, and our Citrus Flan Recipe with Orange Zest.
This dessert is the perfect ending to a fantastic holiday meal of Puerto Rican Turkey (Pavochón), Tostones (green plantains) and Arroz con Gandules (Puerto Rican Rice with Pigeon Peas) for a fantastic Latin meal! Yum! Pure Latin flavors.
It combines layers of Passion Fruit juice-soaked ladyfingers and a creamy mascarpone filling infused with rum, more passion fruit goodness, then topped with your favorite fresh fruit (The fresh fruit is optional but I find that it adds more flavor, texture, and beauty!).
Passion Fruit is a tropical fruit that is becoming more and more popular. Passion Fruit is sweet yet tart, fragrant with a heavenly tropical flavor. It is an exotic fruit also named Maracuya or Parchita (Venezuela) among other names. I am finding Passion Fruit in more recipes and restaurant menus in the United States than ever before.
I love and miss eating it fresh. Growing up in South America we ate passion fruit all the time, in fact, we had a huge vine in our backyard so Passion Fruit was abundant in our home.
Where can you buy Passion Fruit?
While it can be difficult to find fresh fruit in the produce area, you can find Passion Fruit frozen concentrate in specialty and Latin foods stores. The frozen concentrate works perfectly for this recipe and it is the easiest and quickest option for making many of the recipes calling for Passion Fruit.
One of the common brands of frozen concentrate is Goya found in Latin foods stores. I also found Pitaya Foods recently and I love this brand because the concentrate comes in small cubes making it easy for pre-portioning, plus I can find it at my local Target and Whole Foods stores.
How to make a delicious Passion Fruit Tiramisu dessert step-by-step
(a printable version of the recipe is also below).
This recipe requires several preparation steps and mixing techniques. But! every one of them will be worth it after you and your loved ones have taken the first bite of your very own Passion Fruit Tiramisu masterpiece!
Ingredients
For the Mascarpone Cream
- 6 Egg Yolks
- 1/2 cup of Sugar
- 1/4 cup of Rum
- 2 of 8 oz Mascarpone Cheese
- 2 cups of Heavy Cream
- 3 tablespoons of Passion Fruit Concentrate
For the cake assembly
- 1 cup of Passion Fruit Concentrate (see notes)
- 3/4 cup of Water
- 1/4 cup of Sugar
- 1 teaspoon of Vanilla
- 1/4 Cup of Rum
- 1 Package of Ladyfingers cookies (about 40-45).
- Fruits for decorating (optional)
- 1/4 Cup of White chocolate shavings (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Make the Mascarpone cream (20 minutes)
- Gently cook the egg yolks and sugar. Mix the egg yolks, sugar, and rum in a saucepan and cook at the lowest temperature (you can also cook on a double boiler for this step). Whisk constantly to avoid curdling and until the mixture is thick, frothy, and pale yellow (about 10 minutes). This step requires focused attention and constant whisking! Remove from the heat and cool down the pan in an ice/cold water bath.
2. Gently beat the mascarpone cheese in a bowl with an electric mixer at medium speed to soften (do not overbeat or the mascarpone may curdle).
3. Whip the heavy cream into medium peaks. Then incorporate both the egg and mascarpone cream mixtures and fold them together. Add the passion fruit concentrate and fold until mixed.
Assemble the cake (25 minutes)
There are 4 layers in this Passion Fruit Tiramisu cake. 2 layers of ladyfingers and 2 layers of mascarpone cream.
- Make the soaking juice mixture. In a glass bowl, mix the cup of Passion Fruit Concentrate, water, sugar, vanilla, and Rum. Whisk well until blended and the sugar has dissolved completely.
- Layer half of the ladyfingers. Dip half of the ladyfingers in the juice mixture and line them on the bottom of a 9” x 13” cake pan or similar capacity (cut some ladyfingers if needed to fill any empty spaces). Ladyfingers soak up a lot of liquid quickly, so dunk them once on each side and take them out quickly to avoid sogginess (1 to 2 seconds). The cookies become soggy if overmoistened.They will finish softening between the layers of cream as the cake chills.
3. Layer half of the mascarpone cream mixture on top of the ladyfingers and cover completely with a spatula.
- Dip and layer the remaining ladyfingers. Then top with the remaining cream mixture. You could use a piping bag for applying this last layer for extra styling (optional).
- Decorate with fruits and white chocolate shavings (optional).
- Cover and chill for at least 3 hours or overnight (The flavors will meld and intensify overnight).
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Decadent Passion Fruit Tiramisu
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Latin
Description
This no-bake Passion Fruit Tiramisu is a Latin twist to the classic Italian Tiramisu recipe that combines layers of Passion Fruit juice-soaked ladyfingers and a creamy mascarpone filling infused with rum and passion fruit, then topped with fresh fruit.
Ingredients
For the Mascarpone Cream
- 6 Egg Yolks
- 1/2 cup of Sugar
- 1/4 cup of Rum
- 2 of 8 oz Mascarpone Cheese
- 2 cups of Heavy Cream
- 3 tablespoons of Passion Fruit Concentrate
For the cake assembly
- 1 cup of Passion Fruit Concentrate (see notes)
- 3/4 cup of Water
- 1/4 cup of Sugar
- 1 teaspoon of Vanilla
- 1/4 Cup of Rum
- 1 Package of Ladyfingers cookies (about 40-45).
- Fruits for decorating (optional)
- 1/4 Cup of White chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
Make the Mascarpone cream (20 minutes)
1. Gently cook the egg yolks and sugar. Mix the egg yolks, sugar, and rum in a saucepan and cook at the lowest temperature (you can also cook on a double boiler for this step). Whisk constantly to avoid curdling and until the mixture is thick, frothy, and pale yellow (about 10 minutes). This step requires focused attention and constant whisking! Remove from the heat and cool down the pan in an ice/cold water bath.
2. Gently beat the mascarpone cheese in a bowl with an electric mixer at medium speed to soften (do not overbeat or the mascarpone may curdle).
3. Whip the heavy cream into medium peaks. Then incorporate both the egg and mascarpone cream mixtures and fold them together. Add the passion fruit concentrate and fold until mixed.
Assemble the cake (25 minutes)
There are 4 layers in this Passion Fruit Tiramisu cake. 2 layers of ladyfingers and 2 layers of mascarpone cream.
1. Make the soaking juice mixture. In a glass bowl, mix the cup of Passion Fruit Concentrate, water, sugar, vanilla, and Rum. Whisk well until blended and the sugar has dissolved completely.
2. Layer half of the ladyfingers. Dip half of the ladyfingers in the juice mixture and line them on the bottom of a 9” x 13” cake pan or similar capacity (cut some ladyfingers if needed to fill any empty spaces). Ladyfingers soak up a lot of liquid quickly, so dunk them once on each side and take them out quickly to avoid sogginess. They will finish softening between the layers of cream as the cake chills.
3. Layer half of the mascarpone cream mixture on top of the ladyfingers and cover completely with a spatula.
4. Dip and layer the remaining ladyfingers. Then top with the remaining cream mixture. You could use a piping bag for applying this last layer for extra styling (optional).
5. Decorate with fruits and white chocolate shavings (optional).
6. Cover and chill for at least 3 hours or overnight (The flavors will meld and intensify overnight).
Notes
- Use cold mascarpone as it's less likely to “break” during mixing. For the same reason, do not overmix once the mascarpone is added. Keep the speed on low and the timing to a minimum.
- What type of rum is best for Passion Fruit Tiramisu? Dark rum is best for flavor. I used Venezuelan-aged rum, but any dark rum will work.
- Cooking the rum with the eggs. I cook it to reduce some of the alcoholic notes yet still keep the aromatic rum flavors. If you like a stronger rum flavor, skip cooking the rum with the egg yolks and instead add it in the end with the passion fruit concentrate in step 3 when the cream mixtures have been combined.
- Ladyfingers. Are sweet sponge-like cake biscuits and a finger-shaped. They’re found in the cookies/crackers aisle of most large supermarkets or you can purchase them online.
- Making the soaking juice mixture. Some recipes indicate that the ladyfingers can be soaked directly in passion fruit concentrate. While this is possible, I do not recommend it. The frozen concentrate tends to be very tart and will result in a tart cake, hence the reason for adding water and sugar to the concentrate in step 1 of making the soaking juice mixture. Lastly, soak the ladyfingers for only 1 to 2 seconds. The cookies become soggy if overmoistened.
- Storage and freezing Instructions: Tiramisu keeps fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, tightly covered. You can freeze it for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator for at least 24-36 hours. After thawed, decorate with desired fruits.
- Make-ahead: Passion Fruit Tiramisu is a great make-ahead recipe.
- Serving. Best when served chilled.
Substitutions
- Rum. You may use white rum in place of dark.
- Passion Fruit frozen concentrate. If you can only find Passion Fruit Juice (which has water and sugar in it already). Use it in place of the concentrate for soaking the ladyfingers. Just skip the 3/4 cup of water and sugar called out on the ingredient list.
Equipment
- Sauce Pan
- Whisk
- Electric mixer (stand up or hand)
- 9” by 13” cake pan.
Seema says
This is a tiramisu right up my alley. We are huge fans of passionfruit and our vine is loaded with fruit at this moment. I love how beautiful it looks too.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Thank you, Seema! I'm so glad this tiramisu was a perfect fit for you — using fresh passion fruit from your own vine must have made it even more special. WOW! Not many people can say that. 😎🙌
You are lucky!
Nora says
This tiramisu version was such a nice change of pace! Loved it!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
I know, right! Such a nice tropical twist I say. Thanks for trying our version! 🙂
Yu says
Tiramisu is my favorate dessert! I love the creamy, rich layers of the tiramisu. I doubled up on extra fruit on top, and it turned out delicious!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Tiramisu lovers united. 😊 Happy you liked our recipe!
Claudia Cristina Ciorteanu says
Made this tiramisu and it’s incredible! The passion fruit twist is fantastic. Thanks for the recipe!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Whoa, that's high praise! So happy you're loving the passion fruit tiramisu. Thank you for making the recipe and leaving your review. 😊
JC says
We made this tiramisu this weekend -- wow, it was AMAZING!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Amazing! So glad you and your crew loved the tiramisu. That's the best kind of weekend win! 😊
Thanks for your comment!
Kathryn says
I love this fruit edition of tiramisu! Love how fruity, creamy and light it is for the summer. Making this again asap 🙂
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Hi Kathryn,
A perfect summer dessert match! I'm thrilled you're loving the fruity and creamy flavors. Looking forward to seeing your Instagram pic. 😉
Hayley Dhanecha says
I love that this recipe is no bake! The passionfruit flavour in this is phenomenal and I'll be making your version on repeat!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Hi Hayl
This is the perfect compliment! The passion fruit is a total game-changer in this recipe. Thanks for sharing your love for it! ❤️
Tammy says
What an absolutely stunning summer dessert! I love tiramisu but I haven't had passion fruit before. Lovely twist for the season and one I must try ^_^
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Hi Tammy,
You're in for a treat! Passion fruit adds a refreshing and sophisticated touch to tiramisu. Let me know how you like it!
Genevieve says
We love tiramisu in our house and this passionfruit tiramisu sends it over the top! I love that you used all these different fruits and it makes the perfect summer dessert!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Agree! The fruit combo is a fun way to elevate the classic tiramisu. Enjoy every bite! 😎
Veronika says
Love this passion fruit twist on the classic dessert! The sweet and tart combo was amazing!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Hi Veronika,
I'm happy you loved it. Passion fruit adds such a bright and refreshing flavor. Enjoy!
And thank you for leaving a review!
Jacqueline Debono says
I make traditional tiramisu very often ( I live in Italy, so it's a staple dessert)! However, this passion fruit version is the best non-traditional tiramisu I have tried. Just divine!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Hi Jacqui,
As an Italian, your taste in tiramisu is impeccable! 😊 I'm thrilled you enjoyed this modern take on a classic dessert. Thansk for your comment!
Vicky says
This recipe turned out wonderful! I didn't have rum, so I used juice instead and it was still amazing. My aunt said it was the best tiramisu she has ever eaten!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Hi Vicky,
That's fantastic! I'm happy your tiramisu turned out wonderfully and that your aunt loved it. Yay! 🙂
Oscar says
This dessert was incredible! The passion fruit added a refreshing twist, and the no-bake aspect made it so easy to prepare. A new favorite for sure.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
I'm thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Oscar! And that you appreciate the no-bake convenience. Thanks for your note. 🙂
Bernice says
Passionfruit has such a unique and delicious tropical flavour. I love it on Pavlova with cream so I know it's going to be amazing as a tiramisu too. Lovely recipe.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
A fellow passionfruit enthusiast! Thanks for your note, Bernice!
veenaazmanov says
I am just imagining the flavor of Passion Fruit to this Tiramisu. Your presentation looks so tempting and inviting. Will definitely try making this Passion Fruit Tiramisu soon.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Oh, you're in for a treat! Let me know how it goes!
Colleen says
I love this twist on tiramisu, taking an already impressive dessert and making it even better.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Thanks, Colleen! Sometimes we have to change things up just enough to take something from good to great. 😉
Passion Fruit can definately do that. Thanks for your note!
Marta says
I can't to try out this passion fruit tiramisu. My family and I love passion fruit but it's so expensive to buy the fresh fruit here. I'll be on the lookout for that concentrate now.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Hi Marta,
Target or Whole Foods for sure! I hope that you find it. I love Passion Fruit too!
Swathi says
Passion fruit tiramisu is delicious my family enjoyed it. It is going to be in my kitchen menu forever.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Awh, so glad to hear, Swathi! 💕:-)
Thank you!
Jean says
OMG, this was like taking a bite of heaven. So light and fluffy, it was amazing.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Thank you, Jean! So happy you liked the cake. 🙂
Rob says
I made this for a small dinner party this weekend and it was outstanding! Such a fun, delicious twist on a classic dessert.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Wow, that's fantastic! So thrilled you loved the passion fruit twist on tiramisu! Thanks for leaving a review, Rob 🙂
Stephanie says
This is a unique take on the classic Tiramisu. The passion fruit really shines through and makes this a special dessert.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Hi Stephanie,
Uniqueness is what we love to hear! Glad you enjoyed this unique twist on tiramisu. Thanks for leaving a review! 💕
Liz says
This was huge hit with my girlfriends! I served it at a summer gathering to rave reviews. Thanks for the yummy recipe.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Hi Liz,
So happy the passion fruit tiramisu was a hit - thanks for sharing the rave reviews! 💕
Amy Liu Dong says
It is nice to see that tiramisu is getting twists, it is awesome and playful i must say. This did not disappoint whether it is in terms of flavor and appearance!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Yes, long live tiramisu remixes! Passion fruit adds such a fun and flirty twist to the classic, right?
Luke Ratford says
My mouth is watering looking at these pictures, this will be the perfect dessert when you are having a BBQ, I will defo be making this over the summer 🙂
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
You have excellent taste! This passion fruit tiramisu is the ultimate BBQ finale – light, refreshing, and guaranteed to impress. Plus, it's no-bake, so you can spend more time doing what you love. 😉
Thanks for the review!
Gwynn Galvin says
This recipe is so delicious and easy to make. It makes a beautiful presentation and my guests were definitely impressed!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
That's what I love to hear! This tiramisu is all about easy elegance, so I'm thrilled it impressed your guests. It's always nice to have a dessert that's both delicious and doesn't take hours in the kitchen. Thanks for the review!