Indulge your taste buds in a delightful fusion of flavors with my Mango and Passionfruit Tiramisù. This tropical twist on the beloved Italian dessert combines the sweetness of ripe mangoes, the tangy zest of passionfruit, and the creamy richness of coconut to create a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Perfect for warm summer evenings, festive gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a light yet indulgent treat, this dessert is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
The Evolution of Tiramisù
Tiramisù, which translates to “pick me up” in Italian, has been delighting dessert lovers since its creation in the 1960s in the Veneto region of Italy. Traditionally made with coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder, this dessert has seen numerous variations over the years. Our tropical version pays homage to the original’s layered structure and creamy texture while introducing a vibrant array of fruity flavors that transport you to a sun-soaked paradise with every bite.
Ingredients
For the Coconut Cream:
- 860ml (2 14oz cans) chilled coconut cream
- 12.5ml (2.5 teaspoons) vanilla essence
- 80g (1/3 cup) powdered stevia or sugar
For the Filling:
- 250ml (1 cup) passionfruit pulp
- 40g (1/4 cup) stevia (or sugar)
- 5g (1 teaspoon) finely grated lime rind
- 250g (1 cup) Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese
- 4 medium mangoes (approximately 1.7kg), chopped coarsely
- 125ml (1/2 cup) orange, apricot, and peach juice
- 125ml (1/2 cup) Cointreau (or any triple sec/orange liqueur)
- 250g vegan vanilla wafers or vegan ladyfinger (Savoiardi) biscuits
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Coconut Cream
Begin by chilling your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 15 minutes. This step ensures your coconut cream whips up beautifully.
Open the cans of chilled coconut cream carefully, without shaking them. Scoop out the thick, coagulated cream from the top, leaving the clear liquid behind. Don’t discard this liquid – it’s great for smoothies or cooking!
Place the thick coconut cream into your chilled metal bowl. Add the vanilla essence and powdered stevia or sugar. The vanilla enhances the coconut flavor, while the sweetener balances the natural tartness of the coconut.
Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium-high speed until it becomes thick and fluffy, resembling whipped cream. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to overbeat, as the cream can become grainy.
Once whipped, place the coconut cream in the refrigerator while you prepare the other components. Keeping it cool helps maintain its structure.
2. Prepare the Filling
Start by preparing the passionfruit. Strain the pulp over a small bowl, separating the seeds from the juice. We’ll use both parts, so keep them separate for now.
In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, finely grated lime rind, and stevia or sugar. Mix these ingredients well until you have a smooth, homogeneous mixture. The lime zest adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the tropical flavors beautifully.
In another bowl, gently mix the chopped mango with the reserved passionfruit seeds. This combination creates a delightful texture contrast in our tiramisù.
Finally, in a separate bowl, combine the reserved passionfruit juice, orange/apricot/peach juice, and Cointreau. This flavorful mixture will be used to soak our biscuits, infusing them with a wonderful fruity essence.
3. Assemble the Tiramisù
Now comes the fun part – assembling our tropical masterpiece!
Start by briefly dipping half of the vegan sponge fingers or ladyfingers into the juice and liqueur mixture. Be quick – you want them moistened but not soggy. Arrange these soaked biscuits in a single layer at the bottom of a deep casserole dish.
Next, spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the biscuits. This layer adds a delightful tanginess and creamy texture to our dessert.
Follow this with a layer of the chilled coconut cream. Spread it gently to ensure even coverage.
Now, sprinkle half of the mango and passionfruit seed mixture over the coconut cream. This adds bursts of tropical flavor and a delightful texture to each bite.
Repeat these layers once more: soaked biscuits, cream cheese mixture, coconut cream, and finally the remaining mango and passionfruit mixture.
Cover your tiramisù with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the textures to set, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dessert.
Serving and Presentation
When you’re ready to serve, remove the tiramisù from the refrigerator about 10-15 minutes beforehand to take the chill off slightly. This allows the flavors to shine through more prominently.
For an extra touch of elegance, you can dust the top with a little desiccated coconut or garnish with thin slices of fresh mango and a sprinkling of passionfruit seeds.
Slice and serve your Mango and Passionfruit Tiramisù with pride, knowing you’ve created a unique and delicious dessert that’s sure to impress.
Nutrition Information
(Note: These are approximate values and may vary based on specific brands of ingredients used)
- Servings: 12
- Calories per serving: 350
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 28g
- Protein: 3g
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chilling Time: Minimum 6 hours (preferably overnight)
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes (or overnight)
This Mango and Passionfruit Tiramisù is more than just a dessert – it’s a celebration of tropical flavors that brings a taste of paradise to your table. The combination of sweet mangoes, tart passionfruit, zesty lime, and creamy coconut creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.
What makes this dessert truly special is its versatility. It’s light enough to enjoy after a hearty meal, yet indulgent enough to serve as the centerpiece of a festive gathering. The vibrant colors and layers make for a stunning presentation, sure to elicit ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ from your guests before they even take their first bite.
Moreover, this vegan-friendly version means that everyone can enjoy this delightful treat, regardless of dietary restrictions. The use of coconut cream and vegan cream cheese provides a luscious, creamy texture that rivals any traditional tiramisù, while the absence of coffee makes it a perfect choice for those avoiding caffeine.
The addition of Cointreau (or any orange liqueur) adds a sophisticated touch and enhances the fruity flavors, but feel free to omit it for an alcohol-free version that’s just as delicious.
Remember, the key to a perfect tiramisù is patience. While it might be tempting to dig in right away, allowing the dessert to chill overnight truly allows the flavors to meld and the textures to set, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful experience.
So, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, looking for a show-stopping holiday dessert, or simply craving a taste of the tropics, this Mango and Passionfruit Tiramisù is the perfect choice. It’s a dessert that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also transports you to a sun-drenched beach with every spoonful. Enjoy the culinary journey!
