Passion Fruit Curd (Lilikoi Butter) (2024)

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Passion Fruit Curd (Lilikoi Butter) is a creamy, tangy spread or topping full of passion fruit flavor. Follow our easy recipe to whip up a batch in just 15 minutes! Add it to cake, tarts, scones, cookies, and more.

Passion Fruit Curd (Lilikoi Butter) (1)

Passion fruit curd, or lilikoi butter, is one of our favorite breakfast spreads to add flavor to muffins, scones, and more. We love what the unique passion fruit flavor adds to simple baked goods, from brunch to dessert. Make a batch to enjoy and share as a gift!

Jump to:
  • What is Passion Fruit Curd?
  • About Passion Fruit Curd
  • Ingredients
  • Substitutions/Variations
  • Instructions
  • Storage
  • Top Tips
  • Recipes FAQs
  • Related Recipes
  • Did You Like This Recipe?
  • 📖 Recipe

What is Passion Fruit Curd?

Passion fruit curd, also known as Lilikoi butter in Hawaii, is decadent and tangy spread made of passion fruit, sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla. It has a custard like texture and can be used as a topping or filling for many desserts. In order to make it, you just need to whisk the ingredients and warm them over the stove until they thicken.

About Passion Fruit Curd

  • Taste- Passion fruit curd is uniquely sweet and tangy.
  • Texture- The curd is a little bit thicker than custard or jam, but still thin enough to spread.
  • Effort- This recipe is easy. All you need to do is whisk the ingredients while they cook.
  • Time- It only takes 15 minutes to whisk and warm the ingredients.

Ingredients

Passion Fruit Curd (Lilikoi Butter) (2)
  • Sugar - Granulated sugar adds sweetness and moisture to the curd.
  • Passion fruit puree or pulp - Passion fruit puree or pulp provides the signature sweet, tart, and tangy flavor.
  • Eggs - Eggs add moisture.
  • Egg yolks - Egg yolks thicken the curd and give it a custardy texture.
  • Unsalted butter - Butter gives the curd its creamy texture. We recommend high-quality European butter, which results in an even richer curd.
  • Vanilla extract or bean paste - Vanilla adds complexity and sweetness to the curd. For a stronger vanilla flavor, use vanilla bean paste.

See recipe card for quantities.

Substitutions/Variations

  • Less sugar- You can reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe, just add an egg yolk to keep the curd thick.
  • Brown sugar- Brown sugar adds a rich caramel, molasses-like flavor. However, it will affect the color of the curd.
  • Thinner curd - If you want a thinner curd to drizzle on a passion fruit cake orpancakes, only use 1 egg yolk and cook for less time.
  • Passion lemon curd - Mix passion fruit and lemon juice for a passion-lemon curd fusion.
  • Passion Orange Guava (POG)- Use equal parts passion fruit puree, orange juice, and guava juice to make the famous passion-orange-guava combination that is popular in Hawaii.
  • Tropical curd - Use half passion fruit puree and half mango puree to create for a delicious tropical fruit curd.

Instructions

Passion Fruit Curd (Lilikoi Butter) (3)
  • Mix ingredients- In a large mixing bowl, add the granulated sugar, eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract and whisk together until smooth, about a minute. Then set aside. (Photo 1 and 2)
  • Heat passion fruit and butter- Add passion fruit puree and butter to a thick-bottomed saucepan or pot over low heat and stir until the butter is melted. Do not let the butter brown or burn. Then remove from heat. (Photo 3)
  • Temper - Add a couple of tablespoons of the egg mixture to the butter mixture and stir to temper the mixture. (Photo 4)
Passion Fruit Curd (Lilikoi Butter) (4)
  • Incorporate ingredients- Then pour the rest of the egg and sugar mixture and the kosher or sea salt into the pot with the passion fruit butter mixture and stir. Cook on low heat and stir until the mixture thickens, about 7 minutes. If you prefer a thicker curd, cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. (Photo 5 and 6)
  • Set the curd- When ready, the curd will be silky and smooth. Test doneness then turn off the stove and allow the curd to cool then give it a stir. Then transfer the curd to jars and refrigerate once cooled. Enjoy within 2 weeks. (Photo 7 and 8)

Pro tip - To check that the curd is thickened enough, dip a spoon or silicone spatula in the curd and trace your finger across the back. If it makes a clean line, the curd is done and ready to transfer to a jar to cool.

Storage

This easy passion fruit curd can be refrigerated in anair-tight containerorlidded jarfor up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze passion fruit curd in a freezer safe container for up to 1 year. In order to thaw it, place it in the fridge overnight. After thawing, enjoy it within 2 weeks.

Top Tips

  • Whisk constantly while you warm the curd to ensure it doesn't get lumpy.
  • If your curd isn't thick, it may not be heated enough and you should keep stirring it. Also, remember that curd will thicken more once cooled.

Recipes FAQs

How do I know when my passion fruit curd is done?

Once you have cooked the curd for at least 7 minutes, dip your spoon into it then run your finger over the back of the spoon. If your finger leaves a clean line through the curd on the back of the spoon, it is done.

Why won't my passion fruit curd thicken?

This means it probably isn't cooked enough yet. Keep whisking while it cooks until it thickens. If you have cooked it for 10 minutes and it is still thin, add another egg yolk and stir constantly.

Is passion fruit curd gluten-free?

Yes, all of the ingredients in this passionfruit curd recipe are gluten free.

Passion Fruit Curd (Lilikoi Butter) (5)
  • Easy Cinnamon Apple Curd
  • How to Make Strawberry Compote
  • Easy Lemon Curd
  • Passion Fruit (Lilikoi) Syrup

Did You Like This Recipe?

Love this passion fruit curd recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating in the recipe card below and leave a comment below. Thanks!

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📖 Recipe

Passion Fruit Curd (Lilikoi Butter) (10)

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5 from 1 vote

Passion Fruit Curd (Lilikoi Butter)

Passion Fruit Curd (Lilikoi Butter) is creamy, tangy spread or topping full of passion fruit flavor. Follow our easy recipe to whip up a batch in just 15 minutes! Add it to cake, tarts, scones, cookies, and more.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time10 minutes mins

Total Time15 minutes mins

Course: Condiment, Sweets

Cuisine: American

Servings: 2 cups, approximately

Calories: 892kcal

Author: Kathleen Higashiyama

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Mix ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, add the granulated sugar, eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract and whisk together until smooth and light in color, about a minute. Set aside.

    1 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 2 egg yolks, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

  • Heat passion fruit and butter - Add passion fruit puree and butter to a thick-bottomed saucepan or pot over low heat and stir until the butter is melted. Do not let the butter brown or burn. Remove from heat.

    ½ cup passion fruit puree or pulp, ½ cup unsalted butter

  • Incorporate ingredients - Add a couple of tablespoons of the egg mixture to the butter mixture and stir to temper the mixture. Pour the rest of the egg and sugar mixture and the kosher or sea salt into the pot with the passion fruit butter mixture and stir. Cook on low heat and stir until the mixture thickens, about 7 minutes. If you prefer a thicker curd, cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.

    ½ teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt

  • Set the curd - When ready, the curd will be silky and smooth. Turn off the stove and allow the curd to cool then give it a stir. Transfer the curd to jars and refrigerate once cooled. Enjoy within 2 weeks.

Notes

Storage

  • Refrigerate passion fruit curd in an air-tight containerorlidded jarfor up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze passion fruit curd in a freezer safe container for up to 1 year. In order to thaw it, place it in the fridge overnight. After thawing, enjoy it within 2 weeks.

Top Tips

  • To check that the curd is thickened enough, dip a spoon or silicone spatula in the curd and trace your finger across the back. If it makes a clean line, the curd is ready to transfer to a jar to cool.
  • Whisk constantly while you warm the curd to ensure it doesn't get lumpy.
  • If your curd isn't thick, it may not be heated enough and you should keep stirring it. Also, remember that curd will thicken more once cooled.

Nutrition

Calories: 892kcal | Carbohydrates: 109g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 51g | Saturated Fat: 31g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 286mg | Sodium: 655mg | Potassium: 251mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 109g | Vitamin A: 2099IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Mention @theheirloompantry or tag #theheirloompantry!

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About the Author

Kat Higashiyama and Alec Totto are recipe developers, food photographers, and the authors behind The Heirloom Pantry. Since 2017, they have shared recipes inspired by their Japanese and Italian heritage and California and Hawaii roots. They reside in San Jose with their two dogs, Peeps and Paisley. Read More…

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Passion Fruit Curd (Lilikoi Butter) (2024)

FAQs

What is Lilikoi butter used for? ›

Cooking with lilikoi butter can make delicious desserts no-one can resist. You can make desserts such as lilikoi crème brulee, lilikoi cake, lilikoi cookies, and meringue pastries with whipped cream and lilikoi butter.

Are lilikoi and passion fruit the same thing? ›

THE QUICK AND EASY ANSWER

Lilikoi is the same fruit as passion fruit. Lilikoi is simply the Hawaiian word for passion fruit. This sweet yet tart fruit came from South America where it is called Maracuya. It grows on a vine and thrives in warm humid climates.

What to eat passion fruit curd with? ›

A sweet and tangy passion fruit curd makes a great topping for cheesecakes, ice cream, pancakes, panna cottas, or can be used as a cake or cupcake filling. It's also delicious spread on a scone, croissant or even a slice of toast!

Can you buy passionfruit curd? ›

Barker's Passionfruit Curd 400g | Woolworths.

What to eat with Lilikoi butter? ›

Although called Lilikoi butter it is actually a curd made with Passion fruit juice, butter, sugar, and eggs. Very simple to make and it keeps well in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks. Once you try it on toast, pancakes, or crepes you will wonder why you never heard of it before!

What is the English name for lilikoi? ›

Definition of Lilikoi

Passiflora edulis forma flavicarpa is the scientific name for the yellow Passion Fruit most frequently grown in Hawaii. It is a small roundish fruit that grows on a vine, has many seeds, and is used most often to make juice.

Why is passion fruit so expensive? ›

Passion fruit's commercial cultivation is limited within the tropical and subtropical regions across the world, as the passion fruit vine cannot tolerate severe frost (Bailey et al. 2021).

Does passion fruit lower blood pressure? ›

Passion fruit can help lower blood pressure with its high potassium content, according to Melissa Nieves, L.N.D., registered dietitian and founder of the Fad Free Nutrition Blog. “Potassium regulates electrolyte balance and controls muscle function throughout the body, including the heart,” she explains.

What are the health benefits of lilikoi? ›

Rich in antioxidants

In particular, it's rich in vitamin C, beta carotene, and polyphenols. Polyphenols are plant compounds that have a range of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This means they may reduce your risk of chronic inflammation and conditions like heart disease ( 2 , 5 , 6 ).

How long will passionfruit curd keep? ›

Storing & serving: Store curd in the fridge for up to 10 days. Use in tartlets, sponge cakes or spread over scones and top with double cream. More passionfruit ideas: Spoon passionfruit pulp over scoops of vanilla ice-cream and top with toasted shredded coconut for a tropical-inspired dessert.

Is fruit curd healthy? ›

Yes, you can consume fruits and curd (yogurt) together. In fact, combining fruits and curd can be a healthy and tasty way to enjoy a nutritious snack or meal.

Why is my passionfruit curd grainy? ›

The passionfruit butter mixture must not be heated over 76°C-80°C. This is the ideal range to set your eggs so they form a thick, smooth curd. Overheating above 85°C will result in a grainy textured curd upon cooling. To control the heat, cook curd in a bowl over a pan of simmering water (double boiler).

What is the old name for passion fruit? ›

Around 1700, the name was given by missionaries in Brazil as an educational aid while trying to convert the indigenous inhabitants to Christianity; its name was flor das cinco chagas or "flower of the five wounds" to illustrate the crucifixion of Christ, with other plant components also named after an emblem in the ...

What is the closest flavor to passion fruit? ›

For Fresh Passion Fruit

Mango is a top choice. It replicates the sweet and tangy profile well. To balance its sweetness, add a bit of lemon or orange juice. This helps achieve a closer match to passion fruit's acidity.

How long does passion fruit last in the fridge? ›

Keep passionfruit in a plastic bag in the fridge and it will last up to a month, in the fruit bowl it will last two weeks. To enjoy a passionfruit on its own, chop the top off like a boiled egg rather than cutting in half and you won't lose the delicious juices.

What do you use fruit butter for? ›

Fruit butters are sweet spreads made by cooking fruit pulp with sugar to a thick consistency. Their smooth, spreadable texture makes them an ideal substitute for butter on bread, toast, or muffins. Although apple butter may be the most well-known of the fruit butters, they may be made from any firm fruit.

What is lilikoi used for? ›

Culinary Uses

Lilikoi syrup is a common use of the fruit and is also a really popular topping on shave ice, a classic Hawaiian treat. Many enjoy using the syrup to marinade meats, use in poke bowls, or to flavor a whole host of desserts such as cheesecake, ice, mochi and more, even in jams or jelly.

What is raw mango butter used for? ›

Used topically, Mango Butter protects skin against the harsh effects of environmental elements, effectively reduces the formation and appearance of wrinkles, and helps repair dry, damaged skin. Mango Butter can be applied directly to matured, cracking, peeling, chapping, irritated, itchy, rough, or tough skin.

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