Passion Fruit Bars

Like lemon bars on holiday in the tropics, this two-layer confection is flavored with passion fruit juice (that’s right: You don’t need to seek out whole fruit or purée). By starting the curd on the stovetop, you’ll ensure that it sets quickly when transferred to the oven, which will keep its texture soft yet sliceable. The secret ingredient—okay, it’s cream of tartar—provides a sour counterpoint that keeps these from being cloyingly sweet, and the buttery vanilla shortbread offers just enough heft to anchor the curd while still keeping the bars melt-in-your-mouth tender.

If you do happen upon the fresh fruit, buy it—we love it spooned over each bar as an optional garnish that offers pops of crunch to counter the silky curd below.