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passion fruit pavé
Wesley Sarto

Pavê de Maracujá

Passion Fruit Pavé is a beloved Brazilian dessert that combines layers of delicate cornstarch cookies with a rich, creamy passion fruit filling and a glossy, tangy syrup. Refreshing yet indulgent, it’s the perfect make-ahead treat for gatherings, offering a balance of sweetness and tropical flavor in every bite. Best served chilled, this pavé is a crowd-pleaser that captures the vibrant essence of Brazilian home baking.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Brazilian
Calories: 320
Ingredients Directions Video Notes

Ingredients
  

For the syrup
  • 1 passion fruit (approx. 40-60 g)
  • 1/2 cup sugar (100 g)
  • 1/2 cup water (120 ml)
For the pavé
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
  • 1 can heavy cream (10 fl. oz)
  • 1 cup passion fruit juice (240 ml)
  • 200 g Maisena cookies (biscoitos Maisena). Alternatively, use Nilla Wafers (Nabisco) or Ladyfingers (Savoiardi).
  • milk (for dipping the cookies)

Directions
 

Syrup
  1. In a saucepan, combine the passion fruit pulp, water, and sugar.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the syrup thickens and looks glossy.
  3. Let cool completely and set aside.
Cream
  1. In a blender or bowl, mix the condensed milk, heavy cream, and passion fruit juice until smooth.
Assembly
  1. Lightly dip the cookies in milk.
  2. In a serving dish, make a layer of cookies and cover with ⅓ of the cream.
  3. Repeat the process twice more, finishing with a cream layer on top.
  4. Pour the cooled syrup over the pavé.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Video

Notes

English Expressions

a little slice of heaven: A delightful experience or place that feels perfect. Portuguese: um pedacinho do céu. ✰ Govinda's is a little slice of heaven: After a long drive through the desert, a meal at Govinda's feels like a little slice of heaven, with its comforting vegetarian dishes and peaceful atmosphere. (Após uma longa viagem pelo deserto, uma refeição no Govinda's parece um pedacinho do céu, com seus pratos vegetarianos reconfortantes e atmosfera tranquila.)
finger-licking good: very delicious or tasty. Portuguese: (gostoso) de lamber os dedos. ✰ Yummy! The food you prepared is finger-licking good. (Que delícia! A comida que você preparou está de lamber os dedos.)
sunshine in every bite: Figurative expression suggesting a bright, fresh, and uplifting taste experience in each bite. Portuguese: um brilho/toque do sol em cada mordida. ✰ This passion fruit pavé brings sunshine in every bite, with its bright, tangy flavor perfectly balanced by a smooth, creamy sweetness. (Este pavê de maracujá traz o brilho do sol a cada mordida, com seu sabor vibrante e acidulado perfeitamente equilibrado por uma doçura suave e cremosa.)
to die for: Said of something that is exceptionally good or desirable. Portuguese: de morrer/matar. ✰ This passion fruit pavé is to die for, with its silky texture and perfectly balanced sweet-tart flavor. (Esse pavê de maracujá está de matar, com sua textura sedosa e sabor agridoce perfeitamente equilibrado.)