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Thai Pandan Coconut Tarts

Delight in Thai Pandan Coconut Tarts with Toasty Meringue

Experience the tropical flavors of Thai Pandan Coconut Tarts with a creamy filling and toasty meringue, perfect for impressing guests.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 40 minutes
Chilling Time 4 hours
Total Time 5 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 8 tarts
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 340

Ingredients
  

For the Tart Shell
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option
  • 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar no substitutions recommended
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt sea salt can be used as an alternative
  • 1 cup unsalted butter can substitute with vegan butter for a non-dairy option
  • 4-5 tablespoons ice water cold water works as an alternative
For the Pandan Filling
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen pandan leaves fresh leaves provide the best results
  • 1 cup coconut cream substitute with coconut milk for a lighter filling
  • 4 large egg yolks no substitutions recommended
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch can substitute with arrowroot powder
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar coconut sugar can be used for a lower glycemic index
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut replace with flaked coconut if necessary
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice lemon juice can substitute, though the taste will vary
  • 1 teaspoon coconut extract optional but recommended for depth
For the Meringue
  • 4 large egg whites no substitutes recommended
  • 1 cup granulated sugar use superfine sugar for best results
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar substitute with lemon juice if not available
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest can omit or replace with lemon zest

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • Tart pan
  • Stand Mixer
  • Saucepan
  • kitchen torch

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a food processor, combine all-purpose flour, confectioners' sugar, and kosher salt until blended. Pulse in cubed unsalted butter until the mixture resembles small peas, then gradually add ice water until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour for better texture.
  2. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8-inch thick. Drape it over a tart pan and gently press into the edges. Use a piece of plastic wrap to shape the dough neatly and refrigerate it again for 30 minutes to help it maintain its form during baking.
  3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tart shell in the oven and bake with pie weights for 25 minutes. Afterward, carefully remove the weights and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Allow the tart shell to cool completely before filling.
  4. Blend fresh or frozen pandan leaves with coconut cream until smooth, then strain the mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the strained pandan-coconut blend with cornstarch and egg yolks. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, warm the remaining pandan-coconut mixture with granulated sugar and a pinch of salt until it thickens. Combine both mixtures, stir well, and pour into the cooled tart shell.
  5. Cover the filled tart with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while the filling sets, ensuring a perfect consistency for slicing and serving your Thai Pandan Coconut Tart.
  6. In a large bowl, whisk egg whites over simmering water, gradually adding granulated sugar until the mixture reaches 170°F (77°C). Transfer it to a stand mixer, add cream of tartar, and beat until stiff peaks form and the meringue is glossy.
  7. Carefully pipe or spread the meringue over the chilled tart, ensuring it covers the filling completely. Using a kitchen torch or broiler, gently brown the meringue until lightly toasted, taking care not to burn it. Sprinkle with fresh lime zest to enhance its brightness before slicing your Thai Pandan Coconut Tart.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tartCalories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 170mgFiber: 2gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure that your butter and water are ice-cold to create a flakier tart shell. Watch the meringue closely when browning to avoid burning. Allow the tart to chill for at least 4 hours to let flavors meld and filling firm up.

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