These Mango Bars with Lime Glaze are a tropical twist on the classic dessert bar, combining a buttery coconut crumble with a sweet and tangy mango filling, all topped with a zesty lime glaze. They’re perfect for a summer picnic, a bake sale, or simply a delightful treat to brighten your day.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Tropical Flavors: The combination of sweet mango, coconut, and lime creates a vibrant and refreshing flavor profile that will transport you to a tropical paradise.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly simple to put together, with straightforward steps and readily available ingredients.
- Perfect Texture: The buttery, crumbly base and topping provide a delightful contrast to the soft, juicy mango filling. The lime glaze adds a touch of sweetness and a bright, citrusy finish.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to your preferences – use different fruits, nuts, or spices to create your own unique variation.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars can be made a day or two in advance, making them ideal for entertaining or meal prepping.
Ingredients:
Coconut Crumble Base & Topping:
- 125g / 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup caster / superfine white sugar (regular/granulated also ok)
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups flour, plain / all-purpose
- 1 cup oats
- 3/4 cup desiccated or finely shredded coconut, unsweetened (not flakes, too big)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (or 1/8 tsp table salt)
Mango Filling:
- 2 1/2 cups (400 g) mango slices, 5mm/0.2″ thin, 2 large-ish mangoes
- 1 1/2 tsp cornflour / cornstarch
- 2 tbsp white sugar
Lime Glaze (optional – but not really!)
- 3/4 cup soft icing sugar / powdered sugar
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 3 tsp lime juice, plus more as needed (1/4 tsp at a time)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Pan & Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan-forced). Grease and line a 20cm/8″ square pan with baking paper (parchment paper), ensuring the paper overhangs the sides. This will make it easy to lift the bars out later.
Step 2: Make the Crumble Mixture
In a microwave-safe bowl (or in a saucepan on the stovetop), melt the butter. Cut the butter into approximately 1.25cm/1/2″ chunks to help it melt evenly. Once melted, add the sugar and mix with a wooden spoon until well combined. Add the egg and mix until the mixture is smooth. Finally, add the flour, oats, coconut, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined – you should no longer see any dry flour.
Step 3: Assemble the Base
Measure out 1 3/4 cups of the crumble mixture (pack it lightly when measuring). Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to ensure it’s compact and smooth.
Step 4: Prepare the Mango Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the mango slices, sugar, and cornflour. Gently toss with your hands until the mangoes are evenly coated. This will help the mangoes thicken during baking and prevent the bars from becoming too soggy.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spread the mango filling evenly over the crumble base. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the mango filling, leaving some spots of mango exposed. This will create a beautiful visual effect and allow the mango to caramelize slightly during baking.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the surface is light golden brown. The crumble topping should be nicely browned, and the mangoes should be bubbling slightly.
Step 6: Cool and Glaze
Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan (approximately 2 hours). Cooling completely is essential for the bars to set properly. To speed things up, you can cool them on the counter for 30 minutes, then transfer them to the fridge for another 30 minutes.
While the bars are cooling, prepare the lime glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the icing sugar, lime zest, lime juice, and vanilla extract. Add more lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon at a time, until the glaze reaches a honey-like consistency – it should be pourable but not too thin.
Once the bars are completely cool, lift them out of the pan using the overhanging baking paper. Drizzle the lime glaze randomly over the surface. Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes, allowing the surface to crust slightly.
Step 7: Serve
Cut the bars into 12 squares (for sensible portions) or 9 squares (for a more indulgent treat). Devour and enjoy the burst of tropical flavors!
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Garnish with fresh mango slices and a sprinkle of lime zest.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
Tips:
- Use Ripe but Firm Mangoes: The best mangoes for this recipe are ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape when sliced.
- Don’t Overmix the Crumble: Overmixing the crumble mixture will result in a tough, dense texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Line the Pan Properly: Lining the pan with baking paper is crucial for easy removal of the bars.
- Cool Completely: Be patient and allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This will prevent them from crumbling and ensure a clean cut.
- Adjust the Lime Glaze: Adjust the amount of lime juice in the glaze to your liking. If you prefer a tangier glaze, add a bit more lime juice. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add a bit more icing sugar.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (includes cooling time)
Nutritional Information: (Estimated, per serving) Calories: 350 Protein: 4g Sodium: 150mg
Conclusion
These Mango Bars with Lime Glaze are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible, and they’re surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a delicious dessert to share with friends and family or a tropical treat to brighten your day, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport you to a sunny, tropical paradise!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use frozen mango for this recipe? A: While fresh mangoes are ideal for their texture and flavor, you can use frozen mango in a pinch. Make sure to thaw the mangoes completely and drain any excess liquid before using them in the filling.
Q2: Can I substitute the oats in the crumble topping? A: Yes, you can substitute the oats with other ingredients like chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts), shredded coconut, or even crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet twist.
Q3: Can I make this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the crumble base and topping. Also, ensure that the oats you use are certified gluten-free, as some oats may be processed in facilities that also handle wheat.
Q4: How long will these mango bars last? A: These mango bars will last for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen for longer storage. To freeze, cut the bars into individual squares and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Q5: Can I add other fruits to the mango filling? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruits that complement mango, such as pineapple, papaya, or passion fruit. Just make sure to adjust the amount of sugar in the filling accordingly, depending on the sweetness of the fruits you use.
