Bright, zesty, and oh-so-satisfying, Mango Bars with Lime Glaze are sunshine in dessert form! These bars layer a buttery shortbread crust with a luscious, tangy mango filling, all drizzled with a sparkling lime glaze. The balance of sweet, tart, and creamy in each bite will remind you of tropical vacations and summer afternoons—no plane ticket required. Homemade yet surprisingly easy, this is the recipe you’ll want to share at picnics, pack for potlucks, or just enjoy as a treat with your favorite people.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Mango Bars with Lime Glaze is in the simplicity of its ingredients. Every component brings an essential note—richness from butter, tropical depth from mango, and a fresh kick from limes. Let’s take a peek at the stars of your baking adventure:
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Soft, creamy butter forms the foundation for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crust.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup for crust + 1 cup for filling): Adds just the right sweetness and helps the crust achieve golden perfection.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups for crust + 1/4 cup for filling): Essential for structure—sift first for an even, light crumb.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon for crust + 1/4 teaspoon for filling): Balances flavors and sharpens the sweetness.
- Fresh mango purée (1 1/2 cups, from 2 large ripe mangoes): The hero of the bars—choose soft, deeply fragrant mangoes for standout fruit flavor.
- Large eggs (4): These provide lift and a silky, custard-like setting to the filling.
- Fresh lime juice (2 tablespoons for filling + 2 tablespoons for glaze): Brightens up the mango and ties the whole bar together!
- Lime zest (1 teaspoon for filling + 1 teaspoon for glaze): For aromatic bursts of citrus in every bite.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup, for glaze): Whips into a dreamy, pourable glaze to finish each bar with a glossy sheen.
How to Make Mango Bars with Lime Glaze
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This little trick makes it easy to lift your Gooey Mango Bars with Lime Glaze out in one piece—goodbye to stuck-on crust disasters!
Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust
In a large bowl, cream your softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes of solid mixing. Add in the flour and salt, and mix just until you get a crumbly dough. Gently press the dough into your lined baking pan, spreading it out as evenly as possible. Bake for 18-20 minutes, just until the edges turn lightly golden.
Step 3: Whip Up the Mango Filling
While the crust bakes, turn your attention to the mango filling. In another bowl, whisk together the fresh mango purée, eggs, granulated sugar, flour, salt, lime juice, and lime zest until everything is completely smooth and combined. The mango’s natural sweetness and bright lime make this filling burst with flavor!
Step 4: Bake the Bars
As soon as your crust is out of the oven, pour the mango filling over it—don’t wait for it to cool, as the warm crust helps the custard set perfectly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25 to 28 minutes. The top should look set and barely wobble when you give the pan a nudge. Let the bars cool completely before moving on; patience makes for the cleanest slices!
Step 5: Make and Add the Lime Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lime juice, and lime zest until you have a silky, pourable glaze. Drizzle it generously over the cooled Mango Bars with Lime Glaze, then pop the whole pan into the fridge for at least an hour. This gives both the bars and the glaze time to set, making them easy to cut and serve.
How to Serve Mango Bars with Lime Glaze
Garnishes
For a gorgeous finishing touch, sprinkle a little extra lime zest on top or scatter fresh mango cubes for dimension and color. If you want to get fancy, a dusting of powdered sugar or a few thin lime slices will make your Mango Bars with Lime Glaze look truly show-stopping.
Side Dishes
These bars shine all on their own, but if you’re building a dessert spread, add a bowl of vanilla or coconut ice cream on the side, or serve with a platter of tropical fruits like pineapple, kiwi, or berries for a bright and well-rounded plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn heads at your next gathering by slicing the bars into diamonds or triangles for a playful twist. Try layering the squares parfait-style in mini glass jars with extra mango purée and whipped cream for portable treats. Mango Bars with Lime Glaze also stack beautifully on tiered dessert stands for parties and potlucks!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cut, store your Mango Bars with Lime Glaze in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep their texture and vibrant flavor for up to five days—and honestly, they taste even better after the flavors have a chance to mingle overnight!
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cut bars in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed container between layers of parchment. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
No need to reheat these chilled treats! But if you prefer a slightly warm bar, pop an unglazed piece in the microwave for about 10 seconds and then add glaze. The crust softens slightly, and that mango aroma is heavenly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen mango for the filling?
Absolutely! If fresh mangoes aren’t in season, simply thaw frozen mango chunks and purée them until smooth. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid so your filling sets perfectly.
What’s the best way to get smooth mango purée?
Peel and chop your mangoes, then blend in a food processor or blender until no chunks remain. Pass through a fine mesh sieve for super-smooth results if you want an especially silky filling.
Can I make Mango Bars with Lime Glaze gluten free?
Yes! Just substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in both the crust and filling. Always check that your powdered sugar is gluten free as well for the glaze.
How do I know when the mango filling is set?
Your bars are ready when the filling doesn’t jiggle in the center when you give the pan a gentle shake. If you’re still unsure, a toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean—just a few moist crumbs are OK!
Is it possible to make Mango Bars with Lime Glaze ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, they’re even better chilled overnight, letting the flavors meld and the glaze set. Simply keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to slice and serve.
Final Thoughts
Whether you need a quick burst of sunshine in the kitchen or want to impress at your next gathering, these Mango Bars with Lime Glaze never fail to brighten the day. Try them and watch every bite disappear—don’t forget to save a square (or two) for yourself!
Print
Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mango Bars with Lime Glaze are a delightful tropical dessert that perfectly balances the sweetness of mango with the zesty kick of lime. Each bite offers a burst of fruity flavors in a buttery crust, topped with a tangy lime glaze.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the mango filling:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh mango purée (from about 2 large ripe mangoes)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
For the lime glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Make the crust: Cream butter and sugar, then mix in flour and salt to form a dough. Press into the pan and bake until golden.
- Prepare the filling: Whisk together mango purée, eggs, sugar, flour, salt, lime juice, and zest. Pour over crust and bake until set.
- Make the glaze: Mix powdered sugar, lime juice, and zest. Drizzle over cooled bars and refrigerate before slicing.
Notes
- You can use frozen mango chunks if fresh mangoes aren’t available.
- Add extra lime zest for a stronger lime flavor.
- Bars can be stored chilled for up to 5 days.
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