If you’re craving a burst of tropical sunshine in every bite, this Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need in your dessert rotation. Think buttery, crumbly crust layered with a luscious, smooth mango filling that perfectly balances sweet and tangy notes, all topped off with a zesty lime glaze that brings everything together. These bars are bright, refreshing, and absolutely irresistible, making them a standout treat for any occasion, from casual afternoons to festive gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these mango bars just right is all about the harmony of simple, fresh ingredients that each play their part in creating that perfect texture and flavor balance. From the flaky crust to the tangy-sweet filling and the delicate glaze, every component counts.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender, flaky crust and the subtle thickening agent in the filling.
- Powdered sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness and smooth texture to the crust and glaze.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making them pop without overpowering the natural mango taste.
- Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Creates that perfect flaky crust with rich, buttery undertones.
- Fresh or frozen mango: The star of the show, providing vibrant color and tropical sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of mango and lime with sweetness in the filling.
- Eggs: Provide structure and a silky texture to the mango filling.
- Lime juice and zest: Bring freshness and brightness, perfectly complementing the mango’s sweetness.
How to Make Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper with a little overhang for easy removal. In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cut in 3/4 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly. Firmly press this mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until you notice the crust turning a lovely light golden color. This buttery base is what will hold the sweet mango mixture perfectly.
Step 2: Make the Mango Filling
While the crust is baking, it’s time to blend your fresh or thawed frozen mango until it’s silky smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon lime zest, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Then, gently fold in your mango purée until everything is smooth and combined. The lime elements enhance the mango’s flavor beautifully, giving it that zing that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Once your crust is baked and still warm, pour the luscious mango filling over it and spread it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 22 to 26 minutes or until the center is just set and no longer jiggly. This careful baking step ensures your bars will slice cleanly without losing their creamy texture.
Step 4: Chill and Glaze
Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating them for at least 2 hours. This chilling step makes slicing easier and helps the flavors meld. To prepare the lime glaze, whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons lime juice until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the chilled bars and sprinkle with extra lime zest for that irresistible finishing touch.
How to Serve Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a garnish elevates the visual appeal and layers of flavor. A sprinkle of freshly grated lime zest adds vibrancy, while tiny mango cubes or thin slices of fresh lime can bring freshness and color. For a more indulgent touch, a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted coconut will complement the tropical theme beautifully.
Side Dishes
Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe shine most brightly on their own as a refreshing dessert, but if you’re serving these as part of a larger spread, consider pairing them with light, complementary sides. Fresh fruit salads, chilled coconut rice, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream can round out the meal perfectly without overshadowing the bars.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board with greenery or edible flowers to capture the tropical vibe. For more formal occasions, place each bar on a delicate dessert plate, drizzle with extra glaze and a few decorative lime curls, or use a fine sieve to dust the top with a bit of powdered sugar to add that elegant touch. The presentation possibilities are as vibrant as the bars themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These bars keep wonderfully in the refrigerator when tightly covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. They maintain their texture and flavor best for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy the tropical goodness even after the initial bake day.
Freezing
To freeze Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving to preserve that fresh, juicy mango flavor.
Reheating
Since these bars are best enjoyed chilled due to their creamy mango filling and tangy glaze, reheating is generally not necessary. However, if you prefer a warm bite, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave will do, but be careful to avoid overheating as the filling can become too soft.
FAQs
Can I use canned mango for this Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe?
While fresh or frozen mango purée is best for flavor and texture, you can substitute with high-quality canned mango if necessary. Just make sure to drain excess syrup to avoid making the filling too watery.
What kind of lime should I use for the glaze?
Fresh limes are essential for the most vibrant zing in the glaze and filling. Bottled lime juice lacks the fresh aroma and sharpness that fresh lime zest and juice contribute, which are key to balancing the mango’s sweetness.
How can I make the crust sturdier?
If you prefer a firmer crust, chill the crust dough for 30 minutes before baking or add a touch more flour when mixing. Pressing it firmly into the pan also ensures a solid base that holds the filling well.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and bake in a larger pan, such as a 9×13-inch. Keep an eye on baking times as they may vary slightly because of the increased volume — test doneness by checking for a set center.
Is this Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly since it uses no meat or gelatin products. The eggs provide the necessary structure, making it perfect for those following a vegetarian diet.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a mini-vacation with every bite, this Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe will not disappoint. It’s fresh, fun, and bursting with sunshine flavors that bring joy to the table. I can’t wait for you to try it and share these tropical bars with your friends and family — once you do, they’re sure to become a beloved classic in your dessert repertoire.
Print
Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tropical-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mango Bars with Lime Glaze are a tropical-inspired dessert featuring a buttery crust topped with a smooth mango filling and a zesty lime glaze. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy, they are ideal for summer gatherings or a refreshing treat any time of the year.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
For the filling:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen mango (thawed if frozen)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons lime juice (to desired consistency)
- additional lime zest for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press the crust mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes or until it is lightly golden. Remove from the oven once done.
- Make the filling: While the crust bakes, blend the mango in a blender or food processor until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mango purée, granulated sugar, eggs, flour, lime juice, lime zest, and salt until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble and bake the bars: Pour the mango filling evenly over the hot crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 22–26 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly.
- Cool and chill: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set fully.
- Prepare the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar and lime juice until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle the lime glaze evenly over the chilled bars and sprinkle with additional lime zest for garnish. Slice into 9 bars and serve chilled.
Notes
- Fresh mango provides the best flavor, but frozen mango works well once thawed.
- For a firmer texture in the filling, add a bit more flour.
- These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
