If you’re craving a delightful, tropical treat that’s bursting with freshness, you’ve got to try this Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a buttery crust that holds a luscious mango filling topped off by a zingy lime glaze. Whether you want a vibrant dessert for a party or a bright pick-me-up on a sunny afternoon, these bars deliver a slice of sunshine in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping it simple but essential, the ingredients for this Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe are easy to find and each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the flaky crust to the silky mango filling and the zesty glaze, every element shines on its own and together they make magic.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (crust): Provides the sturdy base that crisps up beautifully when baked.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (crust): Adds just a touch of sweetness to balance the buttery crust.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed): Creates that tender, crumbly texture for the crust you’ll love.
- 1 cup fresh or thawed frozen mango purée: The star ingredient, bringing tropical sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the filling together for a silky, custard-like texture.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar (filling): Sweetens the mango filling perfectly without overpowering it.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (filling): Helps set the filling and keeps it smooth.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Brightens the filling with a fresh, citrusy punch.
- 1 teaspoon lime zest: Infuses aromatic citrus oils for an extra layer of flavor.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (glaze): Delivers the perfect sweetness and smooth texture for drizzling.
- 1–2 teaspoons lime juice (glaze): Adds a tangy kick to balance the sweetness of the glaze.
- 1/2 teaspoon lime zest (glaze): Provides a fragrant citrus finish to the glaze topping.
How to Make Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang to easily lift out the bars later. In a medium bowl, mix the crust ingredients — flour, sugar, and salt — then cut in the cold, cubed butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until you have coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your pan. Bake it for about 15 to 18 minutes, until it’s just turning golden and fragrant. This warm crust will be the perfect base for your luscious mango filling.
Step 2: Make the Mango Filling
While the crust is baking, whisk together the mango purée, eggs, sugar, flour, lime juice, and lime zest in a large bowl until everything is silky smooth. This filling packs tropical sweetness boosted with bright citrus notes, ready to set into a firm yet tender custard during baking.
Step 3: Bake the Filling on the Crust
Once the crust is done, pour your mango mixture evenly over the warm crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the center of the filling is just set but still slightly jiggly. This careful timing ensures the mango bars come out creamy and not rubbery. Then, let them cool completely in the pan to firm up fully.
Step 4: Whisk the Lime Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lime juice, and lime zest until you achieve a smooth, drizzle-able glaze. You can adjust the lime juice to get your desired consistency—more juice for a thinner glaze or less for a sturdier coating.
Step 5: Drizzle and Slice
Once the bars have cooled completely, drizzle the lime glaze generously over the top—this tangy layer elevates every bite with a zesty sparkle. Allow the glaze to set slightly, then use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan and slice into 9 cheerful squares ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For a show-stopping presentation, sprinkle fresh lime zest or finely chopped toasted coconut flakes over the glaze. Fresh mint leaves add a pop of color and a hint of freshness that pairs beautifully with the mango’s tropical notes. These small touches make your mango bars look as delightful as they taste.
Side Dishes
Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe is lovely on its own but pairs wonderfully with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an indulgent summer dessert. For a lighter option, a side of fresh mixed berries or a tropical fruit salad complements the bars’ flavors perfectly without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the bars on bamboo skewers as mini mango bar bites at your next gathering. Alternatively, arrange the squares on a decorative platter lined with banana leaves or vibrant tropical napkins to enhance the island vibe. These creative presentations turn simple dessert into a festive occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover mango bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Chilling them helps keep the glaze intact and the bars firm, making slicing and serving a breeze even a few days later.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then again in foil or place in a freezer-safe container. They’ll hold well for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.
Reheating
To enjoy the bars warm, simply let them come to room temperature and then warm them gently in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven around 300°F until just heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the mango filling silky and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use canned mango instead of fresh or frozen purée?
While canned mango can work in a pinch, it tends to be sweeter and less vibrant in flavor. Fresh or high-quality frozen mango purée gives the bars a brighter, more authentic tropical taste that’s worth seeking out for this recipe.
What’s the best way to get the lime zest?
Use a microplane or fine grater to zest just the green part of the lime skin—avoid the white pith underneath, as it can be bitter. Freshly zested lime adds the best fragrance and flavor boost to the bars and glaze.
Can I substitute the butter in the crust for a dairy-free option?
Yes! You can try a vegan butter substitute or coconut oil, but keep in mind these may slightly change the texture of the crust. Use cold solid fats to achieve that perfectly crumbly base.
How do I know when the mango filling is set?
The filling should look firm around the edges and slightly jiggle in the center when you gently shake the pan. Overbaking can cause the filling to become rubbery, so it’s important to remove the bars from the oven when the center is just set.
Is it okay if the glaze isn’t perfectly smooth?
Absolutely! A slightly textured glaze still tastes delightful and can even add a homemade charm. Whisk thoroughly, but small imperfections won’t affect the flavor or overall appeal.
Final Thoughts
This Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe is an enchanting way to bring tropical flavors into your kitchen with ease and fun. The combination of sweet mango and tangy lime will brighten any dessert table and impress your friends and family with its freshness and vibrant taste. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite summertime treat.
Print
Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mango Bars with Lime Glaze are a refreshing tropical dessert featuring a buttery crust, a smooth mango filling with a hint of lime, and a tangy lime glaze. Perfect for summer or any time you crave a bright, fruity treat that’s both sweet and zesty.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Filling
- 1 cup fresh or thawed frozen mango purée
- 2 large eggs
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
For the Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lime zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to easily lift out the bars later. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden. This step ensures the base is firm and slightly crisp before adding the filling.
- Make the Filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together the mango purée, eggs, granulated sugar, flour, lime juice, and lime zest in a bowl until you achieve a smooth, uniform mixture.
- Bake with Filling: Remove the crust from the oven and pour the prepared mango filling evenly over the hot crust. Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for another 22–25 minutes, or until the filling is just set in the center but still slightly jiggly when you gently shake the pan.
- Cool the Bars: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to room temperature. This step is necessary to ensure they set properly and to facilitate clean glazing and slicing.
- Prepare the Lime Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1 to 2 teaspoons of lime juice, and lime zest until smooth. Adjust the lime juice quantity to achieve a drizzleable consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the lime glaze evenly over the cooled bars. Once glazed, slice into 9 squares using the parchment overhang to lift them easily from the pan.
Notes
- Use ripe mangoes or high-quality frozen mango purée for the best flavor and texture.
- Chilling the bars before glazing helps achieve cleaner slices.
- Store the bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep them fresh.
