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Mango Dream Bars Recipe

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4.2 from 73 reviews

Mango Dream Bars are a luscious tropical dessert featuring a buttery crust and a creamy mango filling, baked to perfection and chilled for a refreshing treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt

Mango Filling

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen mango puree (about 23 ripe mangoes, or use a canned mango puree)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt

Optional Topping

  • ¼ cup shredded coconut (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the bars from sticking.
  2. Make the Crust: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and vanilla extract, and mix until a crumbly dough forms. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients.
  3. Press the Crust into the Pan: Once the dough is mixed, press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to smooth the dough out into an even layer.
  4. Bake the Crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the crust cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
  5. Prepare the Mango Filling: Make the Mango Filling: In a medium-sized saucepan, whisk together the mango puree, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken and bubble (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
  6. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Once the mango mixture has cooled slightly, whisk in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well combined.
  7. Pour the Filling over the Crust: Carefully pour the mango filling over the cooled crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
  8. Bake the Mango Dream Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling has set and is slightly golden on top. The center should no longer jiggle when you gently shake the pan.
  9. Cool the Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and let the Mango Dream Bars cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the bars to the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to fully set.
  10. Cut and Serve: Cut into Bars: Once the bars are chilled and firm, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or bars. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Mango Dream Bars chilled, and garnish with shredded coconut or a light glaze if desired. They’re perfect on their own or paired with a tropical drink or fresh fruit.

Notes

  • Use fresh, ripe mangoes for the best natural sweetness, or opt for frozen/canned mango puree if fresh is unavailable.
  • Let the bars chill for at least 1-2 hours to fully set before cutting.
  • Optional shredded coconut topping adds a nice texture and flavor contrast.