Mango Bars with Lime Glaze

If sunshine had a flavor, these Mango Bars with Lime Glaze would be it. Imagine the sweet, tropical taste of ripe mango paired with a buttery crust and topped off with a zesty lime glaze that makes your taste buds do a little happy dance. These bars are bright, refreshing, and just the right balance of sweet and tart. Whether you’re baking for a summer party, need a cheerful treat to brighten a gloomy day, or just love mango as much as I do—trust me, these are going to become a fast favorite.

Why You’ll Love Mango Bars with Lime Glaze

Tropical Flavor Explosion: The mango filling is smooth, fruity, and sweet, with just the right amount of citrusy zing. It’s like biting into a beach vacation!

Bright and Refreshing: Thanks to the lime glaze, every bite finishes with a refreshing citrus kick that keeps the sweetness in perfect balance.

Simple to Make: Don’t be fooled by how beautiful they look—these bars come together with easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps.

Perfect for Any Occasion: From summer potlucks to afternoon tea, these bars are welcome at any table. They’re light, vibrant, and oh-so-irresistible.

Customizable: Love passionfruit or pineapple? You can easily swap or mix in different fruits to tweak the flavor just how you like it.

Ingredients in Mango Bars with Lime Glaze

Let’s break down what goes into these tropical treats:

For the Crust

The sturdy, buttery base that holds all the luscious mango filling.

• All-purpose flour: The structure for the shortbread-like crust.
• Butter: Rich and creamy, it melts into the flour to create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the crust get that light golden finish.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance all the sweet flavors.

For the Mango Filling

This is where the tropical flavor really shines.

• Fresh or frozen mango: Sweet, juicy, and full of vibrant flavor. Pureed until silky smooth.
• Eggs: Helps set the filling into that soft, custardy texture.
• Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the mango.
• Lime juice and zest: Adds that fresh, citrusy brightness and keeps things from getting too sweet.
• All-purpose flour or cornstarch: Thickens the filling just enough to slice cleanly.

For the Lime Glaze

A tangy, glossy finish that ties everything together.

• Powdered sugar: The base of any good glaze.
• Lime juice: Fresh-squeezed is best for the brightest flavor.
• Lime zest: Adds color and an extra citrusy punch.

Instructions

Make the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and melted butter. Mix until a soft dough forms. Press the dough into the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined baking dish, creating an even layer.

Bake the crust for about 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden and set. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Prepare the Mango Filling

In a blender or food processor, puree the mango until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lime juice, zest, and flour (or cornstarch). Stir in the mango puree until everything is well combined and silky.

Pour the mango mixture over the pre-baked crust and smooth the top.

Bake Again

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center. Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.

Add the Lime Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lime juice, and zest until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars and spread gently with a spoon or spatula for full coverage.

Chill and Slice

Refrigerate the bars for at least an hour to firm them up and intensify the flavors. Once chilled, slice into squares or rectangles, and serve!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: ~210 (will vary depending on exact ingredients)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

How to Serve Mango Bars with Lime Glaze

Chilled and Fresh: These bars are best served cold from the fridge, especially on warm days—they’re like fruity, refreshing bites of sunshine.

With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: A little whipped cream or coconut cream takes these over the top for dessert.

With Iced Tea or Lemonade: The perfect pairing! The fruity, citrusy flavors go so well with a cool, crisp drink.

For Brunch or Dessert Tables: Their bright color and sweet-tart taste make them a standout addition to any spread.

Additional Tips

Use Very Ripe Mangoes: The riper the fruit, the sweeter and more flavorful the filling will be.

Strain the Mango Puree (Optional): For an ultra-smooth filling, strain the mango puree to remove any fibrous bits.

Make Ahead Friendly: These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. The flavor actually deepens overnight.

Customize the Glaze: Add a splash of coconut milk to the glaze for a tropical twist or a hint of vanilla for added depth.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen mango for this recipe?
A1: Absolutely! Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before pureeing.

Q2: How do I store the mango bars?
A2: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.

Q3: Can I freeze these bars?
A3: Yes! Freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Q4: Can I use a different citrus for the glaze?
A4: Definitely—try lemon or even orange for a different citrus profile.

Q5: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A5: Yes, just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.

Q6: Can I skip the glaze?
A6: Sure, but the lime glaze adds a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the mango.

Q7: What if I don’t have fresh mango?
A7: Canned mango pulp can work, just make sure it’s unsweetened and adjust the sugar as needed.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Absolutely! Just use a larger pan and watch your baking times—they may need a few extra minutes.

Q9: What’s the best way to cut clean bars?
A9: Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for those perfect bakery-style squares.

Q10: Can I make mini versions in a muffin tin?
A10: Yes! Line muffin tins with paper liners, press in the crust, and bake as mini bites. They’re perfect for parties!

Conclusion

These Mango Bars with Lime Glaze are the kind of treat that instantly lifts your mood. With their buttery crust, luscious mango filling, and bright lime drizzle, they strike the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and tropical. They’re easy to make, stunning to serve, and guaranteed to disappear fast—so you might want to make a double batch! Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying one with your afternoon coffee, these bars are a slice of sunshine in dessert form.

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