Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze
When it comes to tropical desserts, nothing beats the bright and refreshing flavors of mango, coconut, and lime. These Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly irresistible. With a buttery coconut-oat base, a juicy layer of fresh mango, and a zesty lime glaze on top, this dessert strikes the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and tropical. Best of all, these bars are easy to prepare, making them an ideal treat for summer gatherings, afternoon snacks, or even a light dessert after dinner.
Ingredients
For the Coconut Crumble Base & Topping:
- 125g (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup caster sugar (or regular granulated sugar)
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ cups plain/all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ¾ cup desiccated or finely shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp kosher salt (or 1/8 tsp table salt)
For the Mango Filling:
- 2 ½ cups (400 g) fresh mango slices, cut 5mm (0.2”) thick (about 2 large mangoes)
- 1 ½ tsp cornstarch (cornflour)
- 2 tbsp white sugar
For the Lime Glaze (optional but highly recommended):
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 3 tsp lime juice (plus more as needed)
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan:
Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan-forced). Grease and line an 8-inch (20cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to lift the bars out easily later.
2. Make the Coconut Crumble Base:
Melt the butter in a microwave or saucepan. Stir in the sugar, then mix in the egg until smooth. Add the flour, oats, coconut, baking powder, and salt, stirring until the mixture comes together.
3. Form the Base:
Measure out about 1 ¾ cups of the mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. This forms the firm base of your bars.
4. Prepare the Mango Filling:
In a bowl, gently toss the mango slices with cornstarch and sugar. Do this just before assembling to avoid drawing out excess juice from the fruit.
5. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the mango filling evenly over the base. Crumble the remaining coconut mixture over the mango layer, leaving some of the fruit exposed for a rustic look.
6. Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden.
7. Cool Completely:
Allow the bars to cool fully in the pan (about 2 hours). For faster cooling, let them rest on the counter for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for another 30 minutes.
8. Add the Lime Glaze:
Mix powdered sugar, lime zest, lime juice, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle generously over the cooled bars and let the glaze set for 10 minutes.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Cut into 9 large or 12 smaller squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature—and don’t be surprised if they disappear fast!
About the Recipe
A Taste of the Tropics
The combination of mango, coconut, and lime is timeless. Each bite of these Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze feels like a little tropical escape, with the sweetness of ripe mango balanced by zesty lime and the nutty crunch of coconut.
Tips for Success:
- Use sliced mango, not diced. Thin slices give a juicy layer without turning mushy during baking.
- Don’t skip the sugar in the filling. Even if your mangoes are naturally sweet, the sugar helps create a jammy texture when baked.
- Cool completely before glazing. This keeps the glaze from melting into the bars.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the crumble for warm spice notes.
- Swap mango for peaches, nectarines, or pineapple if mangoes aren’t in season.
- Top with toasted coconut flakes for extra crunch.
Serving Suggestions:
These bars are perfect on their own, but they pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Serve them chilled for a refreshing summer dessert or pack them in lunchboxes as a fruity snack.
Nutrition Insights:
Each bar contains around 291 calories, with a balance of carbs, healthy fats, and natural fruit sweetness. While it’s a dessert, it’s lighter than many rich cakes or brownies—making it a treat you can enjoy without too much guilt.
Storage:
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The base will soften slightly after day two, but the flavors remain delicious. These bars are not suitable for freezing.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make, visually stunning, and bursting with tropical flavor, these Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze are the answer. With their golden coconut crumble, luscious mango filling, and zesty glaze, they strike the perfect balance between indulgent and refreshing. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a family favorite. And don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family; after all, good desserts are meant to be enjoyed together!
