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    Home >> American

    Creamy Mango Lime Bars

    Modified: Aug 18, 2022 · Published: Aug 23, 2019 by Analida · • Word count:1704 words. • About 9 minutes to read this article. • This post may contain affiliate links ·

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    Sweet, tart, creamy and crunchy! Love mangos? You'll love these creamy mango lime bars with sweet and tart flavors and a crunchy shortbread crust. | ethnicspoon.com

    Visions and scents of tropical islands are right at your fingertips when you bake a batch of these delicious creamy mango lime bars. They are kind of like lemon bars, same baking process, just different fruit.

    three mango lime bars on wax paper topped with powdered sugar

    I think I have mentioned before that mangoes are one of my favorite fruits. I eat them every day. To think that as a child I completely shunned them. Go figure! Mangoes taste like something akin to a pineapple and a peach mixed together.

    What do mango lime bars taste like?

    They’re super sweet with a touch of tartness, and if they’re perfectly ripe, they’re slightly firm yet melt in your mouth. I prefer these mango lime bars to lemon bars because of the sweetness the mango offers. I am not too keen on super sour foods and fruits, and the mango is a perfect counterbalance to that. The lime offers just a little bit of tang, but doesn’t overshadow the mango flavor.

    What other dishes can be made with mangos?

    I am always looking for ways to make mango desserts. You can check out my mango tart that I published a few weeks ago. If sweets aren't your thing, you might want to try a mango cocktail; it will take you to tropical lands where warm breezes blow. Need another mango idea? Why not mango habanero ribs, a perfect mix of sweet and spicy.

    three mango lime bars on parchment paper with powdered sugar with a cutting board in the back

    Jump to:
    • What do mango lime bars taste like?
    • What other dishes can be made with mangos?
    • Should you use puree or fresh mango?
    • How to make mango lime bars step by step
    • Mango History
    • Are mangoes healthy?
    • Other mango recipes to try
    • Creamy Mango Lime Bars

    Mango lime bars are an anytime mango dessert. These lovely creamy mango bars are perfect to take to the department meeting, a picnic, or just to have at home. The latter can be dangerous, since they are so tempting. I try, unsuccessfully, to tell myself that they are healthy since they are made with fruit juice. Keeping a batch in your freezer is not a bad idea. I love the texture contrast of the crunchy cookie bottom with the creamy mango custard filling. Furthermore, the flavor contrast of sweet mango mixed with lime juice. The bright orange color is so appealing also. And yes, we have been over this before, I like pretty food.

    Although you can enjoy mango at basically any time of year in the United States, summer remains the peak mango season since many of the mango varieties ripen during that time of year. Shockingly enough, there are over 500 varieties of mangoes. Mangoes weren’t grown in the U.S. until the 1800s, and still today, Asia produces about 75% of mangoes worldwide. 

    Should you use puree or fresh mango?

    I choose to use mango puree for this recipe because it’s easily accessible. But there is definitely room for more flavor and freshness. In the summertime, I highly recommend using fresh mango if you have the time and access to them.

    Although there are hundreds of mango varieties, I typically see two types of mangoes at my local grocery store. I most often see Tommy Atkins mangoes, which is the most commercially available mango variety in the United States. They’re known for being tart with sweet notes, and are orangey-red with green spots.  I also see Honey mangoes most frequently. The only color it really shows is this beautiful, almost burnt orange color, kind of like the color of turmeric. They’re smaller than Tommy Atkins mangoes, but still pack a ton of sweet flavor. 

    I mention this because you might not have a lot of mango varieties to choose from at your local grocer. You may only see one variety, or maybe you live in Florida and see a ton! Don’t stress about the kind of mango to get.

    How to make mango lime bars step by step

    A collage of photos showing the ingredients and steps to make mango lime bars.

    1. Gather all your ingredients and have them measured and ready to go. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
    2. To make the crust place the flour,  shredded coconut, salt and sugar in a food processor and pulse to combine. Add the butter that has been cut into small pieces and pulse until it looks like corn meal. Pro Tip: DO NOT over pulse this or you will end up with a ball. This needs to be a fine meal and the butter may look like small peas.
    3. Line a 9" x 13" baking dish with parchment paper. Lay the paper in and trim at the corners for a tight fit. If you have metal binder clips you can clip the paper to the sides of the dish if you like. Place the crust mixture in the pan and press down lightly. Bake for 15 minutes.
    4. While the crust is baking prepare the filling by combining the eggs and sugar in a mixing bowl and beat slowly until smooth. After the eggs and sugar are smooth, add the flour.
    5. Take the fresh mango chunks and pulse in a small food processor until smooth. Pro tip: Do not use canned mango or mango nectar. Fresh mango is best.
    6. The mango should look like a smooth liquid with very small chunks.
    7. Add the mango to the mixing bowl.
    8. Add the lime juice to the mixing bowl and mix until well combined.
    9. Pour the filling on the warm crust and bake for 20 minutes or until set. I like to give mine the jiggle test after 15 minutes. Jiggle the pan and if it has waves like water it is not set but if it jiggles like jello then it is set. Repeat this test every few minutes until set.
    10. You can use a cake tester to see it if comes out clean when set also. Sprinkle with coconut while warm or powdered sugar after chilled when serving. 

    Mango History

    Mangoes, considered to be one of the world's oldest fruits are thought to have originated in Northeast India. They then spread west through both the whims of nature and human help. Mangoes spread to eastern Asia via Buddhist monks traveling to those territories. Later, Persian traders took mangoes to the Middle East and East Africa. Mangoes were brought to the western hemisphere by the Portuguese traders who at one point colonized the Indian subcontinent.

    three mango lime bars on wax paper with powdered sugar and more bars in the back on a wooden cutting board

    They’re still enjoyed in the aforementioned places. Did you know Mango is the national fruit of the Philippines? There’s a popular dish from Brunei that’s simply mango and sticky rice. In India, people frequently consume mango lassi, a yogurt-based smoothie made with mangoes of course. Here’s a quick recipe for it.

    Are mangoes healthy?

    Mangoes have the natural advantage of being extremely nutritious. They are rich in vitamins A, C, potassium and omega 3's. Because they are low in calories, they make a wonderful snack if you happen to be dieting: if my sources are correct, a mango has about 140 calories. Limes are also high in vitamin C and have lots of antioxidants. By eating or drinking lime juice, you can increase your immunity, reduce heart disease risk factors, prevent kidney stones, aid with iron absorption, and promote clear and healthy skin. I know I told you all that this recipe isn’t really health-food, but it’s good to keep in mind to convince yourself otherwise!

    Other mango recipes to try

    I really hope you make a batch of these creamy mango lime bars for your next gathering, or just for your family!

    If you enjoyed my creamy mango lime bars I would definitely recommend more of my mango desserts. Thai Mango Sticky Rice is one of my favorite Asian desserts.

    If sweets aren't your thing, you might want to try a mango cocktail; it will take you to tropical lands where warm breezes blow. I’ve also heard a lot of people say they dislike mangoes except in margarita form. Why not try out a mango margarita from scratch? You’ll feel like you’re on a sandy beach in Mexico in no time!

    Not really into sweets but want to incorporate mango somehow into your diet? I got you covered. I have tons of savory mango recipes. Why not mango habanero ribs, a perfect mix of sweet and spicy. Or this mango tomatillo salsa, perfect for hanging out with friends! This mango black bean salsa also does the trick.

    Looking for more recipes?  
    Sign up for my free recipe newsletter to get new recipes in your inbox each week!  You can also find me sharing more inspiration in Pinterest and Facebook.

    A photo of mango lime bars on parchment paper with powdered sugar.

    Creamy Mango Lime Bars

    Sweet, tart, creamy and crunchy!  You'll love these creamy mango lime bars with sweet and tart flavors and a crunchy shortbread crust.
    5 from 15 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: baking, easy dessert recipe, mango pulp, pan recipe, rich and creamy, tropical flavors
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
    Servings: 24 servings
    Calories: 129kcal
    Author: Analida Braeger

    Ingredients

    Crust

    • 1 ¼ cup flour
    • ¼ cup coconut shredded, unsweetened
    • ¼ tsp salt
    • ½ cup sugar
    • ½ cup butter (1 stick), cold cut into small pieces

    Filling

    • 4 eggs
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 3 Tbsp flour sifted
    • 1 cup mango fresh purée
    • 4 Tbsp lime juice
    • 2 Tbsp coconut shredded for decoration, unsweetened

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 325°F.
    • Line a 9" x 13" baking pan with parchment paper that goes all the way up the sides. Trim at the corners for a tight fit. Use metal binder clips on the sides to hold the paper if you like.
    • To make the crust place the flour, shredded coconut, salt and sugar in the food processor. Pulse to combine all the dry ingredients.
    • Add in the butter and pulse to combine all the ingredients until they come together. Do not over pulse. You want to stop when the mixture looks like corn meal and the butter is the size of small peas.
    • Place in the bottom of the baking pan and press down lightly.
    • Bake for 15 minutes.
    • Prepare the filling while the crust bakes. Place the eggs and the sugar in the bowl of a stand up mixer and beat until smooth. Slowly add the flour, mango pulp, and lime juice. Continue to beat until all the ingredients have been combined.
    • Pour the filling on top of the crust and bake for about 20 minutes until set. I like to give mine the jiggle test after 15 minutes. Jiggle the pan and if it has waves like water it is not set but if it jiggles like jello then it is set. Repeat this test every few minutes until set.
    • Remove from the oven, and place on a cooling rack. Sprinkle with shredded coconut and refrigerate until ready to use. You can top with powdered sugar as an option when chilled also. Slice the bars when chilled.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 129kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 69mg | Potassium: 36mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 232IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg

     

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      A photo of mango tomatillo salsa in a ceramic bowl.
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      Try a new avocado toast recipe with Latin flair! Creamy avocados with tangy mango, salty queso fresco and a sprinkle of chili powder. The combination of flavors is incredible! | ethnicspoon.com
    • 2 Minute Spicy Mango Pico de Gallo Salsa
      A photo of mango black bean pico de gallo in a clear glass bowl.
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    1303 shares
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Beth (OMG! Yummy)

      November 07, 2016 at 10:22 am

      What a fun recipe - I have a lime bar I made for hubby on my site but I've never thought of using up some of my limes with mango - so smart!

      Reply
      • Analida

        November 08, 2016 at 3:56 pm

        Thanks Beth! It is actually a nice combination of sweet and tart. Give it a try. 🙂 I will need to check out your recipe.

        Reply
    2. Coley | Coley Cooks

      November 09, 2016 at 8:50 am

      I love this tropical take on a traditional lemon bar! That filling sounds so delicious. Anything on a rich shortbread crust is right up my alley!

      Reply
      • Analida

        November 09, 2016 at 7:24 pm

        🙂 They are delicious. I took a batch to my office on Monday after I made them. My floor loved them! I also love anything on a shortbread crust.

        Reply
    3. April J Harris

      November 14, 2016 at 1:19 pm

      5 stars
      Your Creamy Mango Lime Bars look delicious. What a wonderful twist on traditional Lemon Bars! I know I'd need to eat more than one that is for sure! Thank you for sharing with us at Hearth and Soul. Stumbled!

      Reply
      • Analida

        November 14, 2016 at 7:32 pm

        You are welcome April. They are really tasty; not too sweet, not too tart! I took a batch to my office the other day and they gobbled them up. Love sharing with you guys.

        Reply
    4. Miz Helen

      November 16, 2016 at 12:37 pm

      5 stars
      Your Creamy Mango Lime Bars look wonderful and thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday. Hope you had a great week and come back soon!
      Miz Helen

      Reply
      • Analida

        November 16, 2016 at 5:25 pm

        Hi Miz Helen! Thanks!!! I'll be back 🙂

        Reply
    5. Dawn - Girl Heart Food

      October 29, 2018 at 9:57 am

      5 stars
      Love citrus in baked goods! These look super creamy and I just love the mango lime combo - YUM!

      Reply
      • Analida

        November 05, 2018 at 9:35 am

        Thanks Dawn! My family loves these!

        Reply
    6. Gloria

      October 29, 2018 at 2:51 pm

      5 stars
      These look like a delicious treat for an afternoon coffee break, or dessert after a meal. Perfect to put on the dessert table at a party. The flavour combination sounds amazing.

      Reply
    7. Courtney

      November 02, 2018 at 8:39 am

      5 stars
      These sound delicious! The flavour combination of the mango and lime sounds incredible!

      Reply
    8. Anna Hettick

      November 02, 2018 at 2:42 pm

      5 stars
      Lemon bars have long been a favorite treat of mine but I have to admit that mango and lime seem like a great twist!!

      Reply
    9. Shelley

      November 03, 2018 at 7:24 am

      5 stars
      These look just fantastic! Lemon bars are always so popular, but I love this yummy twist with lime and mango - what a great idea! It's especially wonderful that they freeze well. I always like knowing I can make a batch (or two!) and stash extras away for "emergencies. You totally look like the hostess with the mostess when unexpected guests drop by and you can pull something like this out! Interesting info on the history of mangos, too. Really enjoyed this post!

      Reply
    10. Michelle

      November 03, 2018 at 9:42 am

      5 stars
      These look so good! I love mango and lime, it's one of my favourite combinations. I'm definitely going to try these.

      Reply
    11. Marisa Franca

      November 03, 2018 at 12:39 pm

      5 stars
      Love shortbread crusts -- they make the treat taste so much better and the mango-lime bars do remind me of the tropics. I think this would make a wonderful summer treat. I think of outdoor dining and picnics. Super yummy.

      Reply
    12. Shannon

      November 03, 2018 at 4:11 pm

      I am not a fan of lemon bars at all but mango I could do! I LOVE mango and combining it withe the line sounds intriguing. Thank you for sharing your recipe!

      Reply
    13. Sam | Ahead of Thyme

      November 04, 2018 at 1:19 pm

      I could have desserts eery day this time of year! I can't wait to try these lemon bars, they look so good! My hubby will love them

      Reply
    14. Vanessa Vickery

      November 04, 2018 at 7:29 pm

      5 stars
      What a delicious looking recipe!! I need some of these in my life!

      Reply
    15. Sharon

      November 04, 2018 at 8:13 pm

      5 stars
      I love mangos as well! This mango based dessert looks so good, I want a big slice right now.

      Reply
    16. Tammy

      November 04, 2018 at 10:38 pm

      5 stars
      Oooh I love this twist! Mango lime bars sound fantastic! I just love citrus bars so I definitely need to try these soon 🙂

      Reply
    17. Julie

      November 04, 2018 at 11:30 pm

      Wow! I've never baked with mango because I never really knew how to extract the juice - I had no idea you could just grind up all the pulp and use that. What a great trick!

      Reply
    18. Eileen Kelly

      November 05, 2018 at 10:42 am

      5 stars
      You have made me so hungry! These are delicious treats that are easy to make! I love the flavor combos -super flavorful! I am adding to my list of to make snacks!

      Reply
    19. Emily Leary

      November 06, 2018 at 5:10 am

      5 stars
      Mango and lime combo - delicious. These would definitely not last long in our house! I loved reading the history content too!

      Reply
    20. Sara

      April 03, 2020 at 11:27 am

      These squares are exquisite! I loved the subtle taste of coconut in the shortbread crust; it perfectly complimented the sweet-tangy mango-lime filling. (Since I wanted the lime flavour to shine through and was using ripe mangoes I only started with a little over a half a cuo of sugar when I began blending the filling. And in the end I think I only added about 3/4 cup of sugar.) Delicious squares!

      Reply
      • Analida

        April 03, 2020 at 1:58 pm

        Thank you so much Sara!

        Reply
    21. Liz

      September 30, 2023 at 9:16 am

      5 stars
      Made these yesterday to take to clambake today. Followed recipe exactly. DH is always my taster and (I am not big on sweets)he loved them. Just enough tartness to cut the sweetness of the mango. The only change I made was to mix the coconut with lime zest to sprinkle on top of finished bars. Is going into my pastry rotation.

      Reply
      • Analida

        October 10, 2023 at 10:03 am

        Hi Liz! I love the lime zest and coconut idea!!

        Reply

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    Analida profile pictureI have been researching and creating ethnic recipes for over 20 years. I love to share "mostly healthy" easy and affordable ethnic recipes using fresh ingredients, with a bit of culture and food history sprinkled in.... Read more-->

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