There is something utterly delightful about these Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe that makes them a standout treat for any season. Picture a golden, buttery oat and coconut base layered with luscious, sweet mango slices, and topped off with a zingy lime glaze that perfectly balances the tropical sweetness. Every bite offers a beautiful mix of chewy textures, fruity brightness, and that subtly creamy zing, making these bars an irresistible snack or dessert. Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe brings a sunshine-filled escape right to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component plays a vital role: the oats and coconut provide texture and that signature chewiness; the mango brings fresh juice and bursting tropical flavor; while the lime glaze adds a bright, tart finish that elevates the whole bar. Let’s dive into what you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter (125g/1 stick): Softened butter adds richness and helps bind the oat base while keeping it tender.
- Caster or superfine sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the base gently without graininess, though granulated sugar works in a pinch.
- Large egg (1): Helps hold the oat crust together for the perfect chewy bite.
- Plain (all-purpose) flour (1 1/2 cups): Gives structure to the oat and coconut mix, ensuring the bars hold shape.
- Oats (1 cup): Use rolled oats as they provide a hearty texture that contrasts the smooth mango topping.
- Desiccated or finely shredded unsweetened coconut (3/4 cup): This adds tropical flavor and slightly crisp texture – avoid large flakes for best results.
- Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Just enough lift to keep the oat base light.
- Salt (1/4 tsp kosher or 1/8 tsp table): Enhances all the sweet and tropical flavors beautifully.
- Mango slices (2 1/2 cups/400g): Thinly sliced fresh mangoes bring juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- Cornflour/cornstarch (1 1/2 tsp): Acts as a thickener for the mango topping to keep it luscious but firm.
- White sugar (2 tbsp): Balances the tartness and intensifies the mango’s natural sweetness.
- Soft icing/powdered sugar (3/4 cup): Forms the base of the tangy lime glaze for a smooth, sweet finish.
- Lime zest (1 tsp): Adds fresh citrus aroma and a punch of zing.
- Lime juice (3 tsp plus extra): The star of the glaze, providing bright acidity to complement the mango’s sweetness.
- Vanilla extract (1/4 tsp): A subtle warmth that rounds out all the flavors.
How to Make Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oat and Coconut Base
Start by preheating your oven to the right temperature and lining a baking pan with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy—this step is key to a tender base. Beat in the egg until fully combined. Then sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt before folding it gently into the wet ingredients along with the oats and desiccated coconut. The mixture should be thick but pliable, ready to press into the pan for baking.
Step 2: Make the Mango Topping
While the base is baking, prepare the luscious mango topping. Toss your thin mango slices with white sugar, cornstarch, and a small pinch of salt to bring out sweetness and help the topping set as it bakes. The cornstarch acts as the magic thickener, preventing the mango juice from making the bars soggy, while the sugar ensures a perfectly balanced fruity layer.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Once the base is partially baked and golden, take it out and carefully spread the mango mixture evenly over the warm oat crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake until the mango topping is set and slightly bubbling, about 15-20 minutes more. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is simply heavenly, signaling these bars are nearly ready to enjoy.
Step 4: Prepare the Lime Glaze and Finish
While the bars cool, whip up the zingy lime glaze by mixing powdered sugar, lime zest, lime juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable but not too runny. Drizzle this vibrant glaze over the cooled bars. Feel free to add extra lime juice a little at a time to get the perfect balance between sweet and tart. Let the glaze set before slicing into squares or your preferred serving size.
How to Serve Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe truly pop, consider sprinkling some toasted coconut flakes or finely chopped fresh mint over the glaze. A few extra lime zest curls add a fresh, decorative touch and give a hint about the bright flavors inside.
Side Dishes
These bars shine on their own but pair wonderfully with chilled tropical fruit salads or a scoop of creamy coconut or vanilla ice cream. For a more indulgent treat, a dollop of whipped cream lightly flavored with lime or coconut can heighten the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these bars cut into elegant small squares on a bright ceramic platter to showcase their beautiful layers. Alternatively, try stacking them or arranging them in a basket lined with banana leaves to enhance the tropical vibe. They also make fantastic individual portable snacks wrapped in parchment paper for picnics or parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigeration is a great option and will keep the bars moist and flavorful for up to 5 days.
Freezing
If you want to make these bars in advance or save a batch, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To enjoy these bars after freezing or chilling, let them come to room temperature or warm them gently in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving for too long or the glaze may become overly sticky. A quick reheat brings back their fresh-from-the-oven charm!
FAQs
Can I use frozen mango for this recipe?
Yes, frozen mango works in a pinch but be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the bars soggy. Fresh mango slices will always provide the best texture and flavor.
Is it necessary to use desiccated coconut, or can I use coconut flakes?
Desiccated coconut is recommended because its fine texture blends well without overpowering or adding too much chewiness. Large coconut flakes might create uneven texture and won’t hold as well in the oat base.
How thick should the mango slices be?
Slices about 5mm (around 0.2 inches) thick work best—they cook evenly while maintaining a lovely fresh bite. Too thick and they may take longer to bake, too thin and they could dry out.
Can I substitute lime juice with lemon juice?
Lemon juice can be used if limes are not available, but keep in mind the flavor will be less tropical and slightly more tart. Lime juice brings a distinct brightness essential to this signature glaze.
What’s the best way to cut the bars without the glaze sticking to the knife?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This simple technique helps the glaze stay smooth and clean without dragging or cracking.
Final Thoughts
These Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe have quickly become one of my favorite go-to desserts for brightening up any day. Their tropical flavors, easy preparation, and lovely textures make them perfect for sharing or savoring solo. I can’t wait for you to try making them and enjoy that blissful combination of coconut, mango, and lime that’s truly irresistible.
Print
Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares (or 9 larger bars)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze combine a buttery oat and coconut crust with a luscious mango filling, topped with a tangy lime glaze. Perfectly balanced with tropical flavors and a hint of sweetness, they are an ideal treat for summer gatherings or a refreshing dessert.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 125g (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup caster/superfine white sugar (regular granulated sugar works well too)
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups plain/all-purpose flour
- 1 cup oats
- 3/4 cup desiccated or finely shredded unsweetened coconut (not flakes)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt (or 1/8 tsp table salt)
For the Mango Filling:
- 2 1/2 cups (400 g) mango slices, about 5mm (0.2″) thin, from 2 large mangoes
- 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch/cornflour
- 2 tbsp white sugar (even if mangoes are sweet, do not skip)
For the Lime Glaze:
- 3/4 cup soft icing/powdered sugar
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 3 tsp lime juice, plus more as needed (in 1/4 tsp increments)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and 1/2 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the large egg until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, desiccated coconut, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.
- Form the base: Press the dough evenly into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan, creating an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Prepare the mango filling: In a bowl, toss the thin mango slices with cornstarch and 2 tablespoons white sugar, ensuring the mango is evenly coated. Spread the mango mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Make the lime glaze and finish: In a small bowl, mix the icing sugar with lime zest, lime juice (starting with 3 tsp), and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more lime juice in 1/4 tsp increments as needed to achieve a pourable glaze consistency. Once the bars have cooled slightly, drizzle the lime glaze evenly over the top. Allow to cool completely before cutting into 12 squares (or 9 larger pieces). Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to control salt levels in the recipe.
- Oats add chewiness and texture; quick oats may also be used but old-fashioned oats are preferred.
- Choose ripe but firm mangoes for best slicing and flavor.
- The added white sugar in the filling balances mango tartness and enhances flavor.
- The lime glaze adds freshness and a subtle tang; adjust lime juice to your taste for sweetness and acidity.
