If you adore tropical flavors and want a fresh twist on your dessert table, these Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe are nothing short of a sunshine-filled treat. Imagine a wonderfully crumbly base studded with oats and coconut, bursting with juicy mango slices, all topped off with a tangy lime glaze that perfectly balances sweetness and zest. They bake up beautifully into golden squares that deliver a delightful fusion of chewy, tender, and tart with every bite. Trust me, once you try these bars, they will quickly become a favorite for warm afternoons, casual gatherings, or even a special dessert craving!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is a breeze since all of them are simple staples you might already have on hand. Each component plays an important role: the oats and coconut add texture and chewiness, the mango slices contribute juicy brightness, and the lime glaze ties it all together with a refreshing zing. Here’s a handy list to help you prep like a pro.
- Unsalted butter (125g / 1 stick): This provides richness and helps create that perfect buttery crust.
- Caster sugar (1/2 cup): Also known as superfine sugar, it dissolves quickly, sweetening the base evenly.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binder, giving the bars structure and tenderness.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Forms the bulk of the dough, ensuring a soft but sturdy crumb.
- Oats (1 cup): Offer hearty texture with a lovely nutty chew.
- Desiccated coconut (3/4 cup): Using finely shredded unsweetened coconut gives the bars sweetness and a tropical twist without overpowering.
- Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Just enough lift to keep things light without rising too much.
- Salt (1/4 tsp kosher or 1/8 tsp table salt): Balances and enhances the sweetness.
- Mango slices (2 1/2 cups / 400g): Thinly sliced from 2 large ripe mangoes, these are the star fruit of this recipe.
- Cornflour (1 1/2 tsp): Helps thicken the mango filling, making it perfectly set.
- White sugar (2 tbsp): Added to the mango mixture to boost sweetness, especially if mangoes are tart.
- Powdered sugar (3/4 cup): Used for the smooth, silky lime glaze on top.
- Lime zest (1 tsp): Gives concentrated lime flavor and an aromatic punch.
- Lime juice (3 tsp + extra): The fresh juice brightens the glaze with just the right amount of acidity.
- Vanilla extract (1/4 tsp): Adds depth and warmth to balance the tropical fruit flavors.
How to Make Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a square baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, cream the unsalted butter and caster sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this is key for a tender base. Beat in the egg, then sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix in the oats and desiccated coconut, folding everything gently until a crumbly but cohesive dough forms. Press this evenly into the pan, creating a firm and textured crust that will hold all the juicy mango topping perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Mango Topping
Slice your mangoes thinly—aim for about 5mm thickness for even cooking and beautiful layering. In a small bowl, toss the mango slices with 2 tablespoons of white sugar and the cornflour. The cornflour will thicken as the bars bake, helping the mango stay luscious but not too watery. This mixture creates the luscious, gooey fruit layer that’s essential to the magic of the Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Spread the mango topping evenly over the pressed crust. Take care to arrange the mango slices nicely—they don’t need to be perfect, but a neat layer will yield the prettiest results. Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You want the crust to be golden and set, and the mango topping bubbling gently. Once done, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan—this step is crucial for the mango layer to set firmly.
Step 4: Make the Lime Glaze and Finish
While the bars are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, lime zest, lime juice, and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze. Adjust the lime juice little by little to get the perfect pouring consistency—it should be glossy but not runny. Once the bars are fully cooled, gently drizzle or spoon the lime glaze on top, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon if needed. Let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before slicing into squares or rectangles for serving.
How to Serve Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra dash of charm and flavor, top your bars with fresh mint leaves or tiny lime curls to mirror the glaze zest. A light dusting of extra desiccated coconut adds texture and a festive beachy vibe. These simple garnishes elevate the presentation and add a fresh aroma that complements the tropical ingredients beautifully.
Side Dishes
These bars are delicious on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of coconut ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream brings the experience up a notch. For those who prefer something lighter, a fresh fruit salad with pineapple, papaya, and a hint of lime juice makes an excellent companion. The cool creaminess or bright fruits contrast perfectly with the fragrant sweetness of the bars.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow guests, serve the Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe on a rustic wooden board with scattered edible flowers and tropical leaves for a stunning visual. You can also cut them into bite-sized finger food squares and thread them onto cocktail skewers with fresh berries for easy party treats. Another fun idea is layering the bars in clear glass parfait cups alternating with whipped cream and fresh mango chunks to create elegant mini desserts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your leftover bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them to prevent the glaze from melting or the mango topping from getting too soft. Proper storage keeps the bars flavorful and maintains their delightful texture.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully, making them a perfect make-ahead treat. Wrap them individually or keep them in a sealed container in the freezer for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and allow the glaze to soften at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If you like your bars slightly warmed, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes, but be careful not to melt the lime glaze completely. If reheating frozen bars, allow them to thaw first to keep their texture intact. A quick warm-up gives them a fresh-baked feel without losing the zingy glaze top.
FAQs
Can I use frozen mango slices instead of fresh?
While fresh mangoes give the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen mango slices if fresh ones are out of season. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture that could make the bars soggy.
Is desiccated coconut different from coconut flakes?
Yes, desiccated coconut is finely shredded and drier than coconut flakes, which are larger and moister. Using desiccated coconut ensures a better texture that blends seamlessly into the bars without large chewy chunks.
Can I substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative?
Absolutely! For a dairy-free version, use a good-quality vegan butter or margarine with a similar fat content. This swap won’t compromise the texture or flavor much.
How tart should the lime glaze be?
The glaze should strike a nice balance between sweet and tangy, so add the lime juice gradually. It’s lovely when it has a bright, refreshing zing that cuts through the sweetness of the mango and coconut.
Can these bars be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. This will yield a more crumbly texture but still taste delicious.
Final Thoughts
The Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe is a delightful way to bring tropical sunshine right into your kitchen and onto your plate. With its perfect combination of textures and vibrant flavors, it’s hard not to fall in love with every bite. I encourage you to give this recipe a go soon—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create such a dazzling dessert that your friends and family will rave about. Get ready to share a piece of paradise!
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: Tropical/Western
Description
These Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze are a delightful tropical treat featuring a buttery oat and coconut crust topped with a sweet and tangy mango filling. Finished with a zesty lime glaze, these bars offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them an irresistible dessert or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust and Base
- 125g (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup caster/superfine white sugar (or regular granulated sugar)
- 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)
Mango Filling
- 2 1/2 cups (400 g) mango slices, about 5mm (0.2″) thin, from 2 large-ish mangoes
- 1 1/2 tsp cornflour/cornstarch
- 2 tbsp white sugar
Lime Glaze
- 3/4 cup soft icing sugar/powdered sugar
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 3 tsp lime juice (plus more as needed, 1/4 tsp at a time)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup white sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, desiccated coconut, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, combining just until a cohesive dough forms.
- Bake the crust: Press the dough evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Prepare and add the mango filling: In a bowl, toss the mango slices with cornflour and 2 tablespoons of white sugar, ensuring the slices are evenly coated. Spread the mango mixture evenly over the partially baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes, or until the mango filling is set and the crust is fully cooked. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
- Make the lime glaze and finish: In a small bowl, combine the icing sugar, lime zest, lime juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Add additional lime juice 1/4 teaspoon at a time if the glaze is too thick. Drizzle the lime glaze evenly over the cooled bars. Allow the glaze to set before cutting into 12 squares or 9 larger pieces. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Note 1: 125g butter converts to approximately 1 stick (8 tablespoons) in US measurements.
- Note 2: Use rolled oats for texture; quick oats may alter the consistency.
- Note 3: Use ripe mangoes for the best sweetness and flavor; approximately two large mangoes yield 2 1/2 cups sliced.
- Note 4: Don’t skip the additional white sugar in the mango filling, even if the mangoes are sweet, to balance the tartness and thicken the filling.
- Note 5: Soft icing sugar/powdered sugar is best for smooth glazing; sift to avoid lumps.
- You can substitute superfine sugar with regular granulated sugar if needed.
- Allow bars to cool completely before glazing and cutting for clean slices.
