Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze

Introduction

Coconut mango bars with lime glaze are a delicious treat that combines tropical flavors in one delightful dessert. These bars are chewy, fruity, and topped with a zesty lime glaze that adds a wonderful burst of flavor. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a sunny afternoon snack or a sweet ending to a meal.

Why Make This Recipe

Making coconut mango bars is easy and rewarding. They require simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, these bars are not only tasty but also visually appealing. The bright mango slices and glossy lime glaze create an eye-catching dessert that will impress your family and friends. Not to mention, the tropical flavors transport you to a blissful beach vacation with every bite!

How to Make Coconut Mango Bars

Ingredients:

125g / 1 stick unsalted butter
½ cup caster/superfine white sugar (regular/granulated also ok)
1 large egg
1 ½ cups flour (plain / all-purpose)
1 cup oats
¾ cup desiccated or finely shredded coconut (unsweetened, not flakes)
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (or 1/8 tsp table salt)
2 ½ cups (400 g) mango slices (5mm/0.2" thin, about 2 large-ish mangoes)
1 ½ tsp cornflour / cornstarch
2 tbsp white sugar (don’t skip this, even if mangoes are sweet)
¾ cup soft icing sugar / powdered sugar
1 tsp lime zest
3 tsp lime juice (plus more as needed, ¼ tsp at a time)
¼ tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F (160°C fan-forced). Grease and line a 20cm / 8" pan with baking paper so you can easily lift the bars out later.
Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stove. Cut the butter into small chunks to melt it faster.
Add the sugar to the melted butter and mix well with a wooden spoon. Stir in the egg and mix until smooth. Then, add all the remaining ingredients and combine until no flour is visible.
Measure out 1 ¾ cups of the mixture for the base and press it evenly into the lined pan using your hands.
For the mango filling, place the mango slices in a bowl. Sprinkle with cornflour and sugar, then gently toss until the mango is evenly coated.
Spread the mango over the base, then crumble the remaining mixture on top, leaving some mango peeking through.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden.
Let it cool in the pan for about 2 hours before lifting it out. Chill it in the fridge to speed up the cooling process if needed.
For the lime glaze, mix icing sugar, lime juice, and zest in a bowl. Adjust the lime juice until you have a honey-like consistency. Drizzle it on top of the cooled bars and let it sit for 10 minutes to set.
Cut the bars into squares and enjoy!

How to Serve Coconut Mango Bars

Serve coconut mango bars chilled or at room temperature. They make a great addition to a dessert table or as a sweet snack. Consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

How to Store Coconut Mango Bars

Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just make sure to wrap them well.

Tips to Make Coconut Mango Bars

Choose ripe mangoes for the best sweetness and flavor.
Make sure to use desiccated coconut rather than coconut flakes, as flakes are too big for this recipe.
Adjust the amount of lime juice in the glaze based on your taste preference.

Variations

Try adding nuts or chocolate chips to the base mixture for added texture and flavor. You can also swap the mango for other fruits like peaches or berries.

FAQs

1. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour and oats to make this recipe gluten-free.

2. What if I can’t find ripe mangoes?
You can use canned or frozen mango slices as a substitute. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid.

3. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The top should be light golden brown when they are ready to come out of the oven. A toothpick should also come out clean when inserted in the center.