If you’re looking for a dessert that absolutely sings with tropical flavor and a bright zing, these Mango Bars with Lime Glaze are about to become your new obsession. Imagine the creamiest, sunniest mango filling sitting on a buttery shortbread crust, then finished with a tangy lime glaze that sparkles in your mouth. They’re the kind of bars you bring to potlucks or picnics (and then watch disappear in minutes). This recipe is that perfect mix of easy and dazzling, so whether you’re a die-hard mango fan or just want to shake up your dessert routine, you’re going to fall for Mango Bars with Lime Glaze — I just know it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Mango Bars with Lime Glaze lies in how just a handful of simple, vibrant ingredients can create something extraordinary. Each one has its place — from crafting the tender crust to infusing each bite with sweet mango and zesty lime. Here’s how everything comes together for pure dessert perfection.
- All-purpose flour (crust & filling): Gives structure to both the snappy crust and the luscious filling, keeping each bar sturdy and satisfying.
- Powdered sugar (crust & glaze): Sweetens the shortbread base and creates a delightfully smooth and tangy glaze on top.
- Unsalted butter (cold, cubed): Essential for that melt-in-your-mouth crust — keep it cold for maximum flakiness!
- Pinch of salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and add depth to both crust and filling.
- Fresh mango purée: The real star! Use ripe, juicy mangos for a filling that’s silky, sweet, and bursting with sunny flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Enhances the natural mango sweetness without overwhelming it.
- Large eggs: These bind the filling for a custardy texture that sets beautifully as it bakes.
- Fresh lime juice: A punch of tangy citrus that brightens every layer, especially that irresistible glaze.
- Lime zest: Delivers extra lime essence and a pop of vibrant green throughout the bars.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and pull-it-all-together aroma to the tropical filling.
How to Make Mango Bars with Lime Glaze
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (that’s 175°C for my metric friends) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This little step ensures that your Mango Bars with Lime Glaze lift out easily later — no sticking, no crumbling, just perfectly neat squares. Leave a bit of an overhang with the paper so you can pull the bars out clean in one go!
Step 2: Make the Buttery Shortbread Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add in those cold, cubed pieces of butter, and use a pastry cutter or even just your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse, sandy crumbs. This is the secret to that tender, melt-in-your-mouth crust. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan — really pack it in! Bake for about 15 minutes, just until lightly golden. The short initial bake sets the foundation for what’s coming next.
Step 3: Whip Up the Mango-Lime Filling
While your crust gets toasty, grab a new bowl and whisk together the mango purée, granulated sugar, flour, eggs, fresh lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is velvety smooth and sunshine-yellow (if you want an ultra-silky filling, strain your mango purée first for extra finesse). Now, pour this mango goodness straight over your warm crust so it soaks up the flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the pan back in the oven and bake for another 22–25 minutes. What you’re looking for is a set center that no longer jiggles when you gently shake the pan. Let the Mango Bars with Lime Glaze cool completely before moving on — this is hard, but so worth it! The filling needs time to firm up, and the flavors bloom as everything chills.
Step 5: Glaze, Chill, and Slice
For the crowning touch, whisk together the remaining powdered sugar with 1 to 2 teaspoons of fresh lime juice. The goal is a thick but pourable glaze that’s smooth as silk. Drizzle generously over your (fully cooled!) bars. Now pop the pan in the fridge for at least an hour — this chilling step makes slicing clean squares a breeze and intensifies every citrusy, tropical note.
How to Serve Mango Bars with Lime Glaze
Garnishes
A beautiful drizzle of lime glaze is just the start! Add a few extra pinches of fresh lime zest across the top for color and fresh fragrance. Fans of extra flair can sprinkle shredded coconut or arrange a few thin slices of fresh mango or lime. Every garnish makes Mango Bars with Lime Glaze even more eye-catching and irresistible on any dessert table.
Side Dishes
For a light and refreshing pairing, serve your Mango Bars with Lime Glaze alongside a scoop of coconut sorbet or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. If you’re making a full dessert platter, fresh tropical fruits like kiwi, pineapple, or sliced strawberries add a gorgeous, colorful balance for a crowd-pleasing summer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Mango Bars with Lime Glaze shine in almost any setting. Cut them into bite-size squares and tuck them into mini cupcake liners for a picnic-ready treat. Or, for special occasions, stack them on a tiered dessert stand, alternating with lemon and berry bars for a rainbow effect. Tuck a sprig of mint into each bar for a pretty, party-worthy touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Mango Bars with Lime Glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator; they’ll stay fresh for up to three days. The chill actually makes them even tastier as the flavors settle and intensify. Layer with a sheet of parchment between bars if stacking, to keep the glaze pristine.
Freezing
If you need to plan further ahead, these bars freeze beautifully. Once fully chilled and sliced, arrange Mango Bars with Lime Glaze in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
For that just-baked taste, you can take the chill off bars with a quick 10–15 seconds in the microwave, though they’re honestly delicious straight from the fridge. If you prefer them warm and gooey, give individual bars a gentle reheat — just don’t overdo it, or the glaze will melt.
FAQs
Can I use frozen mango instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Thaw the mango completely, then blend and strain for a silky purée. The flavor will still be amazing, especially if the frozen fruit is nice and ripe.
How do I know when the bars are set and finished baking?
You’ll know Mango Bars with Lime Glaze are ready when the filling no longer jiggles in the pan and looks matte across the top, usually after 22–25 minutes. A slight golden color at the edges is perfect.
What’s the easiest way to get neat, clean slices?
Chill the bars thoroughly before cutting, and use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices. The parchment paper overhang helps lift out the slab in one go!
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Definitely! For a party-sized batch, double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking pan. Watch the baking times, though — you may need a few extra minutes.
Is it possible to make these Mango Bars with Lime Glaze gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in both the crust and filling. The results are just as delicious and everyone can enjoy this tropical treat.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re rolling into summer or just dreaming of the tropics, Mango Bars with Lime Glaze will brighten your day with every bite. These are the kinds of treats that win friends, spark happy memories, and impress wherever you share them. Go ahead, give them a try — your taste buds are in for a vacation!
Print
Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the tropical flavors of these delicious Mango Bars with a zesty Lime Glaze. These bars are the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
- pinch of salt
For the filling:
- 1 cup fresh mango purée (from about 2 ripe mangos)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the crust: Combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into the pan and bake for 15 minutes.
- Make the filling: Whisk together mango purée, sugar, flour, eggs, lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla. Pour over crust and bake for 22–25 minutes.
- Prepare the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and lime juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bars.
- Chill and serve: Chill bars for at least 1 hour before slicing into squares.
Notes
- For a smoother filling, strain the mango purée before mixing.
- These bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Use very ripe mangos for the sweetest flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
