Tropical Mango Bars with Coconut Oatmeal Shortbread Crust : A Heavenly Dessert

Imagine biting into a buttery shortbread crust with hints of coconut and oats, topped with a silky-smooth mango filling that tastes like sunshine. These Mango Bars with Coconut Oatmeal Shortbread Crust are the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and tropical. Whether you’re looking for a fresh summer treat, a unique holiday dessert, or a fun baking project, this mango bar recipe is a winner.

Baking with mango not only brings a burst of exotic flavor but also offers natural sweetness and a creamy texture. That makes these bars a standout compared to traditional lemon or key lime bars. Plus, they’re simple to prepare, adaptable to dietary needs, and perfect for anyone who loves healthy mango desserts or tropical-inspired sweets.

Looking for another tropical delight? Try these Strawberry Cloud Cake for a light and airy finish to your meal.

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Why This Mango Bars Recipe is Irresistible

If you’ve ever had lemon bars, mango bars feel like their tropical cousin. The flavor is bright and refreshing, while the crust adds a wholesome twist with oats and coconut. Here’s why you’ll love them:

• Rich and tropical flavor: Fresh mango puree gives these bars an exotic twist.
• Texture perfection: Buttery crust plus creamy filling equals irresistible.
• Easy preparation: No complicated techniques, just straightforward baking.
• Great for gatherings: A crowd-pleaser for picnics, brunches, or potlucks.
• Adaptable: Make them lighter, gluten-free, or even turn them into a mango fudge recipe.

For a fruity dessert with a cozy feel, you might also enjoy this Apple Crisp Recipe.

Ingredients for Mango Bars with Coconut Oatmeal Shortbread Crust

The best part about these mango bars is that the ingredients are simple and easy to find.

For the Coconut Oatmeal Shortbread Crust

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (substitute oat flour for a healthier twist)
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened preferred)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• Pinch of salt

For the Mango Filling

• 1 cup mango puree (from fresh, frozen, or canned mango)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on mango sweetness)
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (balances sweetness)
• 1/4 cup flour (helps filling set)
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)

Garnish (Optional)

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Toasted coconut flakes
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

If fresh mangoes aren’t available, don’t worry — recipes with mango puree work beautifully with frozen or canned versions too.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

These bars don’t require any fancy equipment, just basic baking tools:

• 8×8-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Food processor or blender (for mango puree)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Pro tip: Use parchment paper with overhanging sides to lift the bars easily after baking.

How to Make Mango Bars Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Make the coconut oatmeal shortbread crust
In a bowl, mix flour, oats, coconut, melted butter, brown sugar, and salt until crumbly. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 3: Prepare the mango filling
While the crust bakes, whisk together mango puree, sugar, eggs, lemon juice, flour, and lemon zest until smooth. The mixture should be pourable but slightly thickened.

Step 4: Bake the bars
Pour the mango filling over the hot crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the center is set and doesn’t jiggle.

Step 5: Cool completely
Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the filling firm up for clean cuts.

Step 6: Garnish and serve
Dust with powdered sugar, sprinkle with toasted coconut, or serve with whipped cream. Slice into squares or bars and enjoy!

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Tips for Perfect Mango Dessert Bars

• Use ripe mangoes for the sweetest and most flavorful puree.
• Blend until smooth to avoid fibrous chunks in the filling.
• Bake the crust first to keep it crisp.
• Chill before slicing for sharp, bakery-style cuts.
• Adjust sugar depending on the natural sweetness of your mangoes.

If you love creamy baked treats, check out this Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Chicken for a savory dinner to complement dessert.

Coconut Mango Dessert Variations

These bars are versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste:

• Mango Lemon Bars Recipe: Increase the lemon juice for a tangy citrus flavor.
• Mango Cheesecake Bars: Swirl cream cheese into the mango filling.
• Mango Fudge Recipe: Add condensed milk and white chocolate for a fudge-like version.
• Passionfruit Mango Bars: Mix passionfruit pulp into the filling for a tropical upgrade.
• Gluten-Free Mango Bars: Use oat flour or almond flour for the crust.

Serving Ideas for Mango Bars

These bars are a tropical delight on their own, but here are some fun ways to serve them:

• With a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Sprinkled with toasted coconut flakes.
• Paired with tropical drinks like Cucumber Mint Agua Fresca.
• On a dessert platter alongside Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies.

Healthy Mango Dessert Swaps

If you want a lighter version of these bars, try:

• Using oat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Substituting coconut sugar or honey for granulated sugar.
• Making the crust with coconut oil instead of butter.
• Reducing sugar in the filling if your mangoes are very sweet.

For another wholesome treat, check out these Pumpkin Protein Muffins.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Mango Bars

• Overbaking: The filling should be set but still slightly soft.
• Not cooling fully: Cutting too soon makes messy bars.
• Watery puree: Drain excess liquid from frozen mangoes before blending.
• Crumbly crust: Press firmly into the pan before baking.

How to Store and Freeze Mango Dessert Bars

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thawing: Place in the fridge overnight before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Mango Bar Recipes

Can I use frozen mango puree?
Yes! Just thaw and drain excess liquid before using.

How do I know when they’re set?
The center should be firm and not jiggle when gently shaken.

Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely. They taste even better after chilling overnight.

Can I swap lemon for lime?
Yes, lime pairs beautifully with mango.

Baking with Mango: More Easy Recipes to Try

If you enjoy mango easy recipes, here are a few ideas:

• Mango smoothies with yogurt and honey
• Mango chia pudding for a healthy breakfast
• Mango salsa with fish or chicken
• Frozen mango popsicles for summer

And for another comforting baked option, try Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl.

More Coconut and Fruit Desserts You’ll Love

If you adore fruity desserts, don’t miss these favorites:

• Apple Crisp Recipe
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
• No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Balls
• Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

Final Thoughts on Mango Bars

These Mango Bars with Coconut Oatmeal Shortbread Crust are sunshine in dessert form. With their tropical flavor, creamy filling, and crunchy crust, they’re perfect for any season. From brunch to birthdays, these bars will always stand out on the table.

If you try this recipe, share it with your family and friends, leave a comment below, and subscribe for more recipes with mango puree and other delicious ideas.

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