If you adore vibrant, tropical flavors wrapped up in a crisp, buttery treat, then you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe. These bars perfectly balance the rich nuttiness of coconut and the sweet, juicy brightness of mango, all topped with a tangy lime glaze that brings everything to life. The texture is incredible too — a crunchy base with a tender, fruity filling and a glossy finish. They feel like sunshine on a plate, making them a go-to for any occasion where you want to impress without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential — each one adds a special touch, ensuring perfect flavor, texture, and color in every bite of the Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe. From the buttery crust to the fresh mango filling and the zesty lime topping, every element comes alive.
- Unsalted butter (125g / 1 stick): Provides richness and helps create that crumbly, golden crust you’ll adore.
- Caster/superfine white sugar (1/2 cup): Adds just the right sweetness to balance the tart lime and tropical fruits.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything beautifully without overpowering the bars.
- Plain/all-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation for the base, giving structure and a tender crumb.
- Oats (1 cup): Bring a rustic bite and subtle nuttiness that pairs perfectly with coconut.
- Desiccated or finely shredded unsweetened coconut (3/4 cup): Adds tropical flavor and chewy texture, making these bars stand out.
- Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Helps the crust rise just enough for an inviting lightness.
- Cooking salt/kosher salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances all the flavors, ensuring none get lost in the mix.
- Mango slices (2 1/2 cups / 400g): Fresh, thinly sliced mango is the star fruit of this recipe, delivering juicy sweetness.
- Cornflour/cornstarch (1 1/2 tsp): Thickens the mango filling so it stays perfectly set.
- White sugar (2 tbsp): Macerates the mango, intensifying its natural sweetness.
- Soft icing/powdered sugar (3/4 cup): Used for the lime glaze, adding sweetness without graininess.
- Lime zest (1 tsp): Infuses the glaze with fresh citrus aroma, brightening every bite.
- Lime juice (3 tsp plus more as needed): Gives the glaze its delightful tang and helps achieve the perfect drizzle consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1/4 tsp): Subtly enhances the overall flavor, adding depth and warmth.
How to Make Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Set your oven to 180°C/350°F, or 160°C for fan-forced ovens. Grease a 20cm (8-inch) square pan thoughtfully, then line it with baking paper, making sure there’s an overhang for easy removal later. This prep step ensures your bars come out perfectly without sticking.
Step 2: Make the Base and Crumble Mixture
Cut the butter into small chunks and gently melt it in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stove. Then mix in the caster sugar until smooth. Add the egg and stir well to combine. Next, fold in the flour, oats, desiccated coconut, baking powder, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly until no dry flour remains — this mixture forms both the base and the topping crumble, so you’ll be dividing it soon.
Step 3: Assemble the Base Layer
Measure out about 1 3/4 cups of your mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the prepared pan using your hands. This becomes your wonderfully sturdy and buttery crust that will hold all the juicy mango goodness.
Step 4: Prepare the Mango Filling
Just before layering, toss your thin mango slices in a bowl with the white sugar and cornflour. Use your hands to gently coat the mango evenly — this step helps the filling set as it bakes and ensures the mango sweetens while keeping a nice, jammy texture.
Step 5: Layer and Crumble
Spread the mango mixture evenly over the pressed base. Then crumble the remaining oat and coconut mixture on top, allowing some of the mango to peek through the topping. This creates the perfect blend of textures — soft fruitiness with crispy bits.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your tray in the oven for 30 minutes, baking until the topping is light golden and irresistibly tempting. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is simply unbeatable!
Step 7: Cool Before Glazing
Once out of the oven, cool the bars completely in the pan for about two hours. To speed up, you can do 30 minutes on the counter followed by 30 minutes in the fridge. Cooling is key so your bars slice perfectly without crumbling.
Step 8: Make and Drizzle the Lime Glaze
Whisk together the soft icing sugar, lime zest, lime juice, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Add the lime juice 1/4 teaspoon at a time until the glaze reaches a smooth, honey-like consistency perfect for drizzling. Pour it artistically over the cooled bars and let it set for 10 minutes to form a beautiful, tangy crust.
Step 9: Cut and Enjoy
Cut into 12 squares for a sensible treat or 9 if you’re feeling generous with indulgence. Now, savor every bite of your homemade Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe masterpiece!
How to Serve Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten the bars with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or a few fresh lime zest curls for extra showmanship. A small mint leaf on each square creates a charming contrast and boosts the tropical vibe.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to mellow the tang while highlighting the tropical fruit’s freshness. For an afternoon tea, a crisp green tea or a chilled glass of sparkling water with lime slices complements the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the bars on a vibrant, tropical-themed platter or wooden board for a beachy feel. You can also layer smaller squares in glass jars with layers of coconut cream or yogurt for an elegant, layered dessert twist that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator where they will last up to five days without losing that wonderful texture and flavor.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture before serving.
Reheating
If you prefer warm bars, reheat them gently in a preheated oven at 160°C/320°F for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, so the base stays crisp and the topping remains delightfully crumbly without becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen mango for this recipe?
Fresh mango slices give the best texture and flavor, but if you’re using frozen mango, make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid thoroughly to prevent the bars from becoming too soggy.
Is it possible to substitute the oats?
Yes, but oats add essential texture and nutty flavor. If you must, you can swap them for finely chopped nuts or additional coconut, but the final result will differ slightly in bite.
Can I make the lime glaze dairy-free?
Absolutely! This glaze is naturally dairy-free since it uses icing sugar and lime juice only. Just ensure your powdered sugar is free of any added milk powder or anti-caking agents that contain dairy.
How ripe should the mangoes be?
Choose mangoes that are ripe but firm to keep the slices intact during baking and provide the best balance of sweetness and tartness for the filling.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, doubling the recipe works well. Just use a larger pan or bake in multiple batches, making sure to maintain the same thickness for even baking.
Final Thoughts
There is something profoundly satisfying about making and sharing this Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe. It’s fresh, vibrant, and wonderfully textured — a little tropical escape you can create in your own kitchen. Whether for a special occasion or a casual treat, these bars will quickly become a cherished favorite, so don’t wait to try them out and bring a burst of sunshine into your day!
Print
Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion/Tropical
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze are a delightful tropical treat combining a buttery oat and coconut crust with a fresh mango filling, finished off with a zesty lime glaze. Perfect for a light dessert or snack, they offer a balance of sweet, tangy, and rich flavors with a pleasing texture from the oats and coconut.
Ingredients
Base & Crust
- 125g (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup caster/superfine white sugar (or 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
- 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 thin (from 2 large 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, approximately 1/4 tsp at a time)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (320°F) fan-forced. Grease and line a 20cm (8″) baking pan with parchment paper with overhang for easy removal.
- Melt butter: Cut butter into roughly 1.25cm (1/2″) pieces and melt in a microwave-safe bowl or in a saucepan on the stove until fully melted and warm.
- Mix crust base: Stir the caster sugar into the melted butter using a wooden spoon. Add the egg and mix until smooth. Add flour, oats, coconut, baking powder, and salt, stirring until flour is fully incorporated and mixture is even.
- Form base: Measure out 1 3/4 cups of this mixture and press it evenly and firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan using your hands. Set the remaining mixture aside for topping.
- Prepare mango filling: Just before assembling, place mango slices in a bowl. Sprinkle with white sugar and cornflour, then gently toss with your hands until mango slices are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Assemble bars: Evenly spread the mango filling over the baked base layer. Crumble the remaining crust mixture evenly over the mango, leaving some mango visible through the topping.
- Bake: Place the assembled dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the topping is light golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan for about 2 hours to set. To speed up cooling, leave 30 minutes at room temperature and then place in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Make lime glaze: In a medium bowl, combine icing sugar, lime zest, lime juice, and vanilla extract. Stir well and add extra lime juice by 1/4 tsp increments as needed until the glaze achieves a honey-like consistency.
- Glaze and serve: Drizzle the lime glaze randomly over the cooled bars. Allow the glaze to set for 10 minutes to form a light crust. Cut into 12 squares for a sensible serving size, or 9 for larger pieces. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use superfine (caster) sugar for a smoother texture, but regular granulated sugar is acceptable.
- Desiccated or finely shredded coconut is preferred for texture; coconut flakes are too large.
- Choose ripe but firm mangoes for best slicing and texture in the filling.
- Don’t skip the sugar in the mango filling even if mangoes are very sweet; it helps maintain structure and balance flavor.
- Sift powdered icing sugar if lumpy before making the lime glaze for smoothness.
- Butter can be melted either in the microwave or on the stove; ensure it’s not too hot before mixing with egg to avoid curdling.
