Name: Mango Bars Lime: A Zesty & Delicious Recipe!
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 12-16 bars
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt; 3-4 tablespoons ice water; 3 large ripe mangoes, peeled and cubed (about 3 cups); ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste depending on mango sweetness); ¼ cup lime juice, freshly squeezed; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; Pinch of salt; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2-3 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed; ½ teaspoon lime zest

Mango Bars with Lime: Prepare to be transported to a tropical paradise with every single bite! Imagine sinking your teeth into a creamy, tangy, and utterly irresistible treat that perfectly balances the sweetness of ripe mangoes with the zesty brightness of fresh lime. These aren't just dessert; they're a vibrant celebration of flavor.

While the exact origins of mango bars with lime are difficult to pinpoint, the combination of mango and lime is deeply rooted in Southeast Asian and Latin American culinary traditions. Mangoes, revered for their luscious sweetness, have been cultivated for thousands of years, while limes, with their refreshing acidity, have long been used to enhance and balance flavors in countless dishes. This harmonious pairing has naturally evolved into a variety of delectable desserts, with these bars being a particularly delightful example.

What makes these mango bars so universally loved? It's the symphony of textures and tastes! The smooth, almost melt-in-your-mouth filling, the subtle crunch of the crust, and the explosion of tropical flavors create an experience that's both comforting and exciting. Plus, they're incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for both experienced bakers and kitchen novices alike. Whether you're looking for a show-stopping dessert for a special occasion or a simple treat to brighten up your day, these mango bars are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience pure sunshine in every square!

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the Mango Filling:

3 large ripe mangoes, peeled and cubed (about 3 cups)
½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste depending on mango sweetness)
¼ cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Pinch of salt

For the Lime Glaze (Optional):

1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
½ teaspoon lime zest

Preparing the Crust:

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. This ensures the salt and sugar are evenly distributed throughout the flour, leading to a more consistent crust.
Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips (work quickly to keep the butter cold!), cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see small pieces of butter throughout – these are what create flaky layers in the crust.
Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. The amount of water needed will vary depending on the humidity and the flour you're using. Stop adding water when the dough just comes together and forms a ball. Be careful not to overmix, as this will develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tough crust.
Form the Dough: Gently flatten the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out. Chilling the dough also helps the butter stay cold, which is crucial for a flaky crust.
Roll Out the Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle slightly larger than your 9x13 inch baking pan.
Transfer to Pan: Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the baking pan. You can do this by gently rolling the dough around your rolling pin and then unrolling it over the pan. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
Pre-bake the Crust: Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. This will help the crust maintain its shape. Bake for 15 minutes.
Remove Weights and Bake Again: Remove the parchment paper and pie weights and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown. This ensures the crust is fully cooked and won't be soggy when you add the filling. Let the crust cool slightly while you prepare the mango filling.

Preparing the Mango Filling:

Prepare the Mangoes: Peel and cube the mangoes. I like to use ripe but firm mangoes for the best texture in the filling. If your mangoes are very ripe, you may need to reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.
Combine Mangoes and Sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine the cubed mangoes and sugar. Stir well to coat the mangoes with the sugar.
Cook the Mangoes: Cook the mango mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mangoes soften and release their juices. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Add Lime Juice and Cornstarch: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and cornstarch until smooth. This prevents the cornstarch from clumping when added to the hot mango mixture.
Thicken the Filling: Pour the lime juice and cornstarch mixture into the saucepan with the mangoes. Stir constantly until the filling thickens and becomes glossy. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
Add Butter and Salt: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter and salt. The butter adds richness and shine to the filling, while the salt enhances the sweetness of the mangoes.

Assembling and Baking:

Pour Filling into Crust: Pour the mango filling into the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.
Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. The filling should be slightly jiggly but not liquidy.
Cool Completely: Let the mango bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This is important because the filling will continue to set as it cools. I recommend refrigerating the bars for at least 2 hours before cutting for the best results.

Preparing the Lime Glaze (Optional):

Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lime juice, and lime zest until smooth. Add more lime juice if needed to reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to drizzle but thin enough to spread easily.
Drizzle over Bars: Once the mango bars are completely cooled and cut into squares, drizzle the lime glaze over the top.
Let Glaze Set: Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. This will prevent the glaze from being sticky.

Tips for Success:

Use Ripe Mangoes: The flavor of the mango bars will depend heavily on the quality of the mangoes you use. Choose ripe, fragrant mangoes for the best results.
Don't Overmix the Crust: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten and result in a tough crust. Mix only until the dough just comes together.
Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for a flaky crust. Don't skip this step!
Adjust Sugar to Taste: The amount of sugar needed in the filling will depend on the sweetness of your mangoes. Taste the filling and adjust the sugar accordingly.
Cool Completely: Let the mango bars cool completely before cutting into squares. This will prevent the filling from being runny.
Storage: Store leftover mango bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Variations:

Add Coconut: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the crust or the filling for a tropical twist.
Use Different Citrus: Substitute lemon juice for lime juice in the filling and glaze.
Add Spices: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the filling for a warm, spicy flavor.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in the crust.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Mango Lime Bars are truly a slice of sunshine on a plate, and I wholeheartedly believe they deserve a spot in your baking repertoire. Why? Because they're incredibly easy to make, bursting with vibrant tropical flavors, and offer a delightful balance of sweet and tangy that's simply irresistible. Forget those overly complicated desserts that require hours in the kitchen – these bars come together quickly and effortlessly, making them perfect for both experienced bakers and those just starting out. But the real magic lies in the taste. The creamy sweetness of ripe mangoes perfectly complements the zesty brightness of fresh lime, creating a flavor explosion that will transport you to a tropical paradise with every bite. The buttery, crumbly crust adds a satisfying textural contrast, making these bars a truly complete and satisfying treat. They're not just delicious; they're also visually stunning, with their vibrant yellow hue and smooth, glossy surface. Imagine presenting these beauties at your next gathering – they're guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser! Beyond their inherent deliciousness, these Mango Lime Bars are incredibly versatile. Serve them chilled straight from the refrigerator for a refreshing summer dessert, or warm them slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent experience. For a truly decadent treat, drizzle them with a white chocolate ganache or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. Feeling adventurous? Try adding a pinch of chili powder to the crust for a subtle kick of heat that complements the sweetness of the mango. You could even experiment with different types of mangoes to create unique flavor profiles – Alphonso mangoes for an intensely sweet and floral flavor, or Ataulfo mangoes for a slightly tangy and buttery taste. And don't limit yourself to just bars! This recipe can easily be adapted to make a mango lime pie or even individual mango lime tarts. Simply adjust the baking time accordingly and get creative with your presentation. The possibilities are endless! I'm so confident that you'll love these Mango Lime Bars that I urge you to give them a try. They're the perfect treat for any occasion, from casual weeknight desserts to elegant dinner parties. Plus, they're a fantastic way to use up those ripe mangoes that are sitting on your counter. Once you've made them, I'd absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? Did you serve them with anything special? Share your photos and stories in the comments below – I can't wait to see your creations! Baking is all about sharing and connecting, and I'm excited to be a part of your culinary journey. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible Mango Lime Bars. You won't regret it! Happy baking!