Name: Mango Bars with Raspberry Swirl Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 5 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1¾ cups all-purpose flour (210 grams); 7 tablespoons powdered sugar (56 grams); ¼ teaspoon salt; 10 tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces (140 grams); 1 egg yolk; 2 teaspoons heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2½ teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder (7 grams); ¼ cup cold water; 12 tablespoons softened butter; 1½ cups granulated sugar; 10 egg yolks; 1 cup mango puree (store bought or homemade); ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; ½ cup raspberry jam

Jump to Recipe·4 from 6 reviews

Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that brings tropical sunshine and a burst of berry goodness to your palate! This Mango Bars with Raspberry Swirl Recipe combines a buttery shortbread crust, velvety mango curd that sets perfectly, and a lively raspberry jam swirl that brightens every bite. It’s the ideal treat when you want something that’s both stunning in presentation and absolutely irresistible in flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or simply treating yourself, these bars are sure to make your day sweeter and brighter.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of several ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface, including a rectangular white plate at the top holding a large stick of yellow butter and a smaller piece beside it, a half yellow lemon placed to the right, a small white bowl with white granulated powder above the center, a transparent glass container with a thick orange liquid to the left, a small clear glass bowl with white salt below the center, a white bowl at the bottom left filled with seven bright orange egg yolks, and a white bowl at the bottom right containing a thick, dark purple-red berry jam with visible seeds and a shiny texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly in this Mango Bars with Raspberry Swirl Recipe, each adding a unique texture, flavor, or color that transforms these bars into a masterpiece. The buttery crust lays the perfect foundation, the mango curd provides creamy tropical sweetness, and the raspberry jam brings a tangy contrast that balances everything beautifully.

All-purpose flour (1¾ cups): Creates the sturdy yet tender base of the shortbread crust.
Powdered sugar (7 tablespoons): Adds delicate sweetness to the crust without graininess.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all flavors and balances the sweetness.
Butter, cold (10 tablespoons): Provides richness and crumbliness to the shortbread.
Egg yolk (1): Binds the crust together for flawless texture.
Heavy cream (2 teaspoons): Adds moisture for a tender bite in the crust.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses warm, comforting notes into the crust.
Unflavored gelatin powder (2½ teaspoons): Essential for setting the mango curd perfectly.
Cold water (¼ cup): Used for blooming the gelatin efficiently.
Butter, softened (12 tablespoons): Gives the mango curd its luscious creaminess.
Granulated sugar (1½ cups): Sweetens the mango curd while aiding in thickening.
Egg yolks (10): Create a rich custard base for the mango curd.
Mango puree (1 cup): Provides vibrant tropical flavor and bright yellow color.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the mango’s natural sweetness.
Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Adds a zesty brightness that lifts the mango curd.
Raspberry jam (½ cup): Brings a tart and fruity swirl that contrasts the sweet mango.

How to Make Mango Bars with Raspberry Swirl Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper; this will help you lift the bars out easily later. Pulse together your dry ingredients—flour, powdered sugar, and salt—in a food processor until combined, then add cold butter and pulse until the mixture looks like fine sand. Mix in egg yolk, heavy cream, and vanilla just until crumbly. Press this dough evenly into your pan, prick it with a fork, then freeze it for half an hour to keep its shape during baking.

Step 2: Blind Bake the Crust

Cover your crust with foil sprayed lightly with nonstick spray and add pie weights to prevent puffing. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and foil to bake for an additional 20 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden hue. Let it cool completely while you prepare the luscious mango curd that will soon transform your bars.

Step 3: Bloom the Gelatin

Sprinkle gelatin over cold water and allow it to bloom undisturbed. This step is crucial for ensuring your mango curd will set beautifully without any unwanted lumps.

Step 4: Make the Mango Curd

Set up a double boiler and, in the heatproof bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until just mixed. Add egg yolks followed by mango puree, salt, and lemon juice, continuing to beat until smooth. Stir the mixture gently over simmering water, watching patiently as it thickens to coat the back of a spoon—this can take 15 to 25 minutes. Microwave the gelatin briefly until syrupy, then stir it into the hot mango curd to ensure a smooth, settable filling.

Step 5: Strain and Assemble

To achieve a perfectly silky curd, pour the mango mixture through a fine-mesh strainer, catching any solids. Spread this luscious curd evenly over your cooled crust. Warm the raspberry jam slightly, then drop spoonfuls onto the mango layer and swirl with a knife tip for a stunning marbled effect that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait, until the curd is completely set and the bars are firm enough to cut cleanly.

How to Serve Mango Bars with Raspberry Swirl Recipe

The image shows a square dessert piece with two clear layers on a white square plate. The bottom layer is light beige and has a rough texture like a soft cookie or crust. The top layer is thick and smooth with a bright yellow color, swirled with thin lines of reddish-brown sauce that creates a decorative pattern on the surface. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, with a silver fork placed to the right side behind the dessert and a white cloth with fringed edges in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These bars are showstoppers on their own, but a few fresh raspberries, thin mango slices, or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes on top can add an extra pop of color and texture. A light dusting of powdered sugar also gives a lovely finishing touch that invites you in for the first bite.

Side Dishes

Pair these Mango Bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an indulgent treat. A lightly brewed mint tea or a sparkling citrus-infused water also complements the tropical and tart notes beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, arrange the bars on a pretty platter lined with banana leaves or bright napkins to echo the tropical feel. You could also cut them into bite-sized squares for a delightful dessert platter alongside other fruit-based treats and bite-sized pastries, making them perfect for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Mango Bars with Raspberry Swirl Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep their fresh, bright flavor and smooth texture for up to 4 days, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy weeks.

Freezing

These bars freeze well! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy a tropical treat anytime the craving strikes.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy from frozen, simply thaw the bars overnight in the fridge. Because they are best served chilled, there’s no need for reheating. If you want the crust to regain some crispness, let the bars come to room temperature briefly before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh mango instead of mango puree?

Absolutely! You can make your own mango puree by blending fresh, ripe mango chunks until smooth. This adds a lovely natural sweetness and freshness to the curd. Just be sure to strain the puree for that silky texture in your Mango Bars with Raspberry Swirl Recipe.

What if I don’t have gelatin? Can I substitute it?

Gelatin is key to achieving that firm, custardy set in the mango curd. If you prefer a vegetarian option, agar-agar powder can be used, but the setting times and textures may differ slightly. Experiment with small batches to get the perfect consistency.

How important is it to use cold butter in the crust?

Using cold butter helps create a tender, flaky shortbread crust by preventing the dough from becoming greasy too quickly. It’s an essential step to get that satisfying crumb and buttery flavor in the base of your bars.

Can I prepare the crust a day ahead?

Yes! You can make and bake the shortbread crust a day in advance. Keep it wrapped tightly or stored in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to add the mango curd and raspberry swirl. This makes prep much more manageable.

Why swirl raspberry jam instead of mixing it into the mango curd?

Swirling the raspberry jam creates beautiful marbled patterns that are visually stunning and offer bursts of tart fruitiness in every bite. Mixing it fully in would dilute that contrast both in flavor and appearance, so the swirl is a crucial part of the magic in this Mango Bars with Raspberry Swirl Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Mango Bars with Raspberry Swirl Recipe is a tropical dream come true, melding buttery, creamy, and bright tart flavors all in one elegant dessert. It’s a joy to make and even more joyful to share. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch these bars become a favored staple in your dessert collection. Happy baking and even happier tasting!