Description
These delicious Mango Bars offer a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a sweet and tangy fresh mango filling amplified by mango preserves. Easy to make and perfect for a summery dessert or snack, they combine the tropical flavor of mango with a tender, golden-baked crust for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, diced
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling:
- 3 cups fresh mango, diced finely
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup mango preserves (mixed mango flavor also acceptable)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make crust mixture: In a food processor, combine diced butter, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pulse until the mixture achieves a pea-sized crumbly texture.
- Form crust base and bake: Press about three-quarters of the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the crust is just beginning to brown slightly.
- Prepare mango filling: In a bowl, mix together fresh mango pieces, cornstarch, sugar, lemon juice, and mango preserves until well combined and evenly distributed.
- Assemble bars: Spread the mango filling evenly over the pre-baked crust in the pan.
- Crumble remaining crust: Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture over the mango filling, covering it in a crumbly topping.
- Bake bars completely: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and set.
- Cool and serve: Allow the mango bars to cool completely before cutting into squares for serving to ensure clean slices and better flavor consolidation.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm mangoes for best texture and flavor.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the pan to avoid a crumbly base.
- The bars should be completely cooled before slicing to maintain shape.
- You can substitute mango preserves with mixed mango flavor preserves if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
