Let me introduce you to a sunshine-infused treat that feels like a tropical vacation with every bite: Mango Bars with Lime Glaze. Imagine a soft, buttery crust supporting a luscious mango-lime filling, all topped off with the tangiest, most tempting lime glaze you’ve ever tasted. These bars are the ultimate sweet reward for summer gatherings, rainy afternoons, or any day that could use a little bit of extra bright flavor. If you love desserts that sing with fruity freshness and have a little citrus zip, Mango Bars with Lime Glaze are about to become your new favorite.

Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Mango Bars with Lime Glaze comes down to a handful of simple ingredients—each one plays a starring role in building the dreamy combination of tender crust, velvety mango filling, and vibrant glaze. Gather these pantry staples and tropical touches for a show-stopping dessert.

All-purpose flour: This forms the backbone of both the crust and the filling, ensuring structure and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the crust and filling, highlighting the natural flavors of mango and lime.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter brings richness and helps create that perfect tender base.
Salt: Just a pinch in both crust and filling magnifies all the other flavors.
Ripe mangos: The pureed mangos are your ticket to a juicy, golden, and ultra-fruity filling.
Large eggs: Give the filling body and silkiness, holding all that juicy goodness together.
Lime juice: Brings energetic tang and brightness—fresh is best!
Lime zest: Adds an aromatic citrus punch for deeply layered flavor.
Powdered sugar: The foundation for the lime glaze, ensuring a smooth, melt-away finish on top.

How to Make Mango Bars with Lime Glaze

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Gather Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and either lightly grease it or line it with parchment paper. This little step makes it much easier to remove your bars later—no sticking, no crumbling, just perfect squares. Set out all your measured ingredients; prepping everything ahead keeps the baking process smooth and fun.

Step 2: Create the Buttery Crust

In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, softened unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt. Use your fingers, a fork, or a pastry cutter to blend until it’s crumbly but holds together when pressed. Scatter this mixture evenly into your prepared pan, then press firmly with your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup for a flat, even layer. Slide it into the oven and bake for 15 minutes, just until it’s lightly golden around the edges.

Step 3: Whip Up the Tangy Mango-Lime Filling

While the crust is baking, it’s time to make the star of the show: the mango-lime filling. Peel and puree ripe mangos until you have about one cup of silky puree. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mango puree, eggs, sugar, lime juice, lime zest, flour, and salt until the mixture is perfectly smooth. Don’t skip the zest—it adds an aromatic lift and beautiful flecks of green!

Step 4: Bake Until Just Set

Once your crust is out of the oven, pour the mango-lime filling right over the hot crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes. What you’re looking for is a filling that’s just set in the center and has a little wiggle, kind of like a lemon bar. Be patient and let the bars cool completely—this step ensures clean cuts and intensifies the flavors.

Step 5: Drizzle on the Lime Glaze

As the bars cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, lime juice, and lime zest until silky and smooth. When your bars are cooled to room temperature, drizzle that vibrant glaze over the top, letting it run into swirls and puddles. The glaze is what transforms Mango Bars with Lime Glaze from good to unforgettable, adding the perfect citrus sparkle.

Step 6: Chill, Slice, and Serve

Once glazed, pop the pan into the fridge for at least an hour before slicing. Chilling firms up the filling and makes your bars much easier to cut into tidy squares. To serve, lift out of the pan, slice into bars, and enjoy a bite of the tropics—no airfare required!

How to Serve Mango Bars with Lime Glaze

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way in making your Mango Bars with Lime Glaze extra-special. Scatter additional lime zest over the glaze for a lovely color contrast and zesty finish. For a tropical touch, add a sprinkle of toasted coconut or a few thin mango slices on the platter. Just a dusting of powdered sugar also gives a pretty, snowy effect.

Side Dishes

For a dazzling dessert spread, pair your bars with fresh fruit salad bursting with berries and pineapple, or serve alongside a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream for pure indulgence. A hot cup of tea or iced coffee balances the sweet, tart flavors beautifully, especially when shared with friends.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Mango Bars with Lime Glaze into little works of art for parties or picnics! Cut them into bite-sized squares and arrange on a tiered tray, tuck a piece into parchment for lunchbox treats, or stack and tie with bakers’ twine for edible gifts. Fancy things up by piping tiny dollops of whipped cream, or drizzle a little extra glaze just before serving for dramatic flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Mango Bars with Lime Glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep their luscious texture and bright flavor for up to 4 days. Stack bars with a piece of parchment between layers to prevent sticking and protect that gorgeous glaze.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can absolutely freeze Mango Bars with Lime Glaze. Slice the cooled, glazed bars, then layer them in a freezer-safe container with wax paper in between. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw uncovered in the refrigerator for best results—they’ll taste just as vibrant as the day you made them.

Reheating

Although these bars are best eaten chilled or at room temperature, you can gently bring refrigerated or thawed bars up to room temp before serving. Simply let them sit out for 20 to 30 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it can soften the crust and glaze too much.

FAQs

Can I use frozen mangoes instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen mango chunks work beautifully for Mango Bars with Lime Glaze! Just thaw and drain well, then puree until smooth. Taste to be sure they’re sweet and flavorful, adjusting sugar if needed.

How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

The center should be just set with a slight wobble when gently shaken, and the edges may turn lightly golden. Overbaking can make the filling rubbery, so watch closely during the last few minutes.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend in both the crust and filling. Make sure your blend is meant for 1:1 substitutions for best results.

Can I make Mango Bars with Lime Glaze without eggs?

Eggs help set the filling, but you can experiment with an egg replacer or use 1/4 cup Greek yogurt per egg for a softer, slightly tangy alternative. The texture may be a bit different, but still delicious.

How can I get a super-smooth filling?

For an ultra-creamy, luxurious filling in your Mango Bars with Lime Glaze, blend and then strain the mango puree through a fine sieve before mixing with the other ingredients. This removes any fibers and makes the filling extra silky.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s just as cheerful to make as it is to eat, don’t miss Mango Bars with Lime Glaze. Their tropical sweetness and tangy twist are a surefire way to brighten anyone’s day. Give them a try and watch everyone light up at first bite!

Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour (plus chilling)
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the tropical flavors of these Mango Bars with a zesty Lime Glaze. These bars are bursting with fresh mango puree and bright lime, creating a delightful dessert that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Pinch of salt

For the filling:

2 large ripe mangos, peeled and pureed (about 1 cup puree)
3 large eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon lime zest
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt

For the glaze:

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon lime zest

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish.
Make the crust: Mix flour, sugar, butter, and salt, then press into the baking dish and bake until golden.
Prepare the filling: Whisk together mango puree, eggs, sugar, lime juice, lime zest, flour, and salt. Pour over the baked crust and bake until set.
Make the glaze: Combine powdered sugar, lime juice, and zest. Drizzle over cooled bars.
Chill and serve: Chill the bars for at least 1 hour, then slice and enjoy!