Can I use frozen mango instead of fresh?

While fresh mango provides the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen mango in a pinch. Thaw completely and drain well before using, and you might need to add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of cornflour to account for the extra moisture.

My mangoes aren't very ripe. Will they still work?

Ideally, you want ripe, sweet mangoes for this recipe. If yours aren't quite there yet, you can add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the filling and let the mango sit with the sugar for about 10 minutes before assembling (but not longer, to avoid excess liquid).

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The texture might be slightly different, but they'll still be delicious.

Do I really need the lime glaze?

While the bars are tasty without it, the lime glaze really takes them to another level by adding a tangy contrast to the sweet mango and coconut. If you're not a fan of lime, you could try an orange or lemon glaze instead, or a simple vanilla icing.

Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe

Name: Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: Australian-inspired
Ingredients: 125g / 1 stick unsalted butter; 1/2 cup caster/superfine white sugar (or regular/granulated sugar); 1 large egg; 1 1/2 cups plain/all-purpose flour; 1 cup rolled oats; 3/4 cup desiccated or finely shredded coconut (unsweetened, not flakes); 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (or 1/8 tsp table salt); 2 1/2 cups (400g) mango slices, 5mm/0.2″ thin (about 2 large mangoes); 1 1/2 tsp cornflour/cornstarch; 2 tbsp white sugar; 3/4 cup soft icing sugar / powdered sugar; 1 tsp lime zest; 3 tsp lime juice, plus more as needed (1/4 tsp at a time); 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

This tropical-inspired Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze is a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will transport you straight to paradise! The buttery coconut crumble perfectly complements the sweet, jammy mango filling, while the tangy lime glaze adds a refreshing finish that pulls everything together. These bars are surprisingly simple to make but deliver impressive results that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Sweet Treat: The combination of coconut, mango, and lime creates a dessert that’s sweet without being overwhelming.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days, making them perfect for planning ahead for gatherings or weekly treats.
Simple Ingredients: No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients needed—just straightforward baking with delicious results.
Tropical Escape: Even if you can’t get to a beach, these bars bring those vacation vibes right to your kitchen with their tropical flavor combination.
Versatile: Works as a casual snack, elegant dessert, or even breakfast treat (I won’t tell if you don’t!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Coconut Crumble Base & Topping:

Butter: Creates that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture that forms the foundation of great bar cookies.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that perfect crumbly texture when combined with butter.
Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness to the base.
Flour: The structure of our crumble—nothing fancy needed, just all-purpose flour.
Oats: Adds wonderful texture and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the coconut beautifully.
Coconut: The star ingredient that gives these bars their tropical essence. Make sure to use desiccated or finely shredded coconut for the right texture.
Baking powder: Just a touch gives a slight lift to the crumble.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.

For the Mango Filling:

Mangoes: Choose ripe, fragrant mangoes for the best flavor. The variety matters less than ripeness!
Cornflour/Cornstarch: Thickens the mango juices into a jammy consistency rather than leaving you with a soggy middle.
Sugar: Even with sweet mangoes, this helps create that perfect jammy texture.

For the Lime Glaze:

Icing sugar/Powdered sugar: Creates that smooth, sweet glaze.
Lime zest and juice: Provides a tangy brightness that cuts through the sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Adds depth to the glaze and ties everything together.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Fruit Options

Swap the mango for other tropical fruits like pineapple or papaya, or go with berries for a different twist. Just make sure to adjust the sugar depending on the fruit’s natural sweetness.

Add Some Crunch

Mix in some chopped macadamia nuts or sliced almonds to the crumble topping for extra texture.

Spice It Up

Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the crumble mixture for a warming spice note that pairs beautifully with mango.

Make It Vegan

Substitute the butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg for a plant-based version.

How to Make Coconut Mango Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan-forced). Grease and line a 20cm/8″ pan with baking paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Mixture

Cut your butter into chunks and melt it in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the sugar until well combined, then add the egg and mix until smooth. Add the flour, oats, coconut, baking powder, and salt, mixing until you can no longer see any flour.

Step 3: Form the Base

Measure out 1¾ cups of the mixture, pack it down into your measuring cup to get the right amount. Press this mixture evenly into your prepared pan to form the base.

Step 4: Prepare the Mango Layer

Place your mango slices in a bowl and sprinkle with sugar and cornflour. Gently toss with your hands until everything is evenly coated. Do this right before you’re ready to assemble to prevent excess juice from forming.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Spread the mango mixture evenly over the base. Take the remaining crumble mixture and crumble it with your fingers over the top of the mango, leaving some spots of mango peeking through. Bake for 30 minutes until the top is light golden brown.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before attempting to remove or cut them. This takes about 2 hours at room temperature, but you can speed it up with 30 minutes on the counter followed by 30 minutes in the fridge.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Mix together the icing sugar, lime zest, lime juice, and vanilla to form a glaze with a honey-like consistency. Drizzle this attractively over the cooled bars. Let it set for about 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Sugar in the Mango: Even if your mangoes are super sweet, that little bit of sugar works with the cornflour to create the perfect jammy consistency.
Prepare Mangoes Properly: Cut them into thin slices about 5mm thick, and don’t toss them with the sugar mixture until just before you need them to prevent excess juice.
Pack the Crumble Properly: When measuring the 1¾ cups for the base, pack it down in the measuring cup for the right consistency.
Cool Completely: Patience is key! Let the bars cool fully before cutting for clean slices.
Glaze Consistency: The lime glaze should be thick enough to hold its shape when drizzled but thin enough to flow. Adjust with tiny amounts of extra lime juice if needed.

How to Serve

These coconut mango bars are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving:

As a Dessert

Serve slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

For Afternoon Tea

Pair with a cup of Earl Grey or tropical-flavored tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

Brunch Addition

These bars make a wonderful sweet option on a brunch spread alongside savory items.

Gift Giving

Package them in a nice box lined with parchment paper for a homemade gift that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The base will remain crisp for about 2 days and then soften slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!

Room Temperature Serving

For the best flavor and texture, take the bars out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before serving to take the chill off.

Freezing

These bars aren’t ideal for freezing as the texture of the mango filling and the crispness of the base can be compromised when thawed.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the crumble mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it separately. Just bring it to room temperature before assembling so you can easily work with it.

FAQs

Can I use frozen mango instead of fresh?

While fresh mango provides the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen mango in a pinch. Thaw completely and drain well before using, and you might need to add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of cornflour to account for the extra moisture.
My mangoes aren’t very ripe. Will they still work?

Ideally, you want ripe, sweet mangoes for this recipe. If yours aren’t quite there yet, you can add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the filling and let the mango sit with the sugar for about 10 minutes before assembling (but not longer, to avoid excess liquid).
Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.
Do I really need the lime glaze?

While the bars are tasty without it, the lime glaze really takes them to another level by adding a tangy contrast to the sweet mango and coconut. If you’re not a fan of lime, you could try an orange or lemon glaze instead, or a simple vanilla icing.

Final Thoughts

These Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze are truly a taste of the tropics in every bite. The combination of buttery coconut crumble, sweet mango filling, and tangy lime glaze creates a perfect harmony of flavors that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because it’s Tuesday, they’re sure to bring a little sunshine to your day. So grab some ripe mangoes next time you’re at the store and treat yourself to this delightful, easy-to-make dessert!