If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances tropical sweetness with a luscious, soothing texture, this Creamy Mango Sago Dessert Recipe is going to become your new best friend. It’s a delightful blend of tender tapioca pearls swimming in a creamy mango and coconut milk base, sweetened just right and refreshed with vanilla. This classic treat feels like sunshine in a bowl, making it an ideal finish to any meal or a refreshing snack on a warm day. Whether you’re new to Asian-inspired desserts or looking for a simple yet impressive dish to share, this recipe brings together humble ingredients for an incredibly satisfying taste experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Mango Sago Dessert Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen not only for flavor but for the wonderful texture and vibrant color it brings, making the dessert both beautiful and delicious.
- Small-sized tapioca pearls (1/2 cup): These little pearls give the dessert its signature chewy texture and a bit of playful bounce.
- Ripe mangoes (about 1 kg): The star ingredient providing natural sweetness and the vibrant golden color that brightens the bowl.
- Unsweetened coconut milk (200 ml): Adds creamy richness and a subtle tropical aroma that complements the mango perfectly.
- Sweetened condensed milk (60 ml): Balances the tartness of the mango with smooth, luscious sweetness—feel free to adjust to your taste.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Just a hint enhances the overall flavor depth without overpowering the fruit.
How to Make Creamy Mango Sago Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Tapioca Pearls
Start by boiling a pot of water—around 4 cups. Once the water is at a full boil, add your tapioca pearls. It’s important not to add them too early because they need that rolling boil to cook evenly. Stir occasionally, bring everything back to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Let the pearls cook for about 20 minutes until they turn completely transparent. If you notice a white center after that time, turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the pearls sit for another 10 minutes to soak in the heat, ensuring they finish cooking perfectly.
Step 2: Rinse and Soak the Tapioca Pearls
Drain the cooked pearls and rinse them under cold running water. This stops the cooking process and removes any excess starch, preventing clumping. Then, place the pearls in a bowl of cold water to keep them soft and separate while you prepare the rest of the dessert.
Step 3: Prepare the Mango
Peel your ripe mangoes, then carefully trim around the large pit to free the flesh. Set aside a generous handful of beautiful mango chunks for topping later. The remaining mango chunks will be pureed, which creates the luscious mango base of your dessert.
Step 4: Blend the Mango Mixture
In a blender, combine the mango flesh, unsweetened coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Blend until everything is smooth and creamy. This mixture creates a velvety sauce that’s rich but perfectly balanced between fruity and sweet. For best results, chill this mixture for at least an hour before adding tapioca to keep things refreshingly cool.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Drain the tapioca pearls from their soaking water and gently fold them into the chilled mango mixture. Spoon this vibrant, creamy mixture into serving bowls and garnish each with those lovely mango chunks you saved earlier. Now, your Creamy Mango Sago Dessert Recipe is ready to delight!
How to Serve Creamy Mango Sago Dessert Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can elevate your Creamy Mango Sago Dessert Recipe to a whole new level. Add fresh mint leaves for a burst of color and a refreshing aroma or sprinkle a handful of toasted coconut flakes for a delightful crunch and extra coconut flavor.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with light, fresh dishes such as a crisp green salad with a zesty dressing or grilled seafood, which complements the tropical flavors without overpowering the palate. It’s also a fantastic palate cleanser after spiced meals.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your dessert in clear glass parfait cups or individual mason jars to highlight the layers of creamy mango and translucent tapioca. For a fun twist, layer it with whipped cream or coconut jelly cubes for added texture and visual appeal. It’s perfect for impressing guests at parties or special family gatherings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ideally, consume within 2 days as the tapioca pearls will begin to harden and lose their pleasant chewiness after that.
Freezing
Freezing this dessert is not recommended because the tapioca pearls tend to become rubbery and the creamy mango base can separate upon thawing, affecting the texture and flavor negatively.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is unnecessary. If it’s too cold for your liking, simply leave it at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen mango instead of fresh mango?
Absolutely! Frozen mango works well and makes this dessert accessible year-round. Just thaw the mango before blending for the best texture and flavor.
Is there a substitute for tapioca pearls in this recipe?
Tapioca pearls are key for the characteristic texture of this dessert. However, small sago pearls or even cooked rice can be alternatives, but the mouthfeel will be different.
How can I make this dessert vegan?
Simply replace the sweetened condensed milk with a vegan condensed milk or coconut condensed milk alternative, and make sure the ingredients you use are plant-based. The rest of the recipe is already vegan-friendly!
Can I adjust the sweetness in this Creamy Mango Sago Dessert Recipe?
Definitely! Sweetened condensed milk adds sweetness, so start with less and adjust to your preference after blending the mango mixture. You can also add a touch of honey or sugar if needed.
How long does it take to cook the tapioca pearls?
Typically, about 20 minutes of simmering plus 10 minutes of resting off the heat is ideal for small tapioca pearls. Larger pearls require more time, so always check for transparency before draining.
Final Thoughts
There’s something utterly irresistible about this Creamy Mango Sago Dessert Recipe that makes it an instant favorite in my kitchen. It is a perfect combination of flavors and textures, simple enough for any home cook to whip up but impressive enough to wow your friends and family. Trust me, once you try it, this tropical delight will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
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Creamy Mango Sago Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mango Sago is a refreshing and creamy dessert featuring small tapioca pearls cooked until translucent, combined with ripe mangoes and coconut milk. This sweet, tropical treat is lightly flavored with vanilla and sweetened condensed milk, making it perfect for a cool, satisfying finish to any meal.
Ingredients
Tapioca Pearls
- 1/2 cup small-sized uncooked tapioca (about 60g)
- 4 cups water (for boiling tapioca)
Mango Mixture
- 3 ripe mangos (about 1 kg), peeled and pitted
- 200 ml unsweetened coconut milk (1/2 of a 13.5 oz. can)
- 60 ml sweetened condensed milk (1/4 cup, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Cook the Tapioca: In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a full boil. Add the small tapioca pearls and stir gently. Return to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes, or until tapioca pearls become translucent and fully cooked. If pearls still have a white center after 20 minutes, turn off the heat and cover the pot, letting the tapioca sit for an additional 10 minutes.
- Cool the Tapioca: Once cooked, drain the tapioca pearls and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool them down. Transfer the pearls to a bowl of cold water and set aside.
- Prepare the Mangoes: Peel the mangoes and remove the pits carefully. Set aside a large handful of mango chunks to use as toppings, and prepare the rest for blending.
- Make the Mango Mixture: In a blender, combine the peeled mango flesh, unsweetened coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth. Transfer the mango mixture to a large bowl. For a chilled dessert, refrigerate the mixture for at least one hour before combining with tapioca.
- Assemble and Serve: When ready to serve, drain the tapioca pearls from their soaking water and add them into the mango mixture. Stir gently to combine. Scoop the dessert into serving bowls and top each bowl with reserved mango chunks for garnish and added texture.
Notes
- Ensure tapioca pearls are added only after the water reaches a full boil to avoid clumping.
- Adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk based on your preferred sweetness level.
- Cold soaking the tapioca after cooking helps prevent sticking and keeps the texture pleasant.
- This dessert is best served chilled for refreshing enjoyment.
- Use ripe, sweet mangos for optimal flavor and natural sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
