Description
These homemade mango bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a luscious, thickened mango filling. Perfectly balanced with a hint of lemon juice and a sweet mango puree, baked to golden perfection, making a delightful dessert or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Shortbread Crust and Crumble
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 large egg yolks (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Mango Filling
- 3 ripe mangoes (flesh scooped out and diced)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (dissolved in 3 tbsp water)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking pan and set it aside.
- Make Shortbread Dough: Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a handheld electric mixer, beat 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup unsalted butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ tsp salt, 2 egg yolks, and 1 tsp vanilla extract on low speed until the mixture resembles a coarse meal.
- Form Crust: Transfer half of the shortbread dough to your prepared pan. Press it firmly to the bottom and into the corners to form an even crust. Set aside the remaining dough for later.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the edges turn light golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool while keeping the oven on.
- Cook Mango Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine diced mangoes, ½ cup granulated sugar, and 1 tsp fresh lemon juice. Stir frequently, cooking until the mango breaks down and the mixture thickens slightly, about 10-15 minutes.
- Thicken Mango Filling: Stir in the cornstarch dissolved in water and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the filling becomes significantly thicker. Remove from heat.
- Assemble Bars: Spread the mango filling evenly over the cooled shortbread crust in the pan.
- Add Crumble Topping: Place the remaining half of the shortbread dough over the mango filling, covering it completely.
- Bake Mango Bars: Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the top turns light brown. Remove from the oven and cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Adjust sugar in mango filling according to the sweetness of your mangoes to avoid overly sweet or tart bars.
- Stir the mango filling frequently during cooking to prevent burning.
- Use ripe, fragrant mangoes for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Allow bars to cool completely to help them set properly for easier slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
