Heavenly Mango Squares: A Tropical Delight Recipe

Mango squares are a delightful treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a tropical twist. These squares are a harmonious blend of creamy, tangy mango flavor and a buttery, crumbly base. Whether you’re looking for a dessert to impress guests, a delightful snack, or a vibrant addition to a potluck, mango squares are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This recipe provides detailed, step-by-step instructions to guide you through creating these delectable squares, ensuring a perfect outcome every time. From selecting the ripest mangoes to achieving the ideal texture, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create mango squares that are both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a tropical paradise with this easy-to-follow mango squares recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Mango Squares Recipe

• Tropical Flavor Burst: The star of the show is, of course, the mango! Ripe mangoes lend a sweet, tangy, and undeniably tropical flavor that will transport your taste buds to a sun-kissed paradise.
• Perfect Texture Combination: The crumbly, buttery base provides a delightful contrast to the smooth, creamy mango filling, creating a symphony of textures in every bite.
• Easy to Make: Despite their elegant appearance, these mango squares are surprisingly easy to prepare. The recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort.
• Versatile: Mango squares are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to formal events. They can be served as a dessert, a snack, or even a brunch item.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These squares can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, making them ideal for busy schedules.
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different types of mangoes or add other flavorings, such as coconut or lime, to customize the recipe to your liking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

• All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/2 cups (180g) – Provides the structure for the crust.
• Powdered Sugar: 1/2 cup (60g) – Adds sweetness and tenderness to the crust.
• Cold Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (113g), cut into cubes – Adds richness and flakiness to the crust. Ensure it’s very cold for best results.
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon – Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

For the Mango Filling:

• Ripe Mangoes: 2 large (about 2 cups pureed) – The key ingredient! Use ripe, sweet mangoes for the best flavor. Tommy Atkins, Ataulfo, or Honey mangoes are excellent choices.
• Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup (100g) – Adds sweetness to the filling. Adjust the amount depending on the sweetness of your mangoes.
• Eggs: 2 large – Binds the filling together and adds richness.
• All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup (30g) – Helps to thicken the filling.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon – Adds a touch of acidity and enhances the mango flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

• 8×8 inch Baking Pan: This size pan is ideal for achieving the perfect thickness for the squares.
• Parchment Paper: To line the baking pan, preventing the squares from sticking and making it easy to lift them out.
• Food Processor (Optional): To quickly combine the crust ingredients. A pastry blender or your hands can also be used.
• Mixing Bowls: For preparing the crust and filling.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Whisk: To blend the filling ingredients.
• Rubber Spatula: To scrape down the sides of the bowl and evenly spread the filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Crust:

1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Pulse a few times to blend. Alternatively, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
3. Add Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Pulse in the food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If using a bowl, cut the butter into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
4. Press into Pan: Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to help create a smooth, even surface.
5. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let the crust cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Making the Mango Filling:

1. Prepare the Mango Puree: Peel and chop the mangoes. Place the chopped mangoes in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. You should have about 2 cups of mango puree.
2. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the mango puree, granulated sugar, eggs, flour, and lemon juice until well combined and smooth. Ensure there are no lumps of flour.
3. Pour Filling over Crust: Pour the mango filling evenly over the pre-baked crust.
4. Bake the Squares: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden brown. The center should be slightly jiggly but not liquid.
5. Cool Completely: Remove the baking pan from the oven and let the mango squares cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial for the filling to set properly.
6. Chill (Optional): For best results, chill the mango squares in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting. This will make them easier to cut and will enhance the flavor.
7. Cut and Serve: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the mango squares out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips for Perfect Mango Squares

• Use Ripe Mangoes: The key to delicious mango squares is using ripe, sweet mangoes. Look for mangoes that are slightly soft to the touch and have a fragrant aroma. Avoid mangoes that are bruised or have blemishes.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking the mango squares can result in a dry or rubbery filling. Bake until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. The filling will continue to set as it cools.
• Cool Completely: Allow the mango squares to cool completely before cutting. This will allow the filling to set properly and prevent the squares from crumbling.
• Chill Before Serving: Chilling the mango squares in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving will make them easier to cut and will enhance the flavor.
• Use a Sharp Knife: Use a sharp knife to cut the mango squares into clean, even pieces. You can also dip the knife in warm water between cuts to prevent sticking.
• Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Lining the pan with parchment paper is essential for easy removal and cleanup. Make sure to leave an overhang on the sides to easily lift the squares out of the pan.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mango puree before adding sugar and adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference. Some mangoes are naturally sweeter than others.
• Don’t Overmix the Crust: When making the crust, avoid overmixing the dough. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust. Pulse the ingredients in the food processor until just combined, or use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour.

Variations and Add-Ins

• Coconut Mango Squares: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the crust mixture for a tropical twist. You can also sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the filling before baking.
• Lime Mango Squares: Substitute the lemon juice with lime juice for a slightly different flavor profile. You can also add lime zest to the filling or crust.
• Ginger Mango Squares: Add 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger to the filling for a warm, spicy flavor.
• Almond Extract: Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the filling for a subtle almond flavor that complements the mangoes.
• Spice it up: A pinch of cardamom or nutmeg can add a warm, aromatic touch to the filling.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled mango squares for an extra touch of indulgence.
• Nuts: Sprinkle chopped macadamia nuts or toasted almonds over the crust before baking for added crunch and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• As a Dessert: Serve mango squares as a delightful dessert after a meal. They pair perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• As a Snack: Enjoy mango squares as a sweet and satisfying snack any time of day.
• For Brunch: Add mango squares to your brunch spread for a tropical touch.
• At Parties: Mango squares are a crowd-pleasing dessert for parties and gatherings.
• With Coffee or Tea: The sweet and tangy flavor of mango squares complements coffee or tea perfectly.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftover mango squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the mango squares. Cut the cooled squares into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped squares in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per square)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: 200-250
• Fat: 10-15g
• Saturated Fat: 6-8g
• Cholesterol: 50-60mg
• Sodium: 50-70mg
• Carbohydrates: 25-35g
• Sugar: 15-20g
• Protein: 2-3g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use frozen mangoes? While fresh mangoes are preferred for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen mangoes in a pinch. Make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before pureeing.
• Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper binding.
• Can I reduce the amount of sugar? Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar in both the crust and filling to suit your taste. Start by reducing the sugar by 1/4 cup and adjust from there. Keep in mind that reducing the sugar too much may affect the texture of the squares.
• Why is my filling runny? A runny filling could be due to several factors, including not baking the squares long enough, using too much liquid in the filling, or not allowing the squares to cool completely before cutting. Make sure to bake the squares until the filling is set but slightly jiggly, and allow them to cool completely before cutting.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13 inch baking pan. Increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
• What kind of mangoes are best for this recipe? Ataulfo (Honey), Tommy Atkins, or Kent mangoes are all great choices. Look for mangoes that are ripe and fragrant.
• How do I know if my mango is ripe? A ripe mango will be slightly soft to the touch and have a fragrant aroma near the stem end. Avoid mangoes that are bruised or have blemishes.
• Can I use a different type of fruit filling? Yes, you can substitute the mangoes with other fruits such as peaches, berries, or apples. Adjust the sugar and baking time as needed.

Conclusion

These mango squares are a delightful treat that will brighten any day. With their tropical flavor, perfect texture, and easy preparation, they are sure to become a new favorite. Whether you’re serving them as a dessert, a snack, or a brunch item, these squares are guaranteed to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and get ready to enjoy a taste of paradise with every bite! Don’t forget to experiment with variations and add-ins to create your own signature mango squares. Happy baking!