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Mango Crumb Bars are a delightful dessert that bring together the sweetness of ripe mangoes with a buttery, crumbly crust. These bars are simple to make and bursting with tropical flavor. The filling, made from fresh mangoes, sugar, and cornstarch, is topped with a soft, crumbly dough that bakes into a golden treat. With the tropical taste of mango and a hint of sweetness, these bars are perfect for serving at gatherings, as an afternoon snack, or even for breakfast!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Mango Filling:

2 ½ cups ripe mangoes, cut into small chunks (about 2-3 mangoes)
3-5 tbsp granulated sugar (depending on mango sweetness)
½ tbsp cornstarch

For the Crust:

2 cups flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
⅔ cup brown sugar
1 large egg
½ tsp vanilla extract

Directions

Prepare the Mango Filling:
- In a bowl, combine mango chunks, sugar, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside.
Make the Crust:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a food processor or pastry cutter to blend until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Add this mixture to the crumbly dough and mix well.
Assemble the Bars:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8″x8″ baking pan with parchment paper.
- Press about ⅔ of the dough into the bottom of the pan to form the base layer.
- Spread the mango mixture evenly over the dough.
- Crumble the remaining dough on top of the mango filling.
Bake the Bars:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Cool and Serve:
- Let the bars cool for 5-10 minutes in the pan, then lift the parchment paper out of the pan.
- Cool completely on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes before cutting into squares.

Nutrients (Approximate per serving):

Calories: 351 kcal
Carbohydrates: 49g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Sodium: 103mg
Sugar: 26g
Fiber: 1g
Vitamin A: 995 IU
Vitamin C: 17mg
Calcium: 43mg
Iron: 2mg

The Mango Filling: Sweet and Tropical

The mango filling is the star of these bars. Fresh, ripe mangoes are diced into small chunks, creating a soft, flavorful base that’s packed with natural sweetness. The mangoes are combined with sugar to enhance their sweetness and cornstarch to thicken the filling, allowing it to hold together beautifully once baked.

Depending on the ripeness of the mangoes, the amount of sugar used can be adjusted. If the mangoes are very sweet, you can use the lower end of the sugar range, while a bit more sugar can be added if the mangoes are on the tart side. The cornstarch helps to create a smooth, thick filling that bakes into a luscious, juicy layer without becoming runny.

This tropical filling provides the perfect balance to the rich, buttery crust, making every bite of these Mango Crumb Bars a delightful experience. The natural flavors of the mango shine through while being complemented by the sweetness of the sugar and the thickness provided by the cornstarch.

The Crust: Buttery and Crumbly

The crust of Mango Crumb Bars is a buttery, crumbly mixture that forms both the base and the topping of the dessert. The dough is simple to prepare and consists of flour, baking powder, salt, cold cubed butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.

Cold butter is key to creating the perfect texture for the crust. When mixed with the dry ingredients, the cold butter helps create a crumbly, tender dough that bakes up golden and crispy. The brown sugar adds a touch of caramel flavor, which pairs wonderfully with the tropical mango filling. The egg and vanilla extract help bind the ingredients together and enhance the overall flavor.

Once the dough comes together, it’s divided into two parts: one portion forms the base layer in the pan, while the other portion is crumbled on top of the mango filling. This crumbly topping gives the bars a satisfying texture and a lovely golden color as it bakes.

Assembling the Bars: Easy Layering

Assembling Mango Crumb Bars is simple. Once the dough is prepared, about ⅔ of it is pressed into the bottom of a parchment-lined 8″x8″ baking pan to form the base layer. The mango filling is then spread evenly over the dough, creating a juicy, tropical layer that will become wonderfully thick and flavorful as it bakes.

Next, the remaining dough is crumbled on top of the mango filling, forming a crumbly, golden topping. This topping bakes into a crisp, buttery layer that contrasts beautifully with the soft mango filling beneath.

Baking the Bars: Golden and Bubbling

These bars are baked at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. The bubbling filling is a sign that the mangoes and sugar are coming together perfectly, creating a rich, juicy filling that will set as the bars cool.

As the bars bake, the kitchen fills with the delicious aroma of mango and buttery dough, making it hard to resist waiting until they’re fully cooled before digging in. The golden crust, crumbly topping, and bubbling mango filling create a visually appealing dessert that is sure to impress anyone who sees and tastes it.

Cool and Serve: Ready to Enjoy

Once the Mango Crumb Bars are done baking, allow them to cool for about 5-10 minutes in the pan before carefully lifting them out using the parchment paper. Let them cool completely on a wire rack for another 15-20 minutes to ensure they set properly.

After they’ve cooled, cut the bars into squares and serve. The crumbly topping, rich mango filling, and buttery crust come together to create a dessert that’s both satisfying and refreshing.

Why Mango Crumb Bars Are Perfect for Any Occasion

Mango Crumb Bars are a fantastic choice for various occasions. They’re simple to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making them a great option for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. The tropical flavor of the mango and the rich, buttery crust offer a refreshing contrast to heavier desserts, making them perfect for a light, satisfying treat.

These bars are also versatile. While they’re wonderful as a dessert, they can also make a delicious snack or even a breakfast treat. The combination of sweet fruit and crumbly dough provides just the right balance of texture and flavor, and the bars can be served at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference.

Moreover, Mango Crumb Bars can be made with other fruits as well. If mangoes aren’t in season, you can substitute with other tropical fruits like pineapple, or even berries for a different flavor profile.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Mango Crumb Bars contains approximately 351 calories, making them a moderate indulgence that’s perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth without being overly heavy. With 16 grams of fat, including 10 grams of saturated fat, these bars offer richness and indulgence, but the portion size is reasonable, making it easy to enjoy in moderation.

The bars contain 49 grams of carbohydrates, 26 grams of sugar, and 1 gram of fiber, providing a nice balance of sweetness and texture. With 4 grams of protein, they offer a small amount of protein from the egg and flour, though they’re primarily a carbohydrate-based dessert. The sodium content is 103mg per serving, which is fairly low for a dessert.

The bars are also a good source of Vitamin A (995 IU) and Vitamin C (17mg), thanks to the mango filling. Additionally, they provide small amounts of calcium and iron, contributing to a balanced nutrient profile.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mango Crumb Bars are a delightful dessert that brings together the tropical sweetness of ripe mangoes with a buttery, crumbly crust. The layers of juicy mango filling and soft dough create a treat that’s both satisfying and refreshing, perfect for any occasion. Whether served at a summer gathering, as an afternoon snack, or even for breakfast, these bars are sure to be a hit. With their easy preparation, wonderful flavor, and lovely texture, Mango Crumb Bars are the perfect way to enjoy the taste of tropical fruits in a simple yet delicious dessert.