Mango Pancakes are a beloved dessert often found in yum cha (dim sum) restaurants, particularly in Australia. They consist of thin, slightly rubbery crepes filled with sweetened whipped cream and juicy mango chunks. The crepes are light and soft, creating the perfect vessel for the rich mango flavor. This easy homemade recipe allows you to recreate the iconic dessert at home, complete with the signature yellow crepes, creamy filling, and fresh mangoes. Mango Pancakes are a celebration of one of Australia’s best-loved summer fruits and are a fun, hands-on dessert that’s sure to impress.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pancake (Crepe) Batter:

• 1 cup full-fat milk

• ⅓ cup plain all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup cornstarch

• ¼ cup icing sugar (powdered sugar)

• 3 large eggs (about 55-60g each)

• ¼ tsp yellow food coloring (optional)

For the Mango Filling:

• 2 large ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted, and cut into strips (approximately 10-12 pieces)

For the Cream Filling:

• ¾ cup thickened or heavy cream, chilled

• 3 tbsp icing sugar (powdered sugar)

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Directions

1. Prepare the Crepe Batter:

   • Sift the flour, cornstarch, and icing sugar into a bowl.

   • Add the milk, eggs, and food coloring (if using) and whisk until the batter is lump-free.

   • Refrigerate the batter for at least 1 hour (this step ensures the crepes won’t crack when rolled).

2. Cook the Crepes:

   • Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat and lightly spray it with oil.

   • Measure 45 ml (about 3 tablespoons) of batter and pour it into the pan, swirling to cover the bottom with a thin layer.

   • Cook for about 45 seconds to 1 minute, until the top is set. Don’t flip the crepes.

   • Remove from the pan and place the crepes on a work surface to cool. Continue with the rest of the batter.

3. Make the Cream Filling:

   • In a chilled bowl, whip the cream, icing sugar, and vanilla extract to stiff peaks.

4. Assemble the Mango Pancakes:

   • Lay a crepe flat, with the cooked side up. Spread a layer of whipped cream along the lower third of the crepe.

   • Place a piece of mango on top of the cream.

   • Roll the crepe, folding up the bottom, then the sides, like a spring roll, and finish with the seam side down.

5. Serve:

   • Serve immediately, cutting the pancakes in half to showcase the creamy filling and juicy mango inside.

Nutrients (Approximate per serving):

• Calories: 320 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 40g

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 15g

• Saturated Fat: 8g

• Sugar: 18g

The Crepes: Light, Soft, and Slightly Rubbery

The key to making Mango Pancakes is the crepes. These thin, delicate crepes are slightly rubbery in texture, giving them the ideal consistency to hold the creamy filling and mango slices. The batter for the crepes is simple yet effective, combining milk, eggs, flour, cornstarch, and icing sugar. The icing sugar gives the crepes a slight sweetness, while the cornstarch helps achieve the desired texture.

If you’re looking for that iconic yellow color seen in many Mango Pancakes, a touch of yellow food coloring can be added to the batter. While it’s optional, it certainly enhances the appearance of the crepes, giving them a cheerful, tropical hue. The batter is mixed until smooth and then refrigerated for at least an hour to allow the ingredients to meld. This step helps prevent the crepes from cracking when rolled, ensuring they’re soft and pliable.

Cooking the Crepes: Perfectly Thin and Light

Cooking the crepes requires a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. It’s important to lightly oil the pan and swirl the batter to form a thin, even layer across the surface. Each crepe cooks for about 45 seconds to 1 minute, allowing the top to set without flipping. The result is a thin, delicate crepe that’s light and soft, just the right texture for rolling and folding.

Once the crepes are cooked, they should be set aside to cool on a flat surface. Continue this process with the rest of the batter. This step might seem time-consuming, but the result is a stack of soft, lightly golden crepes that are ready to be filled with the delicious cream and mango filling.

The Cream Filling: Rich, Sweet, and Fluffy

The cream filling for Mango Pancakes is what truly elevates the dish. Using thickened or heavy cream, icing sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract, the whipped cream turns into a rich, sweet, and fluffy filling. Be sure to use chilled cream for the best results, as it whips up into stiff peaks that are perfect for spreading inside the crepes.

The whipped cream adds richness to the mangoes, creating a smooth and velvety contrast to the juicy fruit. The slight sweetness of the cream also balances the natural sweetness of the mangoes, making each bite a perfect harmony of flavors.

The Mango Filling: Fresh and Juicy

For the mango filling, you’ll need ripe, juicy mangoes. Mangoes should be peeled, pitted, and cut into strips or small chunks. The fruit is the highlight of this dish, offering a natural sweetness and vibrant flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling. The mango pieces are placed on top of the cream before rolling the crepe, giving each bite a burst of tropical flavor.

The combination of the soft crepe, creamy filling, and fresh mango creates a delightful contrast in both texture and taste. Mangoes bring a refreshing element to the dessert, making the Mango Pancakes feel light and not overly indulgent, even though they’re rich in flavor.

Assembling the Mango Pancakes: Rolled and Ready to Serve

To assemble the Mango Pancakes, start by placing a crepe flat with the cooked side facing up. Spread a layer of the whipped cream along the lower third of the crepe, leaving some space at the edges. Then, place a few strips or chunks of mango on top of the cream.

Next, carefully fold the crepe like a spring roll—fold the bottom over the filling, then fold in the sides, and finally roll it up tightly. The seam should be on the bottom to hold everything in place. Repeat this process with the remaining crepes.

Serving the Mango Pancakes: Beautifully Showcasing the Cream and Mango

Mango Pancakes are best served immediately after assembling. Once plated, you can cut the pancakes in half to showcase the creamy filling and juicy mangoes inside. The vibrant yellow crepes, creamy white filling, and bright mangoes make for an eye-catching presentation. Serve them as an afternoon dessert, a fun addition to a brunch spread, or as a refreshing treat after dinner.

Why Mango Pancakes Are Perfect for Any Occasion

Mango Pancakes are versatile and perfect for many occasions. They’re a great addition to any gathering, whether it’s a casual family dinner, a festive celebration, or a special treat for a holiday. The crepes can be made in advance and stored, making them easy to assemble when you’re ready to serve.

The sweetness of the mangoes and the rich cream filling also makes Mango Pancakes a refreshing choice for warmer months. They offer a tropical escape in every bite, bringing a touch of summer to your table, no matter the season.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Mango Pancakes contains approximately 320 calories, making them a moderate indulgence that can be enjoyed without guilt. With 15 grams of fat, including 8 grams of saturated fat, these pancakes are rich and satisfying, thanks to the buttery crepes and creamy filling. The dish also contains 40 grams of carbohydrates, with 18 grams of sugar coming from the mangoes and whipped cream.

The pancakes provide 4 grams of protein, mainly from the eggs in the batter, and 1 gram of fiber. The mangoes offer a small amount of vitamin C (17mg) and vitamin A (995 IU), which are essential for immune function and eye health. The dish also provides small amounts of calcium (43mg) and iron (2mg).

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mango Pancakes are a delightful and refreshing dessert that combines the tropical sweetness of mangoes with the richness of whipped cream and buttery crepes. This easy-to-make recipe brings the iconic yum cha dessert right into your home, allowing you to recreate a beloved treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a sweet ending to a meal or a fun brunch treat, Mango Pancakes are sure to impress with their beautiful flavors and textures. Simple, delicious, and full of tropical goodness—these pancakes are a must-try for any mango lover!