The tropical trio of mango, coconut, and lime come together in this luscious handheld treat that’s perfect for warm-weather indulgence. These bars are everything you want in a summer dessert: sweet, juicy, tangy, and just the right amount of crumbly.
With a coconut oat base that’s both sturdy and tender, these mango bars are loaded with a jammy layer of ripe mango slices and finished with a lime glaze that adds a zingy brightness. They’re easy to make, hard to resist, and even harder to share. Whether you’re packing them for a picnic or enjoying with a chilled drink at home, these bars scream sunshine and joy.
Full Recipe:
Coconut Crumble Base & Topping:
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125g / 1 stick unsalted butter
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1/2 cup white sugar
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1 large egg
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup rolled oats
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3/4 cup unsweetened desiccated coconut
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1/2 tsp baking powder
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1/4 tsp kosher salt
Mango Filling:
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2 1/2 cups (400g) ripe mango slices (5mm thick)
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1 1/2 tsp cornflour / cornstarch
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2 tbsp white sugar
Lime Glaze (Highly Recommended!):
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3/4 cup powdered sugar
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1 tsp lime zest
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3 tsp fresh lime juice (plus more, 1/4 tsp at a time, if needed)
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1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8” square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang.
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Melt butter in a bowl. Stir in sugar, then mix in the egg. Add flour, oats, coconut, baking powder, and salt. Stir until combined and no dry flour remains.
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Measure out 1 3/4 cups of the crumble mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base.
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For the filling, toss mango slices with sugar and cornflour just before using. Spread the mango mixture evenly over the base.
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Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the mango layer, leaving some of the fruit exposed for texture and color contrast.
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Bake for 30 minutes until golden. Let cool in pan for at least 2 hours (or 30 min on counter + 30 min in fridge).
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For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, lime zest, lime juice, and vanilla until smooth and honey-like in consistency. Drizzle over cooled bars and let set for 10 minutes.
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Slice into 12 regular squares or 9 large ones.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (includes cooling)
Kcal: 291 kcal | Servings: 12 squares
Introduction to Mango Coconut Bars with Lime Glaze
There’s something irresistible about the combination of tropical fruits and comforting, buttery bases. Mango Coconut Bars with Lime Glaze bring together the best of summer flavors in one delightful dessert. These bars are not just another sweet treat—they’re a celebration of the season’s bounty, a reminder of sunny days and warm breezes, and a perfect representation of how simple ingredients can transform into something unforgettable.
In this dessert, the tropical trio—mango, coconut, and lime—come together in layers of texture and flavor that make each bite a journey. The richness of the coconut-oat base and crumble contrasts beautifully with the jammy, sweet mango center, while the lime glaze adds a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness and elevates the entire dish.
A Flavor Profile That Screams Summer
Mangoes bring natural sweetness and a silky texture to desserts. When baked, they develop a soft, almost jam-like consistency that works wonderfully as a filling. In these bars, the mango isn’t overly processed—just sliced and lightly sweetened to enhance its syrupy nature without overpowering its flavor. This approach preserves the fruit’s character and provides a luscious center for the bars.
Coconut is present in the base and topping, where it adds both flavor and crunch. The nutty, toasty notes from unsweetened desiccated coconut complement the oats and buttery dough, grounding the bars with a satisfying texture. It’s not an overwhelming coconut flavor—it’s subtle and supportive, allowing the mango to shine.
And then there’s the lime. The glaze, made with lime juice and zest, delivers a tart, citrusy burst that adds contrast and complexity. It’s the final flourish that ties everything together and makes the bars truly sing.
Why These Bars Stand Out
What makes these bars so special is how balanced they are. Unlike many fruity desserts that can be either too sweet or too soggy, these bars walk a careful line. The mango layer is moist but not runny, thanks to a touch of cornstarch that thickens the juices just enough to give it structure. The coconut-oat base is tender yet firm enough to hold up under the weight of the fruit, and the crumb topping adds crunch without being dry.
Texture plays a major role here. You get that buttery firmness of the base, the juicy softness of the mango center, and the crumbly crispness on top—all in one bite. Add in the thin layer of lime glaze, and each piece becomes a harmonious blend of creamy, chewy, crisp, and zesty.
These aren’t bars that crumble into a mess the moment you pick them up. They hold their shape well after cooling, which makes them perfect for picnics, potlucks, and afternoon snacks with a cup of tea or coffee.
Inspired by the Australian Summer
This recipe was inspired by the fresh, vibrant produce of Australian summers—specifically, the abundance of juicy, ripe mangoes that dominate markets during the warmer months. It’s part of a series of mango-based desserts that have become a tradition for many home bakers who look forward to incorporating this golden fruit into their seasonal baking.
Australia is known for its unique varieties of mangoes, like Kensington Pride, R2E2, and Honey Gold. Their distinct sweetness and texture make them ideal for baking. While this recipe works with canned mango in a pinch, it truly shines when made with fresh mangoes in peak season.
The inclusion of coconut also reflects the tropical vibes of Australian and Southeast Asian desserts, where coconut is a staple in both sweet and savory dishes. Paired with lime—a citrus fruit often used in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine—this dessert becomes a delicious cross-cultural creation that’s familiar yet exciting.
Perfect for All Occasions
These bars are a great make-ahead option. They taste even better after a few hours in the fridge, once the flavors have had time to meld and the glaze has fully set. The base holds up surprisingly well, maintaining its crisp texture for a couple of days even when stored chilled. While they’re best within the first 48 hours, they remain delicious for up to five days in the fridge.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, preparing for a baby shower, or simply want to treat yourself to something special on a lazy weekend afternoon, these mango coconut bars will not disappoint. They’re also easy to transport, which makes them ideal for sharing.
And because the recipe uses everyday pantry staples—flour, sugar, butter, oats, and egg—you’re likely to have most of what you need already on hand. That means no special trips to the grocery store, unless you’re picking up those golden mangoes.
Tips for Customization
While the recipe is near-perfect as written, it’s flexible enough for a bit of creative play:
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Vegan Version: Swap out the butter for coconut oil and use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) to make it plant-based. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure the oats are certified gluten-free.
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Add-ins: Add a handful of chopped macadamia nuts or white chocolate chips to the crumble mixture for extra decadence.
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Spice it up: A pinch of ground ginger or cardamom can add a subtle depth to the mango layer.
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Citrus Variations: Swap lime with lemon or even orange for a different citrus profile.
The recipe is forgiving, so feel free to experiment based on what you have available or what suits your palate.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
When serving these bars, presentation can take them from “homemade” to “wow-worthy.” After the glaze has set, consider garnishing each square with a thin curl of lime zest or a small piece of dried mango. This not only adds a pop of color but also hints at the flavors within.
Serve them chilled on a warm day, perhaps with a scoop of coconut ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. For a more elegant dessert plate, place a mango bar next to a tropical fruit salad and drizzle the whole thing lightly with extra lime glaze or a thin mango coulis.
They also pair well with beverages like iced green tea, coconut water, or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc if you’re serving them at an adult gathering.
Storing and Shelf Life
One of the great things about these bars is how well they keep. While many fruit-based desserts become soggy after a day, the coconut-oat base of these bars remains firm for up to two days, and the flavors continue to deepen in the fridge. After that, they may soften slightly, but the taste remains delightful.
Wrap them individually in parchment paper for easy grab-and-go snacks or to pack in lunchboxes. They are not suitable for freezing, as the mango layer can become watery once thawed. But with how fast they disappear, that probably won’t be an issue.
Conclusion
Mango Coconut Bars with Lime Glaze are a delicious way to embrace the flavors of summer, offering a tropical escape with every bite. They strike the perfect balance between juicy and crisp, sweet and tangy, nostalgic and refreshing. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just for yourself, this dessert brings sunshine into your kitchen and smiles to the faces of those who try it.
What truly sets these bars apart is their ability to be both rustic and refined. They feel at home in a picnic basket or on a dessert platter at an elegant brunch. And perhaps best of all—they remind us that with just a few humble ingredients and a bit of creativity, we can bring joy into our everyday lives through baking.
Let these mango bars be your signature summer dessert, a new tradition that your friends and family will request again and again.