Advertisement
This No Bake Mango Cheesecake is a celebration of summer’s best flavors. The creamy mousse-like filling, packed with ripe mangoes, rests on a buttery biscuit base, and the mango jelly topping adds an extra burst of tropical goodness. Every bite is refreshing and smooth, making it the perfect dessert to cool off with on a hot day.
Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or just craving something fruity and indulgent, this cheesecake will steal the show. Best of all, there’s no need to turn on the oven! With its vibrant color and irresistible flavor, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Advertisement
Full Recipe:
Biscuit Base:
- 150g / 5 oz plain sweet biscuits (such as Graham crackers or digestives)
- 100g / 3.5 oz unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp white sugar
Mango Filling:
Advertisement
- 700g / 1.4 lb ripe mango flesh (about 2 large mangoes)
- 4 1/2 tsp gelatin powder
- 1/2 cup / 125 ml cold water
- 500g / 1 lb cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup / 150g caster sugar
- 300 ml / 10 oz whipping cream
Mango Jelly:
- 3/4 tsp gelatin powder
- 1/4 cup / 65 ml cold water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 3/4 cup reserved mango puree (from filling)
Toppings (Optional):
- 1 large mango, cubed
- 2 passionfruits
- 300 ml / 10 oz whipping cream
- 1 tbsp white sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
- Prepare the biscuit base: Blitz the biscuits into fine crumbs using a food processor. Add melted butter and sugar, and blitz again until combined. Press this mixture into the base of a 9-inch springform pan. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
- Make the mango filling: Sprinkle gelatin powder over cold water and set aside for 5 minutes. Microwave for 15 seconds on high, stir, and repeat until dissolved. Let cool for 5 minutes.
- In a food processor, puree the mango flesh. Measure out 3/4 cup of this puree for the jelly and set it aside. To the remaining mango puree, add cream cheese, sugar, whipping cream, and the gelatin mixture. Blitz until smooth and creamy. Pour over the biscuit base and refrigerate for at least 3 hours until set.
- Mango jelly topping: Dissolve gelatin powder in cold water, let it sit for 5 minutes, and microwave as above. Let cool, then mix with the reserved 3/4 cup mango puree and lemon juice. Pour over the set cheesecake layer and refrigerate overnight.
- Decorate: Whip the cream with vanilla and sugar until soft peaks form. Pile over the cheesecake and decorate with mango cubes and passionfruit pulp. Serve and enjoy!
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Chill Time: 12 hours | Total Time: 12 hours 25 minutes
Kcal per serving: 380 kcal | Servings: 12
A Closer Look at the No Bake Mango Cheesecake
Mango is undeniably one of the most beloved tropical fruits worldwide, and incorporating it into a cheesecake creates a dessert that is both refreshing and indulgent. The No Bake Mango Cheesecake is an excellent recipe that highlights the essence of mango in a simple yet sophisticated way. With its creamy texture and vibrant mango flavor, it’s a dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or simply as a treat on a hot summer day.
This recipe differs from traditional baked cheesecakes in several ways, not just in its preparation method, but in the texture and flavor balance as well. Here’s what makes the No Bake Mango Cheesecake an irresistible dessert worth trying and sharing:
The Appeal of No Bake Desserts
- Convenience: No bake desserts, as the name suggests, eliminate the need for an oven, making them ideal for warmer weather when you don’t want to heat up your kitchen.
- Time-saving: While the cheesecake requires time to set in the fridge, the active prep time is much shorter than baked versions. This gives you more flexibility to prepare the dessert ahead of time without hovering over the oven.
- Beginner-friendly: Even novice bakers will appreciate how easy this recipe is. There’s no risk of cracking or over-baking the cheesecake, common pitfalls of traditional baked cheesecakes.
Flavor Profile
- Mango’s natural sweetness: The key feature of this dessert is its abundant use of fresh, ripe mangoes. The natural sweetness of the mango shines through, giving the cheesecake its signature fruity flavor without the need for artificial flavorings or excessive sugar.
- Creamy and light: The mousse-like texture of the cheesecake is achieved by blending mango puree with cream cheese and whipping cream, resulting in a dessert that feels lighter than a traditional dense baked cheesecake. This airy texture is further enhanced by the gelatin, which gives the cheesecake its stability without making it feel heavy.
- Tropical undertones: Mango pairs wonderfully with other tropical flavors like passionfruit, which is used here to add a slight tartness. This creates a contrast with the sweetness of the mango, balancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Key Tips for Perfecting This Cheesecake
- Selecting the right mangoes: For the best flavor, it’s important to use ripe, sweet mangoes. Honey Gold or Ataulfo mangoes are particularly good choices due to their intense sweetness and rich orange color. Avoid using under-ripe or fibrous mangoes, as they can affect both the texture and taste of the cheesecake.
- Blending to perfection: Since the mango is the star of the show, ensuring that it’s blended smoothly is key. A food processor is ideal for this task, as it will create a fine puree without lumps. The smoothness of the mango puree contributes to the overall creamy texture of the cheesecake.
- Proper use of gelatin: Gelatin is used to set the cheesecake, and it’s important to handle it correctly. Always sprinkle the gelatin over cold water and let it bloom (absorb the water) before heating it gently. This ensures the gelatin dissolves properly and integrates smoothly into the filling.
- Chilling is crucial: While the cheesecake can be prepared quickly, it’s essential to allow sufficient time for it to set in the fridge. Ideally, the cheesecake should chill for at least 12 hours to achieve the perfect consistency. Skimping on chilling time can result in a runny or poorly set cheesecake.
Variations and Customizations
The beauty of this No Bake Mango Cheesecake is its versatility. There are numerous ways to tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs:
- Vegan options: While this cheesecake uses dairy products like cream cheese and whipping cream, you can easily make a vegan version by substituting with plant-based alternatives. Vegan cream cheese and coconut cream work well in place of their dairy counterparts. For gelatin, agar-agar can be used as a plant-based thickening agent.
- Adding a nutty crust: The classic biscuit base can be modified to include nuts like almonds or pecans for added texture and flavor. Simply replace some of the biscuit crumbs with finely chopped nuts when preparing the crust.
- Mixing in other fruits: While mango is the star, this recipe can be adapted to include other tropical fruits. Pineapple, passionfruit, or even coconut can be incorporated into the filling or used as toppings for an extra tropical flair.
- A splash of lime: For those who enjoy a tangy contrast, adding a splash of lime juice to the mango puree or zesting lime on top of the cheesecake can elevate the flavor profile. Lime pairs beautifully with mango, giving the dessert an additional layer of complexity.
Presentation Matters
One of the standout aspects of this cheesecake is its visual appeal. The bright, sunny color of the mango gives the dessert a cheerful and eye-catching look, perfect for impressing guests. The mango jelly layer on top not only adds to the flavor but also enhances the overall presentation.
For an elegant finish, consider decorating the cheesecake with additional fresh mango slices, passionfruit pulp, or a dollop of whipped cream. This provides a striking contrast to the vibrant orange filling and gives the dessert a professional, polished look. You can also play with other tropical fruits like kiwi or berries to add a burst of color and flavor.
Health Considerations
Though indulgent, the No Bake Mango Cheesecake can be adjusted for those seeking a lighter or healthier version:
- Reducing sugar: The natural sweetness of mango allows you to cut down on the added sugar in the recipe without sacrificing flavor. Consider using alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a more natural option.
- Portion control: As with any dessert, moderation is key. While it’s tempting to have a large slice, this cheesecake is quite rich, so smaller portions can still satisfy your sweet cravings without overindulging.
- Nutritional benefits of mango: Mango is packed with vitamins, especially vitamin C and A, as well as fiber and antioxidants. By incorporating fresh mango into the cheesecake, you’re not only enjoying its delicious flavor but also reaping some of its health benefits.
Why This Cheesecake Stands Out
- No-bake convenience: One of the biggest advantages of this cheesecake is that it doesn’t require an oven. Whether it’s the middle of summer or you’re simply short on time, this no-bake recipe allows you to prepare a show-stopping dessert with minimal effort.
- Tropical delight: With the combination of ripe mangoes, a creamy mousse texture, and a vibrant mango jelly topping, this cheesecake is a tropical dream. It’s refreshing, light, and perfect for warm-weather gatherings or family dinners.
- Versatility: The ability to customize this cheesecake makes it suitable for a variety of preferences. Whether you’re catering to vegans, those with gluten sensitivities (just swap the biscuits for a gluten-free alternative), or simply want to add your own creative touch, the options are endless.
Conclusion
The No Bake Mango Cheesecake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of summer flavors and a perfect balance of indulgence and refreshment. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone looking for an easy yet impressive dessert, this cheesecake delivers on all fronts. Its rich mango flavor, creamy texture, and striking presentation make it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Not only does it offer a delightful eating experience, but it’s also a flexible recipe that can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. With its vibrant appearance and tropical taste, the No Bake Mango Cheesecake is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire, bringing sunshine to your table no matter the season.