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The vibrant flavor of Zesty Mango Bars is anchored by ripe mango puree, which brings a delightful sweetness that is both tropical and refreshing. When selecting mangoes, look for ones that are slightly soft to the touch and yield a sweet aroma, indicating ripeness. The puree should be smooth and free of chunks to ensure a velvety filling.

Zesty Mango Bars

Dive into the refreshing world of Zesty Mango Bars, a delightful dessert that showcases the tropical allure of mangoes. With a simple recipe perfect for bakers of all levels, these bars combine a buttery crust with a creamy mango filling accentuated by zesty lime. Ideal for summer gatherings or a light finish after a meal, these vibrant treats are sure to impress. Discover the joy of making this luscious dessert that offers both sweet and tangy flavors in every bite.
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Ingredients
  

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup powdered sugar

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Mango Filling:

2 cups ripe mango puree (approximately 2-3 ripe mangoes)

½ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon lime zest

2 tablespoons cornstarch

½ teaspoon baking powder

Pinch of salt

For Garnish:

Zest of 1 lime

Sliced mango, for topping (optional)

Fresh mint leaves, for decoration (optional)

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Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides to make for easy removal of the bars later.

    Make the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Pour the melted unsalted butter into the bowl and blend the mixture until it resembles wet sand. Once ready, firmly press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create an even layer.

      Bake the Crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Look for a lightly golden color around the edges as an indicator of doneness. Remove from the oven and allow the crust to cool for a few minutes.

        Prepare the Mango Filling: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the ripe mango puree, granulated sugar, eggs, fresh lime juice, lime zest, cornstarch, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Ensure the mixture is smooth and well combined with no lumps.

          Combine and Pour: Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the mango filling evenly over the baked crust, ensuring it spreads out uniformly.

            Bake the Bars: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when the edges are firm but the center still has a slight jiggle, as it will continue to set while cooling.

              Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool at room temperature for a short while. After cooling, transfer them to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours until they are fully set and cold.

                Serve: Once chilled, carefully lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles as desired. For an extra touch, garnish with freshly grated lime zest, optional sliced mango, and sprigs of mint leaves.

                  Enjoy: Serve these delicious, chilled mango bars as a refreshing dessert or snack that’s perfect for any occasion!

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                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 12 bars