Exotic Mango Passionfruit Bars Recipe

Indulge in a taste of the tropics with these delightful Tropical Mango Passionfruit Bars! Picture a luscious mango and passionfruit filling atop a nutty base, all dairy-free and oh-so-creamy. These bars are a no-bake wonder that whisks you away to a sunny paradise with each bite. Ideal for summer soirées or a personal retreat to an island getaway, they boast a wholesome lineup of almonds, cashews, and a burst of fruity flavors from mango and passionfruit—a true treat for your senses.

Crafted to brighten the gloomiest of days, these bars pack a punch of tropical goodness that will transport you to sun-kissed shores with their vibrant colors and refreshing taste. The blend of sweet mangoes, tangy passionfruit, and creamy cashew base offers a guilt-free indulgence that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a dessert enthusiast or a health-conscious foodie, these Tropical Mango Passionfruit Bars tick all the boxes for a treat that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Quick Benefits

• No baking required, perfect for hot summer days
• Made with wholesome ingredients like cashews and fresh fruit
• Gluten-free and dairy-free friendly for various dietary needs
• Freezer-friendly for make-ahead convenience

Why You’ll Love This Exotic Mango Passionfruit Bars Recipe Recipe

• No baking required perfect for hot summer days
• Made with wholesome ingredients like cashews and fresh fruit
• Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and fruit
• Gluten free and dairy free friendly for various dietary needs
• Freezer friendly for make ahead convenience
• High in healthy fats from nuts and cacao butter
• Contains natural enzymes from fresh fruit
• Great make ahead dessert that improves with time
• Freezes beautifully for up to a month
• Tropical flavors of mango and passionfruit create a refreshing and indulgent treat
• Passionfruit adds a tangy contrast that elevates the sweetness
• Bright flavors and creamy texture make it a crowd-pleaser even for non-vegan dessert lovers
• Versatile recipe that allows for ingredient substitutions based on seasonal availability
• Storage tips provided for maintaining freshness and texture
• Simple tips included for troubleshooting and enhancing the presentation of the bars

Ingredients for Exotic Mango Passionfruit Bars Recipe

Base

• 1 cup (160g) roasted or raw almonds, hazelnuts, or any other nut/seed
• ½ cup (100g) pitted dates, soaked in boiling water for 10 minutes

Creamy Mango Filling

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
• Pinch of salt
• 150g frozen or fresh mango chunks (approx. 1 1/2 medium mangoes)
• ⅓ cup (115g) maple syrup, or to taste
• ¼ cup (60g) lemon juice, lime juice, or passionfruit pulp
• ¾ cup (170g) thick dairy-free yogurt, unsweetened
• ⅓ cup (75g) melted cacao butter, or 115g melted vegan white chocolate
• 2 cups (260g) raw cashews, soaked in boiling water for 10 minutes

Fruity Topping

• 2 tablespoons (30g) lemon juice or lime juice, optional
• 200g frozen or fresh mango chunks (approx. 2 medium mangoes)
• 1 ½ tablespoons (14g) cornstarch
• ¼ cup (65g) passionfruit pulp (approx. 2 medium passionfruit)

Pro Tips for Exotic Mango Passionfruit Bars Recipe

To ensure a silky smooth texture, soak the cashews thoroughly, preferably overnight, to soften them for easy blending. This step is crucial for creating a lusciously creamy base for your tropical bars. When blending the cashews, scrape down the sides of the food processor or blender as needed to achieve a perfectly smooth consistency.

For a picture-perfect presentation, ensure the fruity topping sets properly by allowing it to chill for the recommended time. If you’re short on time, you can pop the bars into the freezer for a quicker setting time, but be sure not to freeze them solid. This will help you achieve clean, neat slices when it’s time to serve. Additionally, to create clean edges, run your knife under hot water and wipe it clean between each slice.

Experiment with different tropical fruits to customize the flavors of your bars. Pineapple, papaya, or even a blend of tropical fruits can offer a unique twist. Be mindful of adjusting the sweetness level accordingly when swapping fruits. This versatility allows you to enjoy these bars year-round, catering to the seasonality of your favorite fruits for a delightful tropical treat.

How to Make Exotic Mango Passionfruit Bars Recipe

Step 1: Step 01

Prepare an 8-inch (20cm) square cake pan by lining it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Step 02

Place nuts in a food processor and pulse until coarse crumbs form. Drain dates, discard water, then process with nuts until mixture sticks together. Firmly press mixture into cake pan to create the base.

Step 3: Step 03

After draining the cashews, discard the soaking liquid. Blend the cashews with the remaining filling ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth. Adjust sweetness or acidity. Pour the filling over the base, smooth the surface, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set.

Step 4: Step 04

Blend the mango until smooth. In a small saucepan, mix the mango puree, passionfruit, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat.

Step 5: Step 05

Once the bars are set, evenly spread the mango topping over the filling. Chill for at least 30 minutes. Remove from the pan, slice into portions, and serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared these delightful Tropical Mango Passionfruit Bars, you can store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Interestingly, the flavors meld together, and the texture improves after the first day. For longer storage, cut the bars into individual portions and freeze them with parchment paper between layers. To enjoy the bars at their best, thaw them in the refrigerator for about 2 hours before serving, allowing them to maintain their delicious texture.

For variations and substitutions, when mangoes are out of season, you can use frozen mango chunks as a suitable replacement. Additionally, exploring other tropical fruits like pineapple or papaya is encouraged, with an adjustment in sweetness if needed. In colder months, consider using frozen fruit purees captured at their peak ripeness. These bars can also be enhanced with freeze-dried mango powder for added color and flavor intensity or crushed pistachios for a textural contrast. Serve the bars slightly chilled to fully develop the flavors and elevate your dessert experience.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the nut base, you can swap the almonds or hazelnuts with other nuts or seeds like walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds based on your preference or dietary needs. This allows for customization while maintaining the same nutty flavor and texture.

If you don’t have access to fresh mangoes, frozen mango chunks can be a convenient substitute for both the filling and topping. They provide a consistent tropical flavor and smooth texture, ensuring your bars retain their fruity essence even when fresh mangoes are out of season.

In place of cashews, soaked macadamia nuts or silken tofu can be used for a creamy base if you have a cashew allergy or prefer an alternative. These substitutes offer a similar smooth consistency and neutral taste, ensuring the dessert remains rich and satisfying without compromising on texture or flavor.

Serving Suggestions

To serve these tropical mango passionfruit bars in a creative way, consider plating them with a dollop of coconut whipped cream on top for a touch of tropical flair. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted coconut shavings and a fresh mint leaf to enhance the exotic flavors and add a pop of color to your dessert presentation. Additionally, pair these bars with a refreshing mango or passionfruit sorbet on the side to create a complete tropical dessert experience that will transport your taste buds to a sunny paradise.

For a more interactive serving idea, set up a DIY tropical bar where guests can customize their mango passionfruit bars with a variety of toppings such as diced fresh mango, passionfruit seeds, chopped nuts, and a drizzle of honey or agave syrup. This hands-on approach adds a fun element to your dessert presentation and allows everyone to tailor their bars to their taste preferences, making it a delightful and engaging dessert option for gatherings and special occasions.

FAQs for Exotic Mango Passionfruit Bars Recipe

Can I use frozen mango instead of fresh mango for this recipe?

Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen mango for this dessert. Just make sure to blend it into a smooth puree for the filling and topping.

How long do the bars need to set in the refrigerator?

The bars require at least 4 hours to set in the refrigerator for the filling and an additional 30 minutes for the fruity topping to firm up.

Are there any alternatives to cashews for the creamy base?

If you’re allergic to cashews or prefer an alternative, you can experiment with soaked macadamia nuts or silken tofu for a creamy texture.

Can these bars be stored in the freezer?

Yes, these bars are freezer-friendly. Store them in an airtight container for up to one month, and thaw them for a few minutes before serving.

Conclusion

Indulge in a taste of the tropics with these luscious Tropical Mango Passionfruit Bars that capture the essence of sunshine in every bite. The creamy mango cashew filling, balanced with the tang of passionfruit, offers a delightful contrast of flavors that will transport you to a tropical paradise with each delicious mouthful.

Whether you’re looking for a refreshing dessert for a summer gathering or a sweet treat to brighten up a dreary day, these bars are the perfect choice. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with tropical goodness, these no-bake delights are a must-try for anyone craving a bit of exotic flair in their dessert lineup. So whip up a batch of these Tropical Mango Passionfruit Bars and let their vibrant flavors take you on a delightful culinary escape!