Mango Tart

The Mango Tart is a visual and culinary delight, featuring a crisp, golden crust filled with a smooth, creamy mango filling. The vibrant orange hue of the mangoes contrasts beautifully with the buttery tart shell, making it an eye-catching centerpiece for any dessert table.

This dessert not only pleases the eyes but also the palate, offering a harmonious blend of sweetness and tanginess from the mangoes and lime juice. The richness of the heavy cream and the subtle hint of salt elevate the flavors, making each bite a tropical escape.

Full Recipe:

1. Ingredients:

• For the Tart Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 large egg yolk

  • 2-3 tablespoons cold water

• For the Mango Filling:

  • 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup sweetened condensed milk

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

  • A pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Prepare the Tart Crust: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and granulated sugar. Mix them well to ensure even distribution. Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, incorporate the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Next, add the egg yolk and mix until combined. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the crust flaky. Once the dough forms a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle about ¼ inch thick. Carefully transfer the rolled dough into a tart pan, gently pressing it into the edges. Trim off any excess dough hanging over the edges. To prevent the crust from puffing up during baking, prick the bottom with a fork. Place the crust in the refrigerator for another 15 minutes to firm up.

3. Bake the Crust: Remove the tart shell from the refrigerator and line it with parchment paper, adding pie weights or dried beans on top to prevent bubbling. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. After baking, carefully remove the weights and parchment paper. Allow the crust to cool completely on a wire rack.

4. Prepare the Mango Filling: While the crust is cooling, prepare the mango filling. In a blender or food processor, combine the diced mangoes, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, fresh lime juice, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste the filling and adjust the sweetness if desired. Once combined, pour the mixture into the cooled tart shell. Spread it evenly, and smooth the top for a beautiful finish. Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours, allowing the filling to set properly.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 8 servings

When summer rolls in and mangoes begin to flood the markets, it’s the perfect time to let this glorious fruit shine in your kitchen. And what better way to celebrate mango season than with a Mango Tart a refreshing, vibrant dessert that is as visually stunning as it is delicious?

A mango tart combines the best of both worlds: a crisp, buttery crust and a silky-smooth filling made with ripe mangoes. Its bright tropical flavor makes it a perfect dessert for warm-weather gatherings, brunches, celebrations, or simply as an indulgent treat to enjoy with a cup of tea.

Let’s explore this tropical treat in depth, including its origins, flavor profile, variations, and why it deserves a permanent spot in your dessert rotation.

A Brief Look at the Origins of Fruit Tarts

While the Mango Tart may feel like a modern dessert with exotic flair, the concept of fruit tarts goes back centuries. Traditional French tarts such as tarte aux fruits have been long celebrated in European culinary traditions, typically showcasing seasonal fruit layered over pastry cream and a buttery crust.

The Mango Tart is a modern, tropical adaptation of these classic French desserts. It swaps out temperate-zone fruits like berries or apples for mangoes, often incorporating coconut, lime, or cream to elevate its tropical flavor profile. In regions where mangoes are abundant—such as Southeast Asia, India, and the Caribbean the mango tart has found popularity for its simplicity, vibrant taste, and beautiful presentation.

Why Mangoes Are the Star of the Show

Mangoes are often referred to as the “king of fruits,” and for good reason. Their sweet, juicy flesh, low acidity, and brilliant color make them perfect for both savory and sweet applications. When used in tarts, mangoes provide not only rich flavor but also a silky texture when blended into a cream-based filling.

The best mangoes for this tart are those that are fully ripe, fragrant, and smooth-fleshed. Varieties like Ataulfo, Alphonso, or Kent are especially ideal due to their naturally sweet flavor and minimal fibrousness. The mango puree becomes the heart of the filling, offering a bright burst of tropical sunshine in every bite.

Flavor Profile: A Tropical Symphony

The Mango Tart is a beautifully balanced dessert. Here’s what you can expect in each bite:

• Creamy and Velvety Texture: Thanks to the mango puree and heavy cream, the filling is ultra-smooth and luscious.
• Tropical Sweetness with a Citrus Kick: Lime juice enhances the mango flavor while adding a gentle acidity to balance the sweetness.
• Buttery, Crisp Base: The tart crust provides a delightful contrast to the soft filling, adding both structure and flavor.
• Subtle Saltiness: A pinch of salt brings out the natural sweetness of the mango and deepens the flavor complexity.

This dessert doesn’t rely on heavy spices or rich chocolate its elegance lies in the freshness and purity of its ingredients.

Customization and Variations

One of the best things about the Mango Tart is how versatile it is. Depending on your preferences and dietary restrictions, there are countless ways to make it your own.

1. Add a Coconut Twist

Mix shredded coconut into the crust or top the finished tart with lightly toasted coconut flakes. It brings a new layer of texture and emphasizes the tropical theme.

2. Use a No-Bake Crust

If you’re short on time or want to avoid turning on the oven, opt for a graham cracker or digestive biscuit crust. Mix crushed cookies with melted butter, press into your tart pan, and chill to set.

3. Infuse with Herbs

For a gourmet touch, add a hint of finely chopped mint or basil to the mango filling or use it as a garnish.

4. Top with Fresh Mango Slices

If you want a show-stopping presentation, thinly slice mango and arrange it in a rosette or fan shape on top of the tart before serving. It adds a visual wow factor and enhances the mango flavor.

5. Make it Vegan

Substitute coconut cream for the dairy-based heavy cream and use vegan butter in the crust. Ensure your condensed milk substitute is also plant-based. The result will be just as creamy and indulgent.

Ideal Pairings for Mango Tart

Pairing your Mango Tart with the right beverages or accompaniments can take your dessert experience to the next level.

• Hot Beverages: Herbal teas like chamomile or mint work beautifully, as does a lightly brewed green tea.
• Cold Drinks: A sparkling citrus soda, mango lassi, or coconut water complements the tropical flavor without overwhelming it.
• Savory Contrast: Serve the tart after a spicy meal think Thai curry or jerk chicken. The sweetness helps balance and soothe the palate.

For more decadence, serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Serving and Storage Tips

Presentation and freshness are key when serving a Mango Tart. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Chill Before Serving: This tart is best enjoyed cold, which helps the filling set properly and enhances the flavors.
• Use a Sharp Knife: For clean slices, dip your knife in warm water and wipe between cuts.
• Store in the Fridge: Leftovers should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3–4 days.
• Avoid Freezing: While the crust may freeze well, the mango filling can become watery or grainy when thawed.

If topping with fresh mango slices, add them just before serving to prevent oxidation and browning.

Health Benefits (Yes, Really!)

Although Mango Tart is an indulgence, it’s not entirely without merit when it comes to nutrition especially if you’re using real mango puree.

• Rich in Vitamins: Mangoes are packed with vitamins A, C, and E, which support skin health, immunity, and vision.
• Digestive Aid: The natural enzymes in mangoes help promote digestion.
• Antioxidants: Mangoes contain beta-carotene and other antioxidants that combat free radicals in the body.

Of course, the sugar and cream content mean this tart should be enjoyed in moderation but it’s a much fresher alternative to many heavy, processed desserts.

Conclusion: A Taste of the Tropics in Every Slice

The Mango Tart is more than just a dessert it’s a celebration of tropical flavors, a visual delight, and a refreshing end to any meal. With its buttery crust, creamy mango filling, and beautiful presentation, it’s the kind of dessert that brings joy with every bite.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a home cook trying your hand at something new, this tart is both accessible and impressive. The recipe allows for creativity, making it perfect for customizing to suit the occasion, your palate, or the ingredients you have on hand.

So the next time mangoes are in season, don’t just eat them fresh transform them into a stunning Mango Tart that will impress your guests, delight your family, and satisfy your sweet cravings with a tropical twist.