Mango and Passionfruit Bars

As a passionate baker, I always look for recipes that bring a taste of sunshine into my kitchen. That’s exactly what inspired me to create these Mango and Passionfruit Bars. I remember the first time I made them; the creamy texture and fruity topping instantly transported me to a tropical paradise. No baking required, no coconut involved, and every bite delivers pure, refreshing delight.

The combination of mango and passionfruit reminds me of sunny days, where the air is filled with the scent of fresh fruit. Every time I make these bars, I feel like I’m enjoying a vacation, even if I’m just in my own kitchen. They are rich, creamy, and so simple to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One reason I adore this recipe is its simplicity. It doesn’t require any baking, which is a huge bonus during warm months. The texture is silky and smooth, and the flavor is vibrant. Plus, the ingredients are easy to find, and the process is surprisingly quick.

Another reason to fall in love with this recipe is that it’s dairy-free and coconut-free, making it suitable for many different diets. These bars are rich enough to satisfy dessert cravings, yet light enough to leave you feeling refreshed.

Versatile

These bars are incredibly versatile. You can easily switch the fruit based on what you have on hand. Mango pairs beautifully with passionfruit, but you can substitute it with other fruits like peaches or berries for a different twist. The crust can also be made with any nut or seed you prefer, giving you endless options.

Budget-Friendly

This recipe is also budget-friendly. It uses everyday pantry staples like cashews, dates, and nuts. You don’t need any fancy equipment beyond a basic food processor and blender. Because it doesn’t require baking, it also saves on energy costs.

Ingredients for the Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need for these delightful bars:

  • Roasted or raw almonds (or any other nut/seed)

  • Pitted dates

  • Raw cashews

  • Frozen or fresh mango chunks

  • Thick dairy-free yogurt (unsweetened)

  • Maple syrup

  • Melted cacao butter or melted vegan white chocolate

  • Lemon juice, lime juice, or passionfruit pulp

  • Vanilla extract (optional)

  • Salt

  • Passionfruit pulp

  • Cornstarch

  • Extra lemon or lime juice (optional)

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a luscious, no-bake dessert that feels like a tropical escape.

How to Make These Mango and Passionfruit Bars

Making these Mango and Passionfruit Bars is truly simple. I love how effortless this recipe feels from start to finish. Every time I prepare it, I enjoy the process just as much as the final result. So, let me walk you through it step by step.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

First, I always start by lining an 8-inch square cake pan with parchment paper. I make sure the paper overhangs the sides. This small detail makes it easier to remove the cheesecake later.

Step 2: Make the Base

Next, I prepare the crust. I add the nuts to my food processor and pulse them until they turn into coarse crumbs. I usually prefer almonds, but sometimes I swap in hazelnuts or seeds, depending on what I have in my pantry.

Then, I drain the soaked dates and discard the soaking water. I add the dates to the food processor and blend until everything combines. The mixture should stick together when pressed between my fingers.

After that, I scoop the mixture into the lined pan. I press it down firmly using a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup, making sure it forms an even base.

Step 3: Make the Filling

Once the base is ready, I move on to the creamy filling. I start by draining the soaked cashews and discarding the soaking water. Then, I add the cashews, mango, dairy-free yogurt, maple syrup, melted cacao butter, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into my blender.

I blend everything until the mixture becomes smooth and thick. Sometimes, I taste it to see if it needs more sweetness or acidity, adjusting as needed.

When the filling is ready, I pour it over the prepared base. I use a spatula to smooth the top before covering the pan. Then, I place it in the refrigerator for at least four hours to set.

Step 4: Prepare the Fruity Topping

While the bars chill, I work on the topping. I puree the mango chunks in a blender until they’re completely smooth. After that, I pour the mango puree into a saucepan along with the passionfruit pulp and cornstarch.

I cook the mixture over medium heat, whisking continuously until it thickens. As soon as it reaches the right consistency, I take it off the heat.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

Once the bars have fully set in the refrigerator, I spread the mango and passionfruit topping over the filling. I make sure it’s evenly distributed before returning the bars to the fridge for another 30 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Finally, I carefully lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. I use a sharp knife to cut them into portions. These bars are ready to enjoy right away, though they also store well. I keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

Quick and Easy

One of the things I adore about this recipe is how quick it is to prepare. The steps are simple, and there’s no complicated technique involved. Most of the time is spent waiting for the bars to chill and set.

Customizable

This recipe is also incredibly customizable. You can change the nuts, swap the fruits, or even adjust the sweetener. If you prefer more tartness, you can increase the lemon or lime juice. For extra sweetness, just add a bit more maple syrup.

Crowd-Pleasing

Every time I serve these bars, they disappear fast. Their creamy texture, bright flavors, and beautiful appearance make them a crowd favorite. Plus, since they’re dairy-free, they suit a variety of diets, which makes them perfect for gatherings and celebrations.

Whether for a special event or a simple treat at home, these Mango and Passionfruit Bars always bring smiles. They combine ease, beauty, and taste in every bite.

FAQs

Can I make these bars without a high-speed blender?
Yes, you can use a regular blender or food processor. However, the filling may not become as smooth. To help, you can soak the cashews longer to soften them further.

Can I freeze these Mango and Passionfruit Bars?
Absolutely! These bars freeze well. I often slice them into portions before freezing. This way, I can grab a serving anytime. They can be stored in the freezer for up to one month.

Can I use other fruits instead of mango and passionfruit?
Yes, this recipe is very flexible. You can swap the mango with fruits like peaches or pineapple. For the topping, berries also work well in place of passionfruit.

How long do the bars last in the fridge?
These bars keep well in the fridge for up to five days. I recommend storing them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Is there a substitute for cashews?
You can try using macadamia nuts or sunflower seeds as an alternative. Keep in mind, though, the texture and taste might slightly change.

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Mango and Passionfruit Bars

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These Mango and Passionfruit Bars are a refreshing, no-bake dessert that feels like a tropical escape. Made with wholesome ingredients, these creamy bars are dairy-free, coconut-free, and simple to prepare. They are perfect for summer or any time you want a bright and fruity treat.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Base:

  • 1 cup (160g) roasted or raw almonds (hazelnuts, or any other nut/seed)

  • 1/2 cup (100g) pitted dates (soaked in boiling water for 10 minutes)

For the Filling:

  • 2 cups (260g) raw cashews (soaked in boiling water for 10 minutes)

  • 150g frozen or fresh mango chunks

  • 3/4 cup (170g) thick dairy-free yogurt (unsweetened)

  • 1/3 cup (115g) maple syrup (or to taste)

  • 1/3 cup (75g) melted cacao butter (or 115g melted vegan white chocolate)

  • 1/4 cup (60g) lemon juice (lime juice or passionfruit pulp)

  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) (optional)

  • Pinch of salt

For the Topping:

  • 200g frozen or fresh mango chunks

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons (14g) cornstarch / corn flour

  • ~1/4 cup (65g) passionfruit pulp

  • 2 tablespoons (30g) lemon juice (or lime juice, optional)

Instructions

  • Line an 8-inch square cake pan or container with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

  • To make the base, process the nuts in a food processor until they form coarse crumbs. Drain the dates, discard the water, and add them to the food processor. Blend until combined and sticky. Press the mixture firmly into the lined pan to form an even base.

  • For the filling, drain the cashews and discard the soaking liquid. Blend the cashews, mango, dairy-free yogurt, maple syrup, melted cacao butter, lemon juice, Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free), and salt until smooth and creamy. Adjust sweetness or acidity as desired. Pour over the base and smooth the surface. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set.

  • For the topping, puree the mango in a blender. Add the mango puree, passionfruit pulp, and cornstarch to a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking continuously until thickened. Remove from heat.

  • Once the filling is set, spread the topping evenly over it. Chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

  • Remove from the pan, slice into bars, and enjoy. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Notes

  • You can substitute the nuts or fruits based on availability.

  • Adjust sweetener and citrus to taste.

  • Author: Layla
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes

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