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If you are craving a dessert that perfectly balances sweetness, texture, and a touch of tropical sunshine, this Mango Oatmeal Crumble Bars Recipe is just the thing to brighten your day. Imagine tender, juicy mango pieces nestled between a buttery oat crust and a delightfully crumbly topping that’s just lightly golden and oh-so-satisfying. It’s a charming dessert that feels homemade and comforting, yet elegant enough to share with family or friends. Whether you’re craving a sweet snack or a light dessert, these bars bring together fresh mango’s vibrant flavor with the hearty goodness of oats in a way that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Mango Oatmeal Crumble Bars lies in a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays its part in creating a well-balanced bar: buttery richness, natural sweetness, a hint of tang from lemon, and the lovely chewiness and crunch from oats.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup (melted): Provides richness and helps bind the oat crumble for that perfect texture.
- All-purpose flour, 1 cup: Adds structure to the crust and topping without overpowering the mango filling.
- Old-fashioned whole-rolled oats, 3/4 cup: Brings a hearty chewiness and rustic appeal to every bite.
- Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup + 1/3 cup: Balances the tartness of mango with sweet notes in the crust and filling.
- Light brown sugar, 1/4 cup (packed): Infuses a subtle caramel flavor enhancing the crumble topping’s complexity.
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste): Enhances all the sweet flavors, making them shine even brighter.
- Fresh ripe mango, 2 cups (coarsely chopped): The star ingredient delivering juicy and vibrant tropical sweetness.
- Lemon juice, 2 tablespoons: Adds a bright, fresh acidity that lifts the mango filling.
- Corn starch, 2 teaspoons: Thickens the mango mixture to a luscious consistency that holds well when sliced.
How to Make Mango Oatmeal Crumble Bars Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready and Prep the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil and spritz it well with cooking spray. This little prep makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your bars will lift out easily once baked.
Step 2: Make the Crust and Crumble Topping
In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter for about a minute on high. Once melted, stir in the flour, oats, both sugars, and salt until everything combines into a dry, sandy mixture with some nice large crumble clusters. Set aside 1 heaping cup of this mixture for the topping; the rest will become your crust.
Step 3: Form the Crust
Transfer the remaining crumble mixture into your prepared pan. Using a spatula or your fingers, press it firmly and evenly to create a smooth, dense crust layer. Setting this base properly now guarantees a firm foundation for the mango filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Mango Filling
Use the same bowl to combine the chopped mango, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and corn starch. Toss gently until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Don’t worry if the sugar hasn’t completely dissolved; it will melt and bubble beautifully while baking.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Evenly spread the mango mixture over the crust, smoothing it out. Then sprinkle the reserved crumble topping on top, squeezing it lightly in your palm to encourage bigger crumble pieces for that perfect texture contrast. Bake for about 50 minutes, until the edges are set, the center has just firmed up, and the crumble topping turns pale golden. Juicy mango bars might take a bit longer, so keep an eye on the bubbling edges rather than the clock.
How to Serve Mango Oatmeal Crumble Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are fantastic just as they are, but a little extra flair never hurts. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creamy contrast, while a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or chopped pistachios boosts flavor and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a light cup of tea or a refreshing iced green tea to balance the sweetness. A small fresh fruit salad featuring berries or kiwi also complements the tropical mango goodness perfectly for a bright, summery vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into bite-sized squares for party platters or serve stacked with a drizzle of honey or warm caramel sauce for a decadent touch. You can also cut them into triangles and arrange them in a circle to create a charming mango crumble “flower” that’s stunning on any dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Mango Oatmeal Crumble Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days while keeping the texture intact.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, just thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
If you prefer them warm, simply reheat individual bars in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, or warm them in a low oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes until heated through. Warm bars bring out the mango aroma even more delightfully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen mango instead of fresh?
You certainly can, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mixing it in, as frozen mango tends to be juicier and could make the filling runny.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free for a safe and tasty alternative.
Can I substitute the butter for a dairy-free option?
Absolutely. Use melted coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine in equal amounts to maintain the rich, crumbly texture.
How ripe should the mango be?
The mangoes should be ripe but firm enough to hold their shape when chopped. Overripe mangoes might turn mushy and affect the texture of the bars.
What’s the best way to cut these bars?
For clean slices, wait until the bars are completely cool, then lift them out with the foil and cut on a cutting board using a sharp knife. Wiping the knife clean between cuts helps keep the bars looking neat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and delicious about homemade bars that feature the tropical brightness of mango paired with hearty oats and buttery crumble. The Mango Oatmeal Crumble Bars Recipe is a keeper—a recipe you’ll want to make again and again, whether as a sweet treat for yourself or a crowd-pleasing dessert at your next gathering. Give it a try and let the wonderful flavors brighten your kitchen and your day!
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Mango Oatmeal Crumble Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mango Oatmeal Crumble Bars combine a buttery oat crust with a tangy, sweet mango filling, topped with a golden, crunchy crumble. Baked to perfection, they offer a delightful balance of textures and tropical flavors, perfect for a fruity dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Crust and Crumble Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned whole-rolled oats
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Mango Filling
- 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh ripe mango
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons corn starch
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil and spray it with cooking spray for easy removal and cleanup. Set aside.
- Melt Butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter by heating it on high power for about 1 minute until fully melted.
- Make Crust and Crumble Mixture: Add the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and salt to the melted butter. Stir thoroughly to combine. The mixture should be dry and sandy with some larger, well-formed crumble pieces.
- Reserve Crumble Topping: Set aside 1 heaping cup of the crumble mixture for the topping later.
- Form Crust: Transfer the remaining crumble mixture into the prepared pan. Using a spatula or your fingers, press and hard-pack the mixture evenly and smoothly to form the crust layer. Set aside.
- Prepare Mango Filling: In the same bowl used for the crumble, combine the chopped mango, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and corn starch. Toss gently to mix. It’s fine if the sugar hasn’t fully dissolved, as it will liquify during baking.
- Assemble Layers: Evenly spread the mango filling over the packed crust layer in the pan.
- Add Crumble Topping: Sprinkle the reserved crumble topping evenly over the mango filling. For bigger crumble pieces, squeeze the topping mixture gently in your palm before sprinkling.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has just set. The crumble topping should be set and pale golden, and you may see bubbling from the mango filling along the edges. Note that if your mango is very juicy, baking time may extend beyond 55 minutes. Rely on visual cues rather than the clock to check doneness.
Notes
- Using fresh ripe mango is key for natural sweetness and flavor; avoid underripe or overly firm fruit.
- Line the pan with foil for easier removal and cleanup.
- Watch the bars closely near the end of baking to avoid overbaking, especially if your mangoes are very juicy.
- The crust and topping can be made with old-fashioned oats for best texture rather than quick oats.
- This recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a nuttier flavor, consider adding 1/4 cup chopped nuts to the crumble topping mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
