Mango and Passionfruit Bars Recipe

If you’re craving a tropical burst of flavor in every bite, these Mango and Passionfruit Bars are your ticket to dessert paradise! With a nutty, naturally sweet base, silky-smooth mango filling, and a jewel-toned passionfruit topping, these bars are sunshine in snack form and completely plant-based – so everyone will want a slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is proof that just a handful of simple, real ingredients can create something magical. Each one serves a special purpose—adding not just flavor, but also the signature creaminess, texture, and vibrant color these Mango and Passionfruit Bars are famous for.

• Roasted or raw almonds, hazelnuts, or other nut/seed: This forms the hearty base and brings a toasty, nutty flavor—feel free to use what you love or have on hand.
• Pitted dates: These naturally sweeten and bind the crust, adding caramel notes and a tender chew.
• Raw cashews: Once soaked, they blend up ultra-creamy, ensuring that irresistible “cheesecake” layer without any dairy.
• Frozen or fresh mango chunks: Key to both creamy filling and glossy topping, mango supplies luscious texture and sun-gold color.
• Dairy-free yogurt: For tang, smoothness, and a lightness that balances the sweetness of the fruit.
• Maple syrup: Naturally sweet, this keeps the filling perfectly balanced and moreish.
• Melted cacao butter or vegan white chocolate: Either option adds richness and helps the bars set to sliceable perfection.
• Lemon juice, lime juice, or passionfruit pulp: This fresh, tart element cuts through the richness and brings out the mango’s flavor.
• Vanilla extract (optional): For a subtle flavor boost—skip it if you want the fruit to shine even brighter.
• Pinch of salt: Just a touch transforms all the flavors and amplifies their deliciousness.
• Cornstarch/cornflour: Helps thicken that glorious, jammy mango and passionfruit topping.
• More passionfruit pulp: For beauty, texture, and that unmistakable sweet-tart passionfruit signature finish.

Variations

This bar recipe is the definition of versatile! Feel free to play with mix-ins, swap out ingredients, or tailor the recipe to suit your taste buds or dietary preferences—making Mango and Passionfruit Bars your own is half the fun.

• Nut-Free Version: Swap out the nuts for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds in the base and use coconut cream instead of cashews for a completely nut-free treat.
• Extra Tangy: Amp up the passionfruit or lemon juice in the filling and topping for even more zing and a refreshing punch.
• Chocolate Twist: Drizzle the finished bars with melted dark or white chocolate for a decadent contrast.
• Coconut Crunch: Add desiccated coconut to the base or sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the top for even more tropical flair.

How to Make Mango and Passionfruit Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Line an 8-inch (20cm) square cake pan or container with parchment paper, making sure there’s plenty of overhang on the sides. This step is a lifesaver when it comes time to lift those Mango and Passionfruit Bars out in one piece—no sticking, no fuss!

Step 2: Make the Nutty Base

Add your chosen nuts to a food processor and pulse until they’re broken down into coarse, sandy crumbs. Drain your soaked dates and toss them in; process everything together until you have a sticky mixture that just holds together. Firmly press this into the bottom of the pan—you want a solid foundation for all that creamy filling to come.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Mango Filling

After draining your soaked cashews, add them to a high-speed blender along with mango, yogurt, maple syrup, melted cacao butter (or vegan white chocolate), citrus, vanilla (if using), and a pinch of salt. Blend on high until luscious, thick, and totally smooth. Taste and tweak with more citrus or sweetener if you’d like!

Step 4: Layer and Chill

Pour that dreamy mango filling over the crust, smoothing it with a spatula for an even layer. Cover the pan and let it set in the fridge for at least 4 hours—patience pays off, as the bars need time to firm up for picture-perfect slicing.

Step 5: Prepare the Mango & Passionfruit Topping

Purée mango chunks until smooth, then combine with passionfruit pulp and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Gently bring to medium heat, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and turns delightfully jammy—this only takes a couple minutes!

Step 6: Top, Set & Slice

Once your filling is set, spread the vibrant mango-passionfruit topping over the bars. Give them a final chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, then use the parchment overhang to lift them out. Slice with a sharp knife into 16 beautiful squares—now it’s time to enjoy, share, and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Mango and Passionfruit Bars

Garnishes

Brighten your Mango and Passionfruit Bars with a scatter of fresh passionfruit seeds, thinly sliced mango, edible flowers, or a gentle dusting of coconut. Not only do these touches add show-stopping beauty, but they also make each bar feel celebratory and extra-special.

Side Dishes

Pair these tropical bars with a scoop of coconut yogurt or a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream for an even creamier treat. If you’re feeling adventurous, a handful of fresh berries or a sparkling citrus drink is a lovely contrast to their rich and fruity flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into bite-sized cubes and serve them on skewers for a fun, party-friendly snack platter, or arrange them with layers of fruit in mini dessert cups for elegant entertaining. For a special occasion, stack or swirl leftovers as the “crust” in a deconstructed tropical parfait!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mango and Passionfruit Bars keep fabulously in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The layers stay firm and flavors meld even more—perfect for prepping ahead or slow snacking all week.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the sliced bars on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe box or bag once solid. They’ll keep beautifully for up to a month; just thaw in the fridge before serving for the best creamy texture.

Reheating

No need for reheating—these bars are best enjoyed chilled! If they’ve been in the freezer, give them 20-30 minutes at room temperature or a couple hours in the fridge to soften to the ideal consistency.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If there ever was a treat to put a smile on your face and sunshine on your plate, Mango and Passionfruit Bars are it. I hope you give this recipe a whirl—whether you’re sharing with loved ones, brightening up a rainy day, or simply in need of a sweet escape, these bars always deliver pure, tropical joy.

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