Mango Oatmeal Crumble Bars

About Mango Oatmeal Crumble Bars

Mango Oatmeal Crumble Bars are the perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and wholesome goodness. Bursting with the vibrant flavor of ripe mangoes, these bars are a delightful treat for the senses, featuring a chewy oatmeal crust and a crunchy crumble topping. The textural play between the creamy mango filling and the hearty oat layers makes every bite a delightful experience, ensuring that both mango lovers and crumble enthusiasts are equally satisfied.

this recipe

What You’ll Need for Mango Oatmeal Crumble Bars

Complete Ingredients List

1. For the Oat Base and Crumble Topping:

   • 2 cups rolled oats
   • 1 cup all-purpose flour
   • 1/2 cup brown sugar
   • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
   • 1/4 teaspoon salt
   • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
   • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup for sweetness

2. For the Mango Filling:

   • 3 cups ripe mango, peeled and diced (about 3 medium mangoes)
   • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on the sweetness of mangoes)
   • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
   • 1 tablespoon lemon juice for brightness

Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives

• Allergens:

  • To make this recipe gluten-free, swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the oats are certified gluten-free.
  • Use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative to keep it dairy-free.

• Sweetener Variations:

  • For a sugar-free option, use stevia or erythritol to sweeten both the crumble and mango filling.
  • You can replace honey or maple syrup with agave syrup for a vegan-friendly sweetener.

• Flavor Variations:

  • Experiment with different fruits such as peaches or blueberries, or mix in spices like cinnamon or ginger to elevate the flavor profile.

How to Make Mango Oatmeal Crumble Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Oat Base and Crumble

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until fully combined. Pour in the melted butter (or coconut oil) and honey (or maple syrup) and mix until the ingredients form a crumbly mixture. Reserve half of this mixture for the topping and press the remaining portion into the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined baking dish to form the base.

Step 2: Make the Mango Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Gently toss the mango pieces until they are well coated. Pour this mixture evenly over the baked oat base, spreading it out to ensure that every bite is filled with luscious mango flavor.

Step 3: Add the Crumble Topping

Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the mango filling. Ensure that the crumble topping is evenly distributed to create a satisfying crunch with each bite. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the bars.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this process will be nothing short of heavenly. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool.

Step 5: Chill and Slice

After cooling at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, refrigerate the bars for at least one hour before slicing. This chilling time not only firms up the mango filling but also makes clean cuts easier when serving.

Serving Suggestions for Mango Oatmeal Crumble Bars

How to Serve Mango Oatmeal Crumble Bars

Mango Oatmeal Crumble Bars can be served chilled, at room temperature, or slightly warmed. For a delightful serving experience, consider cutting the bars into squares or rectangles and placing them on a whimsical dessert platter. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for added visual appeal. For a warm option, microwave individual bars for about 10-15 seconds for a comforting, melted delight.

Perfect Pairings & Toppings

These bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate the experience by pairing them with whipped cream, a drizzle of coconut cream, or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Consider serving alongside a tropical fruit salad or coconut yogurt for a refreshing contrast. A light dusting of cinnamon or shredded coconut can also add a delightful finishing touch.

Storing & Preserving Mango Oatmeal Crumble Bars

Best Storage Methods

Store your leftover Mango Oatmeal Crumble Bars covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them, where they can last up to a week. If you wish to keep them for an extended period, they can be frozen for up to three months. Just ensure they are tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating or Freezing Tips

When reheating from the refrigerator, microwave individual bars for about 10-15 seconds or until warmed through. For frozen bars, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight or counter for a few hours before warming. Proper reheating and thawing will help maintain the delightful texture without making them soggy.

Tips for Perfect Mango Oatmeal Crumble Bars Every Time

Avoid These Common Mistakes

1. Over-mixing the Base: Mixing the oat mixture too much can lead to a dense crust; mix just until combined.
2. Under-ripe Mangoes: Ensure that your mangoes are ripe for the best flavor; they should yield slightly to gentle pressure.
3. Not Cooling Enough: Allowing the bars to cool and set before cutting is crucial to achieving clean slices.

Helpful Tricks for Success

• Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking dish with parchment paper makes for easy removal and clean-up.
• Even Slicing: Use a sharp knife and warm it under hot water (and dry) before cutting for neat slices.
• Flavor Enhancements: Adding a pinch of cardamom to the mango filling provides an exotic twist that complements the fruit.

Fun Variations of Mango Oatmeal Crumble Bars

Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists

To mix things up, consider adding 1/2 cup of toasted coconut flakes or sliced almonds into the topping for crunch and richness. Another delightful addition could be dark chocolate chips sprinkled in the mango filling for an unexpected chocolaty note. Alternatively, you might explore adding other fruits like pineapple or berries to the mango layer for a tropical fruit medley.

Dietary-Friendly Adjustments

For a vegan version, substitute the butter with coconut oil, and replace honey with agave syrup. You can create a keto-friendly version by using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour and a keto-approved sweetener in both the topping and filling. To make them sugar-free, ensure to replace all sugar with non-caloric alternatives.

FAQs

What If My Mango Oatmeal Crumble Bars Doesn’t Turn Out Right?

If your bars turn out too dry, consider reducing the baking time in future batches or adding a splash of juice to the filling. If the bars are too wet, ensure your mangoes aren’t overly juicy, and mix in a bit more cornstarch if necessary.

Can I Prepare This in Advance?

Absolutely! The bars can be prepared a day or two in advance, making them a convenient dessert option. Just store them in the refrigerator before serving, allowing the flavors to develop and enhance further.

What Ingredients Can I Swap?

If you can’t find ripe mangoes, other soft fruits like peaches or ripe pears can be lovely substitutes. For allergy concerns, consider swapping rolled oats for a flake-based alternative so that those with gluten sensitivities can still enjoy them.

In conclusion, these Mango Oatmeal Crumble Bars embody a blend of tropical sweetness and hearty goodness, making them a delightful option for any occasion. Whether you’re indulging yourself after dinner or serving guests at a joyful gathering, these bars will undoubtedly impress. So, gather your ingredients and savor the deliciousness that awaits!

Print