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As we embrace the warmth of summer, there's nothing quite like a chilled dessert to refresh and invigorate our senses. One standout option is Tropical Delight: Chilled Mango Bars. This recipe captures the essence of sun-soaked beaches and tropical flavors, bringing a taste of paradise to your home. With its vibrant mango filling and sweet, buttery crust, this dessert offers a delightful escape from the heat, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings, picnics, or simply as a treat to enjoy on a sunny afternoon.

Chilled Mango Bars

Dive into summer with a refreshing treat—Tropical Delight: Chilled Mango Bars! This delightful dessert features a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a creamy mango filling that captures the essence of tropical flavors. Easy to prepare in advance, these bars are perfect for picnics, gatherings, or a sunny afternoon snack. Discover the simple ingredients and step-by-step preparation that make these bars a standout addition to your warm-weather menu. Experience a taste of paradise right at home!
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Ingredients
  

For the crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the mango filling:

2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced (approximately 2 cups)

1 cup full-fat yogurt

½ cup sweetened condensed milk

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 tablespoon lime zest

1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin (optional, for a firmer texture)

2 tablespoons warm water (if using gelatin)

For the garnish:

Fresh mint leaves

Lime wheels or slices (optional)

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Instructions
 

Prepare the crust:

    - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

      - In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until all crumbs are well-coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.

        - Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x9-inch baking pan, creating an even layer to form a solid crust.

          - Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until lightly golden, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely before adding the filling.

            Make the mango filling:

              - In a blender or food processor, add the diced mangoes, full-fat yogurt, sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, and lime zest. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.

                - If using gelatin for a firmer texture, dissolve 1 teaspoon of unflavored gelatin in 2 tablespoons of warm water. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it blooms. Next, gently heat this mixture until fully melted, then incorporate it into the mango filling, blending well to combine.

                  Assemble the bars:

                    - Pour the smooth mango filling over the cooled graham cracker crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula for a uniform layer.

                      - Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until the mixture is fully chilled and has set.

                        Serving:

                          - Once the mango bars are set, carefully cut them into squares or rectangles for serving.

                            - Garnish each square with a sprig of fresh mint and, if desired, a slice of lime for an extra burst of color and flavor.

                              Enjoy!

                                - Serve the chilled mango bars straight from the fridge, delighting in their refreshing tropical flavors!

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                                    Prep Time | Total Time | Servings:

                                      20 minutes | 4 hours 30 minutes | Makes 16 bars