The Ultimate Coconut Mango Tart: A Refreshing Summer Dessert with a Tropical Twist
Prepare to fall in love with this Coconut Mango Tart! Each exquisite bite delivers a burst of juicy, sweet mangoes perfectly complemented by a smooth, tangy cream cheese filling, all nestled in a delightfully crumbly coconut crust. This dessert isn’t just a treat; it’s an experience, a symphony of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for another slice before you know it.
My Irresistible Mango Obsession
Confession time: I have a serious mango problem. It’s more of a “see mango, eat mango” reflex that has been with me for years. My love affair with these tropical fruits began during a trip to Hong Kong, where I first tasted mangos so incredibly ripe and juicy that I became an addict for life. Since then, no mango has been safe in my vicinity.
My freezer is perpetually stocked with bags upon bags of Trader Joe’s frozen mangoes. Honestly, it’s a wonder I haven’t turned orange from the sheer volume I consume! There’s something truly magical about the sweet, vibrant flavor of mango that transports you straight to a sun-drenched beach, no matter where you are.
From Farmer’s Market Haul to Dessert Inspiration
Just before I left Atlanta, I encountered a dilemma many food enthusiasts might relate to. I stumbled upon a farmer’s market deal that was simply too good to pass up: 12 perfectly ripe, luscious mangoes for just $4! My husband was out of town, and in hindsight, I’m not entirely sure what I was thinking – perhaps I wasn’t thinking at all, just impulsively grabbing a fantastic bargain. But then I found myself with what felt like a small mango tree’s worth of fruit piled up in my kitchen.
My initial thought was to chop them up and freeze them for smoothies, but that presented two major problems. First, where’s the fun in that when fresh mango is so glorious? Second, and perhaps more critically, my freezer is so notoriously packed with other culinary experiments and ingredients that there wasn’t an inch of spare room! #foodbloggerproblems or, as I like to call it, #foodhoarderproblems. Either way, a delicious solution was needed for this abundance of golden fruit.
Why This Coconut Mango Tart is Your New Favorite Summer Treat
With summer temperatures rising, especially here in NYC, a cool, tropical dessert becomes an absolute necessity. This Coconut Mango Tart is the perfect weapon against the heat, offering a refreshing escape with every spoonful. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and tastes: the crisp, golden coconut crust, the silky-smooth cream cheese filling, and the crowning glory of sweet, juicy mangoes.
This tart is designed to be a showstopper without requiring hours in the kitchen. Its vibrant colors and refreshing profile make it an ideal dessert for barbecues, picnics, or simply a quiet evening on the porch. The combination of creamy, tangy, sweet, and nutty notes ensures that this dessert is not only satisfying but also incredibly light and uplifting, making it a stellar choice for a warm-weather indulgence.
Crafting the Perfect Coconut Crust: A Crumbly Foundation
The foundation of any great tart is its crust, and this Coconut Mango Tart boasts a truly exceptional one. I’ve incorporated both coconut oil and shredded coconut into this super easy press-in crust. The result is a delectably coconutty, buttery, and crumbly base that has the satisfying texture of a perfectly baked shortbread. Using coconut oil instead of traditional butter gives the crust a unique tropical essence and, dare I say, makes it “totally healthy”… right?
This simple crust recipe is incredibly versatile. It comes together quickly with minimal fuss and doesn’t require any complicated rolling techniques once it’s chilled. The coconut oil helps bind it, and a touch of heavy cream ensures it forms a cohesive ball ready for pressing into your tart pan. This same crust would also be absolutely stellar for a coconut cream pie, taking that coconut flavor way over the top if you’re feeling extra adventurous!
The Irresistibly Creamy and Tangy Filling
Beneath the crown of fresh mango lies the heart of this tart: a luscious cream cheese filling that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. To achieve this delightful complexity, the filling incorporates rich sour cream and a generous amount of finely grated lemon zest. The lemon zest is key; it brightens the entire filling, elevating the inherent tanginess of the cream cheese and preventing the dessert from being overly sweet.
A splash of vanilla extract adds classic warmth, while a hint of almond extract introduces a subtle, sophisticated nutty undertone that pairs beautifully with both the coconut crust and the mango. It’s a flavor party on your palate – creamy, zesty, sweet, and just a little bit unexpected. This filling is smooth as silk and provides the ideal creamy counterpoint to the vibrant fruit.
Assembling Your Tropical Masterpiece: Tips for Success
Bringing this beautiful tart to life is just as enjoyable as eating it. The key to its stunning appearance lies in the decorative arrangement of the mango slices. After your coconut crust is baked and cooled, and the creamy filling has set in the refrigerator, it’s time for the final, artistic touch.
Choosing and Slicing Mangoes: Select firm, ripe mangoes for the best flavor and ease of slicing. Peel them carefully, then thinly slice the flesh. You can create various patterns; I often opt for elegant concentric circles, but feel free to let your creativity shine! Overlapping slices create a beautiful, layered effect that catches the eye.
Garnishing for Extra Flair: To further enhance both the visual appeal and flavor, a sprinkle of extra sweetened shredded coconut and fresh raspberries makes a wonderful addition. The raspberries provide a pop of contrasting color and a delightful tartness that complements the mango beautifully.
Storage and Freshness: This tart is best assembled right before serving or a few hours in advance to ensure the mangoes are at their freshest and most vibrant. While the tart will still be delicious the next day if stored in the refrigerator, the fruit might begin to brown slightly, affecting its pristine appearance. For optimal presentation and taste, aim to serve it within 24 hours of assembly.
Celebrating with Flavor: A Special Occasion Dessert
This Coconut Mango Tart is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration. Its bright and beautiful nature made it the perfect treat to celebrate a significant milestone: Food Faith & Fitness’ 2-year bloggiversary! Just like the tart, Taylor, the creative force behind the site, is vibrant and full of life. Coincidence? I think not.
If you haven’t yet discovered her incredible site, you are truly missing out on a treasure trove of inspiration! Taylor makes healthy eating both easy and exciting with her collection of delicious, wholesome baked goods and quick, satisfying dinner recipes. Beyond the fantastic food, her sarcastic wit and engaging personality reel me in every single time. Love. Her.
This tart is a testament to the joy of creating and sharing delicious food. It’s a perfect example of how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to form something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply treating yourself to a taste of the tropics, this Coconut Mango Tart promises to deliver pure bliss.
Coconut Mango Tart
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Ingredients
For the Coconut Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all- purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons almond meal
- pinch of kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ cup sweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup coconut oil melted
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 1/3 cup sour cream not nonfat
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 11 ounces cream cheese slightly softened and cut into chunks
For the Assembly:
- 4-5 mangos (ripe) pealed and thinly sliced
- Raspberries optional
- Sweetened shredded coconut optional
Instructions
Make the coconut crust:
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Preheat oven to 375˚F. Lightly grease a 10-by-1 inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
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In a medium bowl combine flours, meal, salt, sugar, and coconut; whisk to distribute evenly.
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Add the melted oil and toss together with a fork. If it doesn’t come together, slowly add heavy cream until you can form a cohesive ball.
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Pat into a disk, wrap and place briefly in the refrigerator to firm up. If you chill too long it will because as hard as a rock. If that happens, don’t worry, just let it warm up at room temperature.
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Roll out until it is approximately ¼ inch thick and 12 inches in diameter. Roll onto a rolling pin and gently place over the prepared tart pan. Press the dough into the edges of the pan to make sure that there are no airpockets. Allow the edges to fold over the sides of the pan and trim them with a pairing knife or rolling pin.
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Make small holes in the bottom of the tart shell with a fork or docking tool.
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Line with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or beans. Bake in preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the parchment no longer sticks to the bottom of the tart. Remove weights and parchment and continue to bake 8-10 minutes longer or until the tart is an even golden brown.
To Prepare the Filling:
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In a food processor process the sugar and lemon zest until the sugar is a pale yellow. Add the sour cream, vanilla, and almond extract and process just until free of lumps, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
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Add the cream cheese and pulse just until the mixture is smooth and no lumps of cheese remain. Be careful not to over process.
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Pour into tart shell and smooth the surface with a small offset spatula or knife.
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Refrigerate at least 1 ½ hours or overnight.
Assemble your Tart:
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Arrange the mango slices decoratively on top of the cream cheese filling. I did a series of concentric circles on mine. You do you.
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Sprinkle with coconut and raspberries.
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Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The tart will be fine the next day but the fruit will begin to brown and it won’t be as pretty. It is best to assemble right before or a few hours before you serve it.
Notes
Nutrition
We hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful Coconut Mango Tart as much as we do. It’s a perfect way to embrace the flavors of summer and add a touch of tropical elegance to your dessert table. Don’t forget to share your creations and tell us what you think in the comments below!