Tropical Mango Pie: A Sunshine-Inspired Dessert to Brighten Your Day

When mango season rolls around, nothing says “sunshine on a plate” quite like this Tropical Mango Pie. With a crunchy, spiced biscuit base and a smooth, creamy mango custard filling, this dessert is perfect for celebrating warmer days. I discovered this recipe on a tropical vacation and couldn’t wait to share it with my family—now it’s a spring tradition my grandpa lovingly calls “that sunshine pie.” Inspired by I Wuv Cooking, this pie is as delightful to eat as it is to make.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mango Pie is a refreshing blend of tropical flavors and creamy textures. The spiced biscuit base, accented with cardamom and sea salt, provides the perfect foundation for a rich mango custard filling. It’s an ideal dessert for spring, summer, or anytime you want to bring a little sunshine to the table.


Mango Pie Recipe

Ingredients

For the Biscuit Base:

  • 280g/10oz digestive biscuits
  • 65g/2¼oz granulated sugar
  • ¼ tsp ground cardamom
  • 128g/4½oz unsalted butter, melted
  • Large pinch sea salt

For the Mango Custard Filling:

  • 100g/3½oz granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp plus ¼ tsp powdered gelatine
  • 120ml/4fl oz double cream
  • 115g/4oz cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 850g tin Alfonso mango pulp
  • Large pinch sea salt

Method

  1. Prepare the Biscuit Base:
    • Crush the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs using a sealed plastic bag and a rolling pin, or pulse in a food processor.
    • Transfer the crumbs to a mixing bowl and stir in the sugar, cardamom, and sea salt.
    • Add the melted butter and mix until thoroughly combined.
  2. Assemble the Base:
    • Divide the crumb mixture between two 23cm/9in metal pie tins. Press firmly into the bottom and sides with your fingers to create a compact base.
    • Preheat the oven to 160°C/325°F/Gas 3. Freeze the pie bases for 15 minutes, then bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack.
  3. Prepare the Filling:
    • In a large bowl, pour 177ml/6fl oz of cold water. In another bowl, mix the gelatine with half the sugar and sprinkle it over the water. Let it stand for 2 minutes.
    • Heat a quarter of the mango pulp in a saucepan over medium-low heat until warm (do not boil). Whisk the warm mango pulp into the gelatine mixture until fully dissolved, then gradually whisk in the remaining mango pulp.
  4. Blend the Custard:
    • Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then mix it into the mango mixture along with the salt. Blend using a hand blender until completely smooth, and tap the bowl gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.
  5. Fold in the Whipped Cream:
    • Whip the cream with the remaining sugar to medium-stiff peaks. Gently fold a quarter of the mango mixture into the whipped cream using a spatula, then repeat with the remaining mango mixture until fully incorporated.
  6. Assemble the Pie:
    • Divide the mango custard filling between the cooled pie bases. Smooth the tops with a spatula and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 5 hours, until firm and chilled.

Tips for the Best Mango Pie

  • Use High-Quality Mango Pulp: Alfonso mango pulp is ideal for its rich, vibrant flavor, but you can substitute with fresh mangoes blended into a puree.
  • Chill Overnight: Allowing the pie to chill fully ensures a firm, sliceable texture.
  • Add a Garnish: Top the pie with fresh mango slices, a sprinkle of cardamom, or whipped cream for extra flair.
  • Make It Ahead: This pie can be prepared a day in advance, making it perfect for entertaining or potlucks.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This Mango Pie combines tropical flavors with an elegant presentation, making it a dessert that’s both simple to prepare and show-stopping to serve. Its creamy custard and crunchy biscuit base create the perfect balance, ensuring it will be a hit with everyone at the table.


Did you try this recipe? Share your thoughts in the comments and explore more delicious recipes on I Wuv Cooking. Don’t forget to pass this one along—it’s guaranteed to brighten someone’s day!