Easy Mango Dessert Mess

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Chef Abbie Gellman RD

A fun, easy, and tasty dessert recipe, this easy Mango dessert mess! What’s not to love? It’s a delicious mess!

Keep reading to learn the history, nutrition and culinary uses of this sacred fruit. My easy mango dessert recipe takes only 10 minutes and no baking!

Mango

The mango is thought to have originated in India over 4,000 years ago. This sacred fruit gradually spread throughout Asia and the rest of the world.  Asia produces 75% of the world’s mangoes, and India remains the largest producer.  In the United States, most of our mangoes are grown in Florida, Mexico, Haiti and South America.1

Making an easy mango dessert is so simple thanks to their distinct taste.  Mangoes have been called the “king of fruit” because their flavor is thought to be a mix of oranges, peaches and pineapples.  Hence, the easy mango dessert tagline, I want you to taste all the subtle complex flavors the mango has to offer. That’s why there is no added sugar or butter in this recipe!

Mangoes are related to pistachios and cashews, so it is possible if someone has an allergy to either they may also be allergic to mangoes.  Another fun fact – in India, folklore states that mango trees can grant wishes! 2

Mango Nutrition

This easy mango dessert is also full of vitamins, minerals and fiber.  A cup of mango with the peel left on has 3 g of fiber, and is a good source of potassium, Vitamin A and C. 2  Mangoes are also high in polyphenols, which are compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. So make this healthy and easy mango dessert today! 3

Mango Selection

In this recipe I used a Tommy Atkins mango.  You can use any ripe variety that is available to you.  If you watched the video, you noticed that I did not peel the skin! The skin is high in fiber, vitamins and minerals.  You also lose so much of the fleshy fruit when peeled!

To test if a mango is ripe, press slightly with the thumb –– it should give slightly indicating soft, creamy flesh inside! If they are still firm, let them ripen on the counter. For this easy mango dessert I cut the mango on both sides of the large, flat and egg shaped seed. Then, dice the mango into bite sized pieces.

Nilla Wafers

The classic cookie that is the star of banana pudding adds a crunch and slight sweetness to this easy mango dessert.  The wafers are best crumbled into bite size pieces. The easiest method is to place into a plastic bag and pound, stomp, or roll with any blunt, non-breakable tool within arm’s reach!

Pistachios

Pistachios are a nutritious and delicious nut that are incredibly rich in protein, fiber and healthy fats. To learn more about pistachio nutrition, check out my Pistachio Pesto post.  If toasting the pistachios makes this easy mango dessert not seem easy, then skip it! But not until I tell you why toasted nuts are so great 🙂

Toasting nuts draws the natural oils to the surface, creating a golden color, crunchier texture and gives an intensely nutty essence.  It also improves the flavor and texture of any dish! Toasting will also keep the pistachios crunchy and vibrant when mixed with the mango and other ingredients.

To toast pistachios and any nut, heat your oven to 350° F. Spread the nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.  You can tell they are done when they smell toasted and are a shade darker. The smaller the nut, the quicker the cooking time.

Mascarpone

Mascarpone is the Italian version of cream cheese. I like using it in this easy mango dessert because it is made with whole cream giving a richer, creamier taste.  Cream cheese is typically made with nonfat milk, so it’s a good option if you would like to make a low fat dessert.

If you want to make this easy mango dessert…less easy, you can make whipped mascarpone. Simply whip mascarpone, powdered sugar and heavy cream together with a whisk or a stand mixer. You can find a good recipe here!

Dig In!

This easy mango dessert can be ready in less than 10 minutes and is a great way to involve kids, friends, and even those that “don’t cook.”  You can also use other tropical fruit like passion fruit, guava and pomegranates!

Similar Pages

Looking for other easy desserts? Try my No-Bake Pumpkin Mousse, Chocolate Nut Butter Cups, and Honey Whipped Ricotta Cheese with Honey.

References

  1. fact-sheet-mango.pdf. https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/school-nutrition/pdf/fact-sheet-mango.pdf. Accessed February 10, 2020.
  2. FoodData Central. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169910/nutrients. Accessed February 10, 2020.
  3. Lauricella M, Emanuele S, Calvaruso G, Giuliano M, D’Anneo A. Multifaceted Health Benefits of Mangifera indica L. (Mango): The Inestimable Value of Orchards Recently Planted in Sicilian Rural Areas. Nutrients. 2017;9(5). doi:10.3390/nu9050525
mango mess dessert

Mango Mess

5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Keyword: fruit dessert, mango, mango cookie dessert, nilla wafers
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Author: Chef Abbie Gellman RD

Ingredients

  • 2 mangoes diced
  • ½ cup mascarpone
  • 3 ounces Nilla wafers crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons pistachios toasted and chopped

Instructions

  • Mix mangoes, mascarpone, and nilla wafers gently in a bowl. Split into two bowls or plates and top with pistachios.

Video

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