Coconut Mango Bars with Lime Glaze

Preparation

1. 1

   Step 1: Heat the oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan-forced). Grease a 20 cm/8-inch pan, then line it with baking paper, leaving an overhang so you can lift the bars out later.

2. 2

   Step 2: Cut the butter into roughly 1.25 cm/1/2-inch chunks. Melt it in a microwave-proof bowl or in a saucepan on the stove.

3. 3

   Step 3: Add the sugar to the melted butter and mix with a wooden spoon. Add the egg and mix until smooth. Add the flour, baking powder, oats, coconut, and salt; mix until no flour is visible.

   
4. 4

   Step 4: Measure out 1 3/4 cups of the mixture, packed. Spread it in the pan and press it evenly into the base with your hands. Keep the remaining mixture for the topping.

   

   Tip: Press firmly enough to level the base, but there is no need to pack it very firmly.

5. 5

   Step 5: Just before using the mango, put it in a bowl. Sprinkle over the sugar and cornflour, then gently toss with your hands until evenly coated. For fresh mango, slice the cheeks about 3–4 mm thick and use any flesh around the seed only if needed to make up the amount.

   

   Tip: Sliced mango holds its texture better than diced mango. Do not toss it with the sugar until just before use, so it does not release excess juice.

6. 6

   Step 6: Spread the mango evenly over the base. Crumble the remaining mixture across the top, leaving some spots of mango exposed.

   

   Tip: Larger crumbles leave more mango exposed; smaller crumbles make the bars easier to cut neatly.

7. 7

   Step 7: Bake for 30 minutes, until the surface is light golden.

   
8. 8

   Step 8: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan for about 2 hours. Lift them out using the baking-paper overhang and transfer to a cutting board.

   Tip: To cool them faster, leave them on the counter for 30 minutes, then chill for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

9. 9

   Step 9: Mix the icing sugar, lime zest, lime juice, and vanilla in a medium bowl until smooth. If needed, add more lime juice 1/4 tsp at a time until the glaze has a honey-like consistency. Drizzle it over the bars and leave for 10 minutes, until the surface sets.

   

   Tip: Add extra lime juice sparingly so the glaze stays thick enough to remain visible on the bars.

10. 10

    Step 10: Cut into 12 squares or 9 larger squares.