Mango pie is a delightful treat for dessert lovers wanting to try something different. It features a delicious blend of flavors, from the colorful tropical taste of mangoes to the buttery, flaky pie crust that contains it all. If this interests you, we’ll guide you through an easy-to-follow mango pie recipe that will leave your taste buds wanting more!
What is Mango Pie?
Mango pie is a delicious dessert highlighting ripe mangoes’ sweet and tangy flavor. It consists of a buttery, golden pie crust filled with silky mango custard or whipped cream mixed with mango chunks.
A perfect treat for mango lovers, this pie brings a tropical twist to the classic dessert and can be enjoyed any time of the year — especially during the summer months when mangoes are at their best.
Benefits of Mango
Now that you’re intrigued about mango pie let’s discuss why you should try it. Besides its tropical and delicious flavor, mangoes are chock-full of health benefits. These juicy fruits are a great source of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins A and C, which help boost our immune system, promote healthy digestion, and nourish our skin and hair.
Plus, they’re low in calories and can contribute to weight loss efforts. Make a mango pie and treat yourself to a delicious dessert while incorporating a nutrient-packed fruit into your diet.
Talk about a win-win situation! In the upcoming sections, I’ll guide you through the ingredients and steps to prepare this wonderful dessert.
Ingredients Required
For this mango pie recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of fresh or frozen mango
- ½ cup of granulated sugar
- ¼ cup of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon of cinnamon
- Pinch of salt.
This will be for the filling.
For the pie crust, you can either use store-bought or make your own with these ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 cup of unsalted butter
- ¼ to ½ cup of ice water.
Prepping these ingredients will ensure a smooth process when preparing the filling and crust in the following steps.
Preparing the Mango Pie Filling
Now that our ingredients are ready let’s dive into preparing the mango pie filling. This step is crucial because it gives the pie flavor and texture.
Start by washing, peeling, and slicing the mangoes. Ensure you remove the seed and cut the fruit into small chunks. We recommend using ripe and sweet or canned mangoes if fresh ones are unavailable. Combine the mango chunks, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a blender or food processor.
Blend or process until you get a smooth mixture. If the filling is too thick, add a little water and blend again.
In a small saucepan, combine the mango mixture and the honey (or maple syrup, if you prefer a vegan option). Cook over medium heat until the filling thickens, frequently stirring to avoid sticking to the pan.
Once you achieve the desired consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the filling to cool for about 20 minutes.
While the filling is cooling, you can work on the pie crust (which we’ll cover in the next section). Just remember that giving the filling enough time to cool is essential, as this will help avoid a soggy pie crust.
Whether using a homemade or store-bought crust, the cooled filling will be ready to create that perfect, mouthwatering mango pie.
Preparing the Pie Crust
Now that our mango pie filling is ready, it’s time to prepare the pie crust. You can make your own from scratch or use a store-bought one – it’s up to you.
If you’re making your pie crust from scratch, combine 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt in a large mixing bowl.
Next, cut in ½ cup cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the butter is well distributed and resembles a coarse meal.
Then, gradually drizzle in 3-4 tablespoons of ice-cold water, just enough for the dough to come together without being too wet. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to rest.
Once your dough has chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle about 1/8-inch thick. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a 9-inch pie pan, press it evenly into the bottom and sides, and trim any overhang.
If you’re using a store-bought crust, simply unroll the dough and fit it into the pie pan, avoiding air bubbles and ensuring there’s even coverage.
In either case, once your crust is ready, it’s an excellent idea to par-bake it for 10 minutes at 375°F to prevent a soggy bottom once the filling is added. Line your crust with parchment paper, fill it with pie weights or dry beans, then bake in the preheated oven.
With your crust prepped and par-baked, you’re all set for the final steps in creating your fantastic mango pie.
Assembling and Baking the Pie
Now that you have your pie crust and filling ready, it’s time for the grand finale – assembling and baking the mango pie. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Pour the mango filling into the prepared pie crust and spread it evenly.
Cover the filling with the second pie dough and press the edges to seal if you’re using a top crust. Cut a few small vents to let steam escape. Otherwise, you can create a lattice pattern or any design you prefer.
Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake it for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely before serving.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
Once your mango pie is baked to perfection, give it time to cool before digging in. When you’re ready to serve, cut a slice and pair it with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful flavor combination.
Storing the pie is simple; cover it with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to enjoy it longer, you can freeze the pie in an airtight container for up to a month. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before serving it again.
Conclusion
This mango pie recipe is a delightful treat that combines mangoes’ natural sweetness and health benefits with a buttery, perfectly baked crust. It’s ideal for special occasions or a simple family dessert. Store your masterpiece properly to enjoy this tropical delight’s full flavor and freshness.