There’s a kind of magic that lives in summer kitchens—windows open, sunlight streaming in, the gentle hum of bees outside—and on the table, a bowl of mangoes, golden and fragrant. For me, mangoes have always meant joy. They’re the first fruit I remember truly loving, biting into the flesh, juices dripping down my chin, sweetness unmatched by anything else.
When I was a child, my mother—an Italian culinary wizard with a curious palate—would experiment with whatever was in season. One summer, she brought home a crate of ripe mangoes from a local farmer’s market and said, “We’ll make something no one’s ever had.” That afternoon, the kitchen smelled like ricotta and lemon zest, and by sunset, our version of a mango tart was born.
Today, in honor of those sunlit kitchens and sweet experiments, I bring you the ultimate mango ricotta tart—a standout among all mango dessert recipes. Not only will it wow your guests, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Mango Masterpiece
To make this elegant tart, you’ll need a few humble yet powerful ingredients. This recipe is designed for 8 servings—perfect for sharing at a summer dinner party or indulging over a few days. Among all mango dessert recipes, this one’s ingredient list is refreshingly simple.
For the Tart Crust (Italian Pasta Frolla)
- 1¼ cups (160g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¼ cup (30g) powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- Zest of ½ lemon
- Pinch of salt
For the Ricotta Filling
- 1¼ cups (300g) whole-milk ricotta (well-drained)
- ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or extract)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
For the Mango Topping
- 2 ripe but firm mangoes (Ataulfo or Alphonso recommended)
- 2 tablespoons apricot jam
- 1 teaspoon water
Step 1: Making the Perfect Crust
This crust, known in Italy as “pasta frolla,” is rich and buttery with just a hint of citrus. It’s the classic base for many traditional tarts and is a defining feature of this recipe, making it one of the most memorable mango dessert recipes you’ll ever create.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, salt, and lemon zest.
- Add the chilled butter cubes. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the egg yolk and cold water. Mix just until the dough begins to come together—don’t overwork it.
- Shape the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Chef’s Tip: Keeping the dough cold is crucial for a flaky, tender crust. If your kitchen is hot, you can even chill your mixing bowl ahead of time.
Step 2: Blind Bake the Tart Shell
Blind baking is essential when you’re using moist fillings like ricotta. This step prevents a soggy bottom and ensures your crust stays crisp and golden—key in any successful mango dessert recipes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Carefully press the dough into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
- Trim the edges and prick the base with a fork.
- Line with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Remove weights and parchment, then bake for an additional 5–7 minutes until lightly golden.
- Set aside to cool completely.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have pie weights, a second tart pan (smaller in size) placed on top works wonders.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Ricotta Filling
Now comes the luscious, tangy-sweet center of this tart. Ricotta adds body and creaminess, while sugar and citrus create a balanced, not-too-sweet profile. This combination makes this one of those mango dessert recipes where each bite feels luxurious.
- Drain your ricotta through a sieve or cheesecloth if it’s watery. You want it thick.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the ricotta, sugar, egg, vanilla, lemon zest, and juice until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into your cooled tart shell and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes or until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before adding the mango topping.
Flavor Booster: A dash of orange blossom water or a tablespoon of honey can add a whole new layer of depth—perfect for adventurous mango dessert recipes.
Step 4: Slice and Style the Mango
This is the show-stopping moment—your mango roses, which are often the highlight in the best mango dessert recipes.
- Peel your mangoes and slice the cheeks away from the pit.
- Using a sharp knife or mandoline, cut into very thin strips.
- Starting from the outer edge of the tart, place mango slices in overlapping spirals, working your way toward the center.
- For the innermost rosebud, roll a mango strip into a curl and place it in the center.
Step 5: Glaze for Gloss
- In a small saucepan, warm apricot jam with water until syrupy.
- Using a pastry brush, gently glaze the mango slices for shine and preservation.
- Chill until ready to serve.
Tips for Perfect Mango Dessert Recipes
Creating a standout mango tart isn’t just about following steps—it’s about mastering the little details that elevate it from good to unforgettable. Here are my essential tips to ensure mango dessert success in all your mango dessert recipes:
1. Choose the Right Mango
Look for Ataulfo, Alphonso, or Honey mangoes. These varieties are naturally sweet, low in fiber, and have a velvety texture that slices and purees beautifully.
2. Drain the Ricotta Thoroughly
Even if it looks firm, excess water can cause your filling to become watery or separate.
3. Chill Before Topping
The ricotta filling must be fully set and chilled before arranging your mango slices. Warm filling = slippery mango petals.
4. Make the Tart a Day Ahead
The crust becomes crisper, the flavors meld, and your mango topping stays bright and firm.
Serving Suggestions
This tart is best served cold, making it the ultimate finish for a summer barbecue or elegant brunch. Unlike many mango dessert recipes, this one pairs beautifully with:
- A flute of chilled Prosecco or Moscato d’Asti
- A dollop of lightly whipped crème fraîche or Greek yogurt
- A drizzle of passionfruit syrup for extra zing
Add edible flowers, fresh mint, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a visual boost.
Why Mango Is the Star of Summer Mango Dessert Recipes
Mango isn’t just sweet—it’s nuanced. Depending on the variety and ripeness, you’ll find notes of citrus, floral perfume, even coconut and spice. That’s why mango dessert recipes are the go-to during warmer months.
Mango’s versatility is unmatched:
- It purées into sauces, custards, and mousses
- It bakes beautifully atop tarts and cakes
- It holds its shape for elegant slicing
- It freezes into creamy sorbets or granitas
Storing Your Mango Ricotta Tart
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (and that’s a big “if”), here’s how to keep your tart fresh and beautiful:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the crust and ricotta filling without the mango topping.
- Reassembly: Add fresh mango slices and glaze just before serving.
This approach works well for other mango dessert recipes too.
Variations on This Recipe
Want to diversify your repertoire of mango dessert recipes? Try these ideas:
- Sprinkle crushed amaretti cookies between the crust and filling for texture.
- Add a touch of orange zest, rose water, or mango purée to the ricotta.
- Use mini tartlet pans for individual servings.
- Add a coconut cream layer beneath the ricotta.
- Swap in Greek yogurt to lighten the filling.
The Final Word on Mango Dessert Recipes
Mango dessert recipes have a magic to them—they’re refreshing, aromatic, and luxurious all at once. But among them, this tart is truly special. It’s a dish that brings together everything I love about summer: simple ingredients, elegant flavors, and a visual wow factor.
From the flaky crust to the creamy ricotta to the glossy mango slices arranged like golden petals, this recipe feels like sunshine on a plate. Whether you’re serving guests or just treating yourself, this mango ricotta tart turns any day into a celebration.
So next time you find yourself with ripe mangoes and a little time, don’t just slice and eat—create. Bring a bit of Italy into your kitchen. Let mangoes meet ricotta. Let your dessert tell a story.
And remember, the best mango dessert recipes are the ones made with love, care, and a little bit of sunshine.
FAQS
1. What are the best mango dessert recipes?
Some of the best mango dessert recipes include mango sticky rice, mango cheesecake, mango mousse, mango float (a Filipino no-bake cake), and mango kulfi (an Indian frozen dessert). This mango ricotta tart is a unique Italian-inspired twist that’s perfect for summer.
2. Can I use frozen mangoes for mango dessert recipes?
Yes, frozen mangoes work well in most mango dessert recipes, especially mousses, smoothies, and baked goods. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before use to prevent excess moisture from affecting your dessert’s texture.
3. What flavors pair well with mango in desserts?
Mango pairs beautifully with tropical flavors like coconut, lime, passionfruit, and pineapple. It also complements creamy elements like ricotta, yogurt, and mascarpone, as well as spices like cardamom, ginger, and vanilla.
4. How do I know if a mango is ripe enough for dessert?
A ripe mango will feel slightly soft when gently squeezed and will emit a sweet, fragrant aroma from the stem end. The skin may be golden-yellow, red-blushed, or even slightly wrinkled depending on the variety.
5. Are there any easy no-bake mango dessert recipes?
Yes! Mango float (made with graham crackers, sweetened cream, and mango slices), mango mousse, and mango yogurt parfaits are all easy no-bake options. These are great alternatives if you want mango dessert recipes without turning on the oven.
6. What type of mango is best for desserts?
For the best results, use non-fibrous varieties like Ataulfo (Honey mango), Alphonso, or Kent. These types are smooth, naturally sweet, and easy to slice or purée—perfect for refined mango dessert recipes like tarts or mousses.
Craving more sweet inspiration?
If you loved this recipe, here are a few more delightful treats you might want to try next:
- 🍫 Easy Chocolate Dessert Recipes – simple yet irresistibly rich creations.
- 🍪 Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe – a classic everyone adores.
- 🌱 Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Dessert Recipes – indulgence without the compromise.