A light and luscious summer dessert, Mango Fool is the perfect way to showcase fresh mangoes. This classic English dessert takes on a tropical twist by folding sweet mango puree into airy whipped cream, creating a silky, marbled treat that’s both simple and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mango Fool is effortless to prepare, yet impressive in presentation and flavor. With only a handful of ingredients, it transforms ripe mangoes into a chilled, cloud-like dessert. It’s a great option for entertaining or as a quick finish to a summer meal. This dessert is naturally gluten-free, customizable, and requires no baking, making it ideal for warm weather.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 large ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Extra diced mango for topping

directions

In a blender, puree the diced mangoes with sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Chill the puree for about 15 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, beat the cold whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the chilled mango puree into the whipped cream to create visible swirls. Do not overmix.
Spoon the mixture into serving glasses, layering with additional mango cubes if desired.
Top with extra diced mango and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, plus 15 minutes of chilling time.

Variations

Coconut Twist: Fold in a bit of coconut cream or garnish with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical flair.
Vegan Option: Use coconut whipped cream instead of dairy-based cream.
Berry Fool: Substitute mango with pureed strawberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries.
Layered Parfait: Alternate layers of crushed biscuits or granola for a parfait-style presentation.
Spiced Mango: Add a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon to the mango puree for a warm, aromatic flavor.

storage/reheating

Store Mango Fool in an airtight container or covered serving glasses in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This dessert does not freeze well and should not be reheated. It is best enjoyed chilled and fresh.

FAQs

What is a “fool” in dessert terms?

A fool is a traditional English dessert made by folding pureed fruit into whipped cream or custard. It’s light, creamy, and typically served cold.

Can I make Mango Fool ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Mango Fool up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

What type of mangoes are best for this recipe?

Use sweet, ripe mangoes such as Ataulfo, Alphonso, or Kent for the best flavor and texture.

Can I use frozen mangoes?

Yes, frozen mangoes can be used. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before pureeing.

How do I prevent the cream from deflating?

Ensure the cream is cold and beat it until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the mango puree to retain the airiness.

Can I make this dessert vegan?

Yes, substitute dairy cream with coconut cream or any plant-based whipped topping.

Is this dessert gluten-free?

Yes, Mango Fool is naturally gluten-free, assuming all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.

How can I make it less sweet?

Adjust the amount of sugar in the mango puree to suit your taste. Ripe mangoes often need little added sugar.

Can I add gelatin to make it firmer?

Yes, you can add a small amount of dissolved gelatin to the mango puree for a firmer set, though it’s not traditional.

Can I serve it with anything else?

Mango Fool pairs well with shortbread cookies, almond biscuits, or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for added texture.

Conclusion

Mango Fool is a delightful and elegant dessert that brings out the best in ripe mangoes. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat yet elegant enough for guests. With its creamy texture, tropical flavor, and effortless preparation, this dessert is sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Mango Fool (Mango Cream Dessert)

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Author: Emma Delaney
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: British
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A light and luscious summer dessert made by folding sweet mango puree into whipped cream, creating gorgeous swirls and layered with juicy mango chunks in every spoonful.

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 large ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Extra diced mango for topping

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Instructions

In a blender, puree the mangoes with sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Chill for 15 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, beat the cold whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold mango puree into whipped cream to create swirls—do not overmix.
Spoon into serving glasses, layering with more mango cubes if desired.
Top with extra diced mango and chill until ready to serve.

Notes

Use ripe mangoes for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
You can substitute powdered sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
Serve chilled for the best texture and taste.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 glass
Calories: 210
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 15mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 40mg