I almost didn’t post this as it seemed too simple. IT IS TOO SIMPLE! Like one of those cooking projects you make kids do that involve near- zero technique and less effort. Exactly like those.
Icebox cakes are basically “cakes” that aren’t really baked but made using biscuits or cookies along with some creamy component and chilled in the oven where they set into a dessert that can be sliced like cake. And as Icebox cakes go , it doesn’t get easier (or yummier ) than this .
Before we get into the recipe and ingredients , this simple no bake mango cake is a legit Filipino dessert . Its called Mango float and is apparently loved there. And that’s the reason I thought I should share this too. Because you need to try this. You just do !
So what do you need for this mango-licious dessert ? Four ingredients – yup . 4 .
- Mangoes – Duh ! Fresh , juicy , ripe mangoes that aren’t too mushy .
- Biscuits – you can use any store bought cookies like graham crackers or digestives or Marie or Mcvitie. This time I went with Britannia’s milk bikis ( click here if you don’t know what I am talking about ) because a) my daughter loves them and b ) at the time , I was in the mood for a rectangular dessert .
- Cream – You can use dairy , non dairy or fresh , whatever you can get your hands on.
- Sugar – to sweeten up that cream ! The Filipino variant uses sweetened condensed milk instead , so you can too.
Thats it. You don’t even need the actual recipe to figure out what happens next. You basically place a layer of cookies , spread some sweetened whipped cream , spread some chopped mangoes – then repeat and repeat again . You can go as high as you want but in the interest of gravity , its best to stick to 3 or 4 layers of cookies.
If this sounds too juvenile to you , stay with me here. It did to me too. Until I came across similar recipes all over and read how much people raved about them. I had to try it and here I am , raving about it too.
Its delicious for how simple it is. Its creamy and bursting with mangoes . Its light and yet feels indulgent .
No bake mango cake or Mango float
Ingredients
- 32 biscuits or as per pan
- 2 large Mangoes
- 240 ml or 1 cup whipping cream
- 2 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- You can make this in a casserole dish or in a 9 x 4 inch loaf pan / 6-7 inch square pan. If you want to remove it from the dish and serve , line with parchment paper with two opposite sides long enough to hang over the pan edges ( so you can pull the dessert out after chilling )
- Peel the mangoes and slice the flesh into thin strips ( doesn't have to be equal)
- Pour your cream into the mixing bowl and place with bowl along with beaters or whisk in the freezer for 15 minutes
- Beat the cream for a couple of minutes , then add the sugar and beat well until you have firm peaks . If you upturn the bowl, the cream shouldn't move.
- In your prepared pan , place your biscuits . I used a 9x 4 inch loaf pan and placed the biscuits in 4 rows of 2 biscuits each. You can place as many biscuits as the size of dessert you want to make.
- Spread about 1/2 cup of whipped cream on top and spread the sliced mangoes covering the cream uniformly.
- Place another set of biscuits in the same manner and top with cream and sliced mangoes.
- Repeat once more.
- You can now place the last layer of cookies and cover with the remaining cream. You can decorate with any mango slices remaining / crushed biscuits if you wish.
- Cover and chill for at least 3 to 4 hours or upto a day .
- You can serve this chilled and slice directly from the pan . You can also freeze the pan for about an hour before serving , remove using the parchment paper and slice.
- This can be served frozen as well !
Notes
This no bake mango Cake is not a fine dining dessert. Its a rustic , slap on a slice on your plate , spoon it into your mouth and leave a messy plate behind kind of dessert ! Unapologetically home made and home style ! And you can try substituting any other fruits of your choice . Do try it and let me know what you think !