Introduction

Mango Oatmeal Crumble Bars are a delightful treat combining the tropical sweetness of ripe mango with a buttery oat crumble. These bars are perfect for a snack or dessert, offering a chewy yet crumbly texture and bright fruity flavor.

The image shows a close-up of a stack of four crumbly bars. Each bar has three visible layers: a bottom layer of golden-brown crust, a middle layer filled with bright orange fruit pieces, and a thick top layer of light golden crumb topping with a rough texture. The bars are placed directly on a white marbled surface, with a few crumbs scattered around the base. The colors contrast well, with the bright orange fruit standing out between the beige crust and crumb layers. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Crust and Crumble Topping:

½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup old-fashioned whole-rolled oats (not quick-cook or instant)
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste (optional)

Mango Layer:

2 cups coarsely chopped fresh ripe mango (ataúlfo mango recommended; frozen mango may be substituted, thaw and drain excess liquid)
⅓ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons corn starch

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil and spray it with cooking spray for easy cleanup; set aside.
Step 2: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter for about 1 minute on high power. Add the flour, oats, sugars, and salt, stirring to combine. The mixture will be dry and sandy with some larger crumble pieces.
Step 3: Set aside 1 heaping cup of this mixture for the crumble topping later. Press the remaining mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust and set aside.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped mango, sugar, lemon juice, and corn starch. Toss gently to mix, even if the sugar hasn’t fully dissolved.
Step 5: Spread the mango mixture evenly over the crust in the pan.
Step 6: Sprinkle the reserved crumble topping evenly over the mango layer, gently pressing with your fingers to form bigger crumble pieces if desired.
Step 7: Bake for about 50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has just set. The topping should be pale golden and the mango filling bubbling along the edges. If the mango is very juicy, baking may take a bit longer. Watch the bars closely for doneness.
Step 8: Remove from oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely, at least 1 hour, before slicing to avoid messiness and crumbling.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh ataúlfo mango for the best flavor and sweetness; if using frozen mango, be sure to thaw and drain well to avoid excess liquid.
Old-fashioned rolled oats work best for texture—avoid quick-cook or instant oats, which make the crumble too dry.
Feel free to substitute or add berries to the mango layer for a mixed fruit crumble bar.

Storage

Store bars tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. They freeze well; seal tightly in a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 6 months. When ready to eat, thaw bars in the refrigerator and serve at room temperature or warmed slightly.

How to Serve

The image shows a square piece of crumb bar with three visible layers placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a solid, dense crust with a light golden-brown color and a slightly rough texture. The middle layer is a bright orange, smooth fruit filling that looks soft and slightly glossy. The top layer consists of crumbly, chunky bits in shades of light golden to deeper brown, with a coarse texture and an uneven surface. The crumb layer appears crisp and baked, providing a contrast to the smooth middle layer. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen mango instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen mango can be used, but it should be fully thawed and any excess liquid should be drained to prevent the bars from becoming soggy.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The edges should be set, the crumble topping pale golden, and the mango filling should be bubbling slightly along the edges. The center may be slightly soft but will firm up as it cools.