Mango Float Easy Recipe
Mango float could be the easiest, delicious no-bake dessert you could ever make. It only needs 4 ingredients too! It is a favorite Filipino 'icebox cake' that is a big hit during the holiday seasons or any other special occasion.
- 24 pieces Graham crackers ((20-24 pieces))
- 500 ml all-purpose cream ((2 packs))
- 300 ml sweetened condensed milk ((1 can))
- 4 small-medium ripe mangoes
- Chill the all-purpose cream the fridge overnight or in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- Peel the skin off the mangoes. Cut away the sides (flesh) from the pit. Lay the mango halves flat-side down on a cutting board. Cut the flesh lengthwise into thin slices. Set aside.
- Transfer chilled all-purpose cream in a large bowl. If you like it lighter and fluffier, whip it with a hand mixer until it doubles in volume.
- Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk to the all-purpose cream until well blended.
- Line the bottom of a rectangular or square (8x8 or 6x6) glass dish (or something similar) with a layer Graham crackers then pour and spread 1/4 of the cream mixture on top of the crackers and then top with mango slices.
- Repeat this process until 4 layers are formed, ending with the cream and mango slices on top. You can arrange the mango slices for the top in an overlapping manner for design.
- Chill for at least 3-5 hours to set completely. You know it is ready when the Graham becomes soft and fluffy and no longer dry. You can also freeze it at this point before serving.
What is Mango Float?
Mango float is a popular dessert in the Philippines. It also goes by the names: Mango Royale or Crema de Mangga. A Filipino icebox cake made of graham crackers, all-purpose or whipped cream, sweetened condensed milk, and ripe mangoes.
It is made by creating layers of graham, cream, and mangoes using a big square or rectangle dish. Normally served chilled or even frozen. It is then cut into smaller squares before serving.
Cream. This recipe uses all-purpose cream because this is what is commonly available locally and is much more affordable. But I have also made this several times using whipping cream or heavy cream successfully.
Mango. Most ripe mangoes can be used to make this dessert. The best variety though would be the Philippine mango or also known as carabao or Manila mango. It is known for its sweetness and delicious taste.
Graham. Mango float is normally made using whole graham crackers. You can also use ladyfingers or sponge cake.
Helpful tips in making Mango Royale/Float
Normally, you only need to chill the all-purpose cream in the fridge for some hours or overnight. Chilling it will turn it into a thicker or solid form (similar to cream cheese)and add it to the recipe as is. If you are going to use heavy or whipping cream you also chill it first and then whip it at high speed until stiff peaks form. Remember to chill your bowls and whisks as well. You can also whip all-purpose cream for a lighter texture and it will also increase in volume.
Remember that if you prefer to freeze your Mango Float, you have to refrigerate it first. This will give the graham crackers to absorb some of the moisture from the cream mixture so it can expand and soften. Freezing it for at least two hours will make it easier to cut and serve.
You may line your container with a parchment paper so you can lift the whole cake once frozen. Just make sure to use a sturdy one so it will not break even when soaked.
