Mango is one of my children’s favourite fruits! Too bad we don’t have access to it locally but during the summertime, there’s this Ataulfo Mango variety from South America that we like. It’s similar to the Philippine mango but the ones I grew up eating in the Philippines is way better in taste and texture, in my opinion.
I played around with my Blueberry Cheesecake recipe and made it lighter. They have similar ingredients (aside from the mango) but the amount of some ingredients differ. I thought this recipe works better with the mango and it cuts beautifully, showcasing the different layers of mango, cheesecake base and crust.
It surely was a hit when I made it because it didn’t even pass a 24-hour period from the time it was done. Even my daughter who’s not into cheesecakes, ate it with gusto! And also, this is a showstopper that can grace any occasion ….. be it a family party or a formal dinner party. Or make it “just cause”, like I do.
No-Bake Mango Cheesecake
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 3 Tablespoons sugar
- 3 / 4 cup melted butter
- 2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 400 g pack or 2 ¾ cups graham cracker crumbs
For the Creme:
- 1 / 2 cup sugar
- 2 envelopes Knox unflavored gelatin*
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 3 egg yolks slightly beaten
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract optional
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cream cheese 250g or 8oz, at room temperature
- 1 pint 473ml heavy whipping cream 33-35%mf
- 3 Tablespoons icing sugar powdered sugar**
For the topping and decor:
- 3 ripe Ataulfo mangoes divided
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Mint leaves for garnish optional
Instructions
- FOR THE CRUST: In a bowl, combine sugar and melted butter. Add cocoa and graham crumbs. Mix until well combined and press mixture on a springform pan with a removable bottom. You can also use 2 small pie plates.
- FOR THE CREME: Combine sugar, gelatin and cornstarch in a saucepan and mix well. Slowly add water, milk and egg yolks while stirring to get rid of clumps. Cook over medium heat until thick. Turn the heat off and add vanilla. Transfer to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap directly on the creme to avoid a “skin” forming. Set aside to cool.
- Using the whisk attachment of a stand mixer, beat the heavy cream until it turns into whipped cream. Transfer to a bowl, cover and put in the fridge.
- Next, whip the cream cheese until very smooth.
- Mix in the prepared creme that’s been cooled (to the cream cheese) and whip until well combined and smooth. Then, add the whipped cream. Gently fold until smooth and well blended. You can also use the whisk attachment to fold the whipped cream.
- Pour mixture evenly on the prepared crust then spread mango puree (see below) on top. Decorate with mango “roses”, if desired. (see instructions below)
- Refrigerate until set (at least 2-4 hours) and enjoy!
- FOR THE MANGO PUREE: Peel and remove the pit on one mango. Coarsely chop the flesh. Place in the blender, add sugar and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
- TO MAKE MANGO ROSES (optional): 1. Cut the mango in halves, being mindful of the big pit in the middle. Then, scoop the mango flesh using a big spoon. Slice lengthwise, as thinly as possible. 2. On a plate/fruit cutting board, take a piece of sliced mango and roll it tightly like a jelly roll. This will serve as the center of the rose. 3. Wrap another piece (“petal”) on the center part, making sure to cover the seam from the last “petal”. Repeat until the desired flower size is achieved. Make as many mango “roses” as you want until you use up all the mango slices.
