Mango Bango is a delicious, refreshing Filipino dessert that’s a twist on Mango Sago. This creamy treat is made with sweet mango, chewy tapioca pearls, and a variety of textures from coconut jelly (nata de coco) and milk. It’s an easy and budget-friendly dessert to prepare, perfect for hot summer days or whenever you want a sweet, tropical snack.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• ½ cup small tapioca pearls

• 1 cup coconut milk

• 1 cup milk

• 2-3 ripe mangos (chopped)

• ¼ to 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk (adjust to taste)

• 1 jar nata de coco (coconut jelly)

Directions

1. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the tapioca pearls and reduce the heat to medium-high. Stir occasionally and cook for 25-30 minutes until the tapioca pearls are completely translucent and have no white dots in the center.

2. Rinse the cooked tapioca under cold water and drain. Transfer the tapioca to a large bowl.

3. Stir in the coconut milk, milk, chopped mango, sweetened condensed milk, and nata de coco (feel free to add some of the syrup from the jar for extra flavor).

4. You can serve the Mango Bango immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for about an hour for a cooler, more refreshing treat.

Nutrients

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for 1 serving (based on 4 servings total):

• Calories: 250-300 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 45-50 g

  • Fiber: 2-3 g

  • Sugar: 30-35 g

• Protein: 3-4 g

• Fat: 8-10 g

  • Saturated Fat: 6-8 g (from coconut milk)

• Sodium: 30-50 mg

• Cholesterol: 5-10 mg

• Potassium: 250-300 mg

• Vitamin A: 10-15% of the Daily Value (DV)

• Vitamin C: 25-30% of the DV (from mango)

• Calcium: 50-70 mg

• Iron: 1-2 mg

What Makes Mango Bango Unique?

Mango Bango offers a twist on the popular Filipino dessert, Mango Sago, by incorporating a variety of textures and flavors that make every spoonful an experience. While Mango Sago typically features just sweetened mango, coconut milk, and tapioca pearls, Mango Bango takes it up a notch with the addition of nata de coco, or coconut jelly, a chewy and slightly sweet ingredient that enhances the texture and flavor of the dessert. The result is a multi-textured dessert that delivers a satisfying combination of soft, chewy, and creamy components.

This Filipino-inspired treat stands out because of its versatility and ease of preparation. You can adjust the level of sweetness, make it as creamy as you like, and even serve it chilled for a refreshing snack or dessert. It’s a simple, yet luxurious treat that doesn’t require complicated ingredients, making it perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy an authentic taste of the Philippines without spending hours in the kitchen.

The Key Ingredients of Mango Bango

The main ingredients of Mango Bango come together to create a dessert that is rich in tropical flavors. Mango, the star of the show, provides the dessert with its signature sweetness and vibrant orange color. Mangoes are known for their health benefits, including being high in vitamins A and C, both of which are crucial for immune function and skin health. The natural sugars in mangoes contribute to the overall sweetness of the dessert, which is balanced by the creamy, milky base.

Tapioca pearls, another important ingredient in Mango Bango, bring a chewy texture that adds an enjoyable bite to the dessert. These small pearls of starch are cooked until translucent and are the perfect complement to the smooth and creamy coconut milk and milk mixture. The tapioca pearls soak up the flavors around them, allowing them to add subtle sweetness and texture to each bite.

Nata de coco, or coconut jelly, is a chewy, translucent ingredient made from fermented coconut water. It has a slightly sweet flavor and offers a satisfying texture that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the mango and the chewy tapioca pearls. Adding nata de coco is what makes Mango Bango different from other mango desserts, giving it an extra layer of flavor and texture that makes the dessert more complex and interesting.

Coconut milk and regular milk provide the rich, creamy base that binds all the ingredients together, making the dessert smooth and indulgent without being overly heavy. Sweetened condensed milk is often added to taste, giving the Mango Bango its signature sweetness and ensuring that the dessert is rich and satisfying.

The Preparation Process: Simple and Quick

One of the best things about Mango Bango is that it’s incredibly easy to prepare. The recipe doesn’t require special tools or complicated techniques. First, you cook the tapioca pearls, which only takes about 25-30 minutes until they become completely translucent. Rinsing the cooked pearls under cold water helps to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming too soft or mushy.

Once the tapioca pearls are cooked and cooled, the rest of the ingredients are simply combined in a large bowl. The mangoes are chopped and mixed with coconut milk, regular milk, sweetened condensed milk, and nata de coco to create a creamy, vibrant mixture. After stirring everything together, the Mango Bango is ready to serve immediately, or it can be chilled for a few hours to enhance the refreshing nature of the dessert.

Texture and Flavor: A Perfect Balance

Mango Bango’s appeal lies in its combination of textures. The smoothness of the coconut milk and the milk contrasts with the chewy tapioca pearls and the jelly-like nata de coco. The mangoes add a refreshing, fruity sweetness that balances the rich creaminess of the milk and coconut milk mixture. The result is a delightful medley of textures that make each bite feel like a small celebration.

The sweetness of the dessert can be easily adjusted based on your personal preference. If you like it sweeter, you can add more sweetened condensed milk or even a bit of sugar. For those who prefer a less sweet treat, the natural sweetness of the mangoes might be enough to satisfy your cravings. The dessert is customizable, making it easy to tailor to different tastes and dietary preferences.

The coconut milk gives Mango Bango a rich, tropical flavor that enhances the overall experience, and the nata de coco adds a light, refreshing contrast that keeps the dessert from feeling too heavy. Together, these ingredients create a dessert that is not only delicious but also satisfying in both flavor and texture.

Why Mango Bango is Perfect for Summer

Mango Bango is the ideal dessert for hot summer days, thanks to its refreshing and cooling qualities. The combination of fresh mangoes, creamy coconut milk, and chilled tapioca pearls makes it a perfect treat to enjoy when the weather is warm. You can even prepare Mango Bango in advance and keep it refrigerated for a few hours to serve as a cold, refreshing dessert after a meal or as a snack throughout the day.

The bright and vibrant colors of the mango and coconut jelly also make this dessert visually appealing, adding to its summertime charm. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue, a picnic, or a casual gathering, Mango Bango is sure to be a hit with guests of all ages. Its tropical flavors evoke memories of beach vacations and tropical destinations, making it a great way to bring the feeling of summer to your kitchen.

Mango Bango as a Versatile Dessert

Mango Bango isn’t just limited to being a simple dessert; it can also be customized to suit various dietary preferences or special occasions. For those who prefer a dairy-free or vegan version, you can substitute regular milk with coconut milk or almond milk, and opt for a non-dairy sweetener like agave syrup instead of sweetened condensed milk. You can even experiment with other fruits such as strawberries or pineapple for a twist on the traditional flavor.

This dessert is also perfect for serving in individual portions, making it easy to serve at parties or gatherings. You can prepare Mango Bango in small cups or jars, making it both a practical and visually appealing treat for guests. The tropical flavors also pair well with other tropical-themed foods, making it a great addition to a summer-themed menu.

The Health Benefits of Mango Bango

While Mango Bango is certainly a sweet treat, it also offers some health benefits, thanks to its natural ingredients. Mangoes are a rich source of vitamin C, which is essential for immune health, and they also provide a good amount of fiber to support digestion. The coconut milk and milk in this recipe provide healthy fats, particularly medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are known for their potential health benefits, such as supporting metabolism and brain function.

The tapioca pearls, while primarily serving as a source of texture, also provide carbohydrates for a quick source of energy. The nata de coco is a low-calorie ingredient that adds flavor without contributing significant amounts of fat or sugar. This makes Mango Bango a treat that, while indulgent, can also provide some nutritional value when enjoyed in moderation.

Conclusion

Mango Bango is a refreshing, tropical dessert that combines sweet mangoes, chewy tapioca pearls, coconut jelly, and a creamy milk base to create a deliciously satisfying treat. With its easy preparation, versatility, and ability to be customized to your taste, Mango Bango is perfect for summer parties, casual get-togethers, or anytime you’re craving a sweet and creamy snack. The balance of textures and flavors, along with the refreshing, vibrant qualities of the mango, make this dessert a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you serve it chilled or at room temperature, Mango Bango is sure to brighten up your day with its tropical goodness. So, next time you’re looking for a simple, flavorful dessert, give Mango Bango a try—it’s the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth while offering a taste of the tropics.