Mango cheesecake cups

Gina Whitley
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Gina Whitley
Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Sabores de mi Cocina", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine,...
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19 Min Read

Mango Cheesecake Cups Recipe

Hello! We're going to prepare some mango cheesecake cups that are an absolute marvel. It's a fresh, vibrant dessert with that creamy texture we love so much, but with the advantage of being presented in individual portions, which greatly facilitates serving and avoids fights over the biggest piece. The combination of sweet mango with the acidic touch of the cheese and the crunch of toasted coconut is simply spectacular. Furthermore, by using muscovado sugar, we give it a caramel flavor depth that contrasts wonderfully with the fresh fruit.

This recipe is designed for uncomplicated enjoyment, ideal for those days when we want something sweet but don't want to turn on the oven. It's a fantastic option to take advantage of mango season and present something elegant on the table without having spent hours in the kitchen. The freshness of the ingredients is key here, so get ready to choose the best fruit.

Preparation time

Here is the time breakdown so you can organize yourself better. Remember that, although preparation is quick, chilling always helps to set the flavors and textures.

  • Preparation: 25 minutes
  • Cooking: 0 minutes (only toasting the coconut if you didn't buy it pre-made)
  • Total: 25 minutes (plus recommended refrigeration time)
  • Servings: 4 generous individual glasses
  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For these little glasses to be perfect, the quality of the ingredients is fundamental. The mango must be at its just point of ripeness: neither too green because it would be acidic and hard, nor overripe because it would lose freshness.

For the crunchy base

  • 200 g Golden Maria Biscuits
  • 60 g melted butter

For the creamy filling

  • 250 g of Cream cheese (preferably at room temperature)
  • 300 ml Whipping cream (very cold)
  • 150 g Muscovado sugar
  • 2 Mangoes (to integrate into the mixture)
  • 2 Yellow lemons (we will need both the zest and the juice)

For assembly and decoration

  • 2 Mangoes (diced for layers and decoration)
  • 150 g Shredded and toasted coconut

If it's difficult to find in your area muscovado sugar, you can substitute it with standard brown sugar or even grated panela, although muscovado provides unique moisture and molasses flavor. If you can't find yellow lemons (which are more aromatic and less acidic), you can use green lime, but reduce the amount by half so it's not too aggressive. If you like desserts with tropical fruits, this combination will remind you of the freshness of a cold coconut and lemon tart.


Utensils we will use

You don't need professional equipment to achieve a bakery-quality result at home. With basic tools you surely have in your drawers, we're going to make some incredible little cups.

  • An electric hand mixer (or stand mixer if you prefer convenience).
  • A large bowl for mixing the filling.
  • A food processor or a resealable bag and a rolling pin (to crush the cookies).
  • A sharp knife and a cutting board for the fruit.
  • A silicone spatula (or scraper) to get all the mixture.
  • Glass cups, jars, or glasses for serving (about 250ml capacity is ideal).
  • A fine grater for the lemon (zester).

Preparation

The secret to this dessert lies in the order and care of the textures. We are going to build layers of flavor and consistency. Follow these steps calmly and enjoy the process.

  1. We prepare the cookie crumble

    We start by creating the base that will provide the crunchy contrast. Crush the 200 g Golden Maria Biscuits until they resemble fine sand. You can do this in a food processor or by putting them in a bag and rolling over them with a rolling pin. Then, in a bowl, mix this cookie powder with the 60 g melted butter (in the reference it is mentioned as «melted cream», but we are referring to the fat to compact). Stir well until all the cookie is moistened and has a texture similar to wet sand. Set this mixture aside.

  2. Creaming the cheese and sugar

    In a large bowl, place the 250 g cream cheese. It is vital that the cheese is not freshly taken out of the refrigerator to avoid lumps. Beat the cheese with the 150 g muscovado sugar using an electric mixer. You should beat until you get a smooth, homogeneous, and shiny ointment-like texture. Muscovado sugar can have lumps, make sure they dissolve well in the cheese. At this point, we also incorporate the 300 ml whipping cream and continue beating to integrate and give body to the mixture. We are looking for creaminess, not necessarily a firm chantilly-type whipped cream, but a rich and airy cream.

  3. We integrate the tropical flavor

    Take 2 of the mangoes, peel them and cut them into small cubes. Add them to the cheese and cream mixture we just beat. Beat again until well mixed. The intention is not to make a completely smooth puree, but to leave small «surprises» or pieces of mango that burst in the mouth when eaten. This gives it a delicious rustic and natural character.

  4. The aromatic citrus touch

    Now, add the juice and zest of the 2 yellow lemons to the mixture. The zest provides fragrant essential oils and the juice helps balance the fat from the cheese and the sweetness of the mango. Gently mix with a spatula to incorporate the lemon in an enveloping way without deflating the mixture too much.

  5. Preparation of fresh fruit

    Peel and chop the other 2 mangoes remaining into nice and uniform cubes. These will be for the intermediate layers and the final decoration, so try to make them a pleasant size to eat with a spoon.

  6. Layer assembly

    To assemble the glass, the order is key for it to look appetizing. Start with a generous layer of the cookie crumble at the bottom; you can press lightly with a spoon to compact it. Then, pour some of the creamy mango cheesecake mixture over the cookie.

  7. Creating intermediate textures

    Over that first layer of cream, place a layer of fresh diced mango. Next, add a good layer of 150 g of shredded and toasted coconut. Toasted coconut provides a very interesting dry crunch that contrasts with the fruit's moisture. Cover all of this with another final layer of the mango cheesecake mixture, leaving a small space at the edge of the glass for decoration.

  8. Final decoration

    To finish, decorate the surface with more fresh mango cubes and a sprinkle of toasted coconut. This not only makes the dessert look professional but also anticipates the flavors we are going to find inside.

To finish and serve

Once you have your glasses assembled, it's ideal to refrigerate them for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the cookie to absorb some moisture and settle, and for the cream to take on a firmer and fresher consistency.

Just before bringing them to the table, you can add a small leaf of fresh mint for color. Serve well chilled. This dessert is perfect for finishing a hearty meal because the lemon and mango cleanse the palate. Accompany it with coffee or a mild infusion. If you have leftover ingredients or want to try another fruit version in the future, the technique is very similar to that of a strawberry cheesecake, where you would only change the main fruit.

TIP: Make your desserts in glasses with airtight seals (like canning jars), this way you can store them in refrigeration for much longer without them absorbing refrigerator odors and have them ready for any craving moment or to take on a picnic.


Nutritional Information

Below, I present the estimated values for each cup. Remember that it is an indulgent dessert, rich in energy thanks to cream cheese and muscovado sugar.

  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Proteins: 6 g
  • Fats: 32 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 3 g

Note: Values are approximate and may vary depending on the brands of dairy products and the size of the mangoes used.


5 keys to make it perfect

Although it is a simple recipe, there are details that make the difference between a good dessert and a memorable one. Here are my secrets.

1. Ingredient temperature: The cream cheese should be soft (pomade consistency) to mix well, but the whipping cream should be very cold to whip a little and give body. If both are warm, the mixture will be very liquid.
2. The mango's ripeness: Use Ataúlfo or Manila type mangoes if you can, as they have less fiber (strings) and are creamier. If you use very fibrous mangoes, the eating experience will not be as smooth.
3. Toasted coconut: Don't skip the step of toasting the coconut. Raw coconut is good, but toasting releases aromatic oils and gives it that «crunchy» texture needed to break the monotony of the cream. Do it in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring constantly because it burns quickly.
4. Do not over-process the filling: When adding the first mangoes to the mixture, do not beat excessively. We want those small pieces of fruit within the cream, not a uniform mango smoothie.
5. Clean assembly: When putting the cream into the glasses, if you don't have a steady hand, use a pastry bag or a plastic bag with the tip cut off. This will prevent staining the sides of the glass and the layers will look perfect from the outside, similar to the presentation of a tiramisu in glasses.


When is it ideal to enjoy it?

These cups are the perfect wildcard for summer or spring gatherings. Being a cold dessert that doesn't require an oven, it prevents you from heating up the house on hot days. Their individual format makes them ideal for buffet-style parties, picnics, or barbecues, as you don't need to cut portions or use extra plates.

They are also a wonderful option to prepare in advance if you have dinner guests. You leave them ready in the fridge from the morning and forget about them until dessert time, leaving you free to enjoy the evening. Furthermore, mango is a fruit that almost everyone usually likes, from children to grandparents. If you are looking for something for breakfast that follows this tropical line but is lighter, you could be inspired by a mango bowl with coconut cream and granola.


Comparison table

Sometimes we hesitate about which dessert to prepare. Here I compare our cups with other popular options so you can see why this recipe is today's winner.

RecipeKey ingredientsDifference/advantage
Mango cheesecake cupsMango, cream cheese, cookiesNo oven, individual portion, and creamy texture with pieces.
New York Cheesecake (Baked)Eggs, cheese, ovenDenser and requires long cooking and resting.
Mango MousseEgg whites or cream, gelatinAiry texture, less substantial than cheesecake.
Panna Cotta with MangoCream, gelatin, milkGelatinous and smooth texture, without the crunchy cookie base.
No-bake lemon pieCondensed milk, lemon, cookiesIntense citrus flavor, usually sweeter and firmer.
Fruit TrifleSponge cake, custard, assorted fruitUses cake pieces instead of crushed cookies, more «cake-like».
Mango Ice CreamMilk/cream, fruit, freezerServed frozen, it's another thermal experience.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Yes, you can, but keep in mind that frozen mango releases much more water when thawed. I recommend thawing it completely and draining it very well before using it in the cheese mixture so it doesn't turn out watery. For decoration, fresh mango always looks better and has a better texture.
If you store them in airtight containers or well covered with plastic wrap, they can last up to 3 or 4 days in perfect condition. However, the base cookie will lose its crispy texture over the hours as it absorbs moisture from the filling. Ideally, they should be consumed within the first 24-48 hours.
Technically yes, you can use low-fat versions, but the final texture will be less firm and creamy. The fat in traditional cream cheese helps give structure to the dessert. If you decide to use light, make sure to drain any extra liquid from the package.
Of course, if you don't have muscovado or prefer a paler color in the mixture, you can use refined white sugar or powdered sugar. Muscovado sugar adds a caramel touch and color, but white sugar will let the flavor of mango and lemon shine more purely and the color will be a brighter yellow.
This can happen if the mango had too much juice or if the cream wasn't cold. Don't worry, since it doesn't require cooking, the solution is cold. Let them rest longer in the fridge (4-6 hours) or even give them a 30-minute freezer blast before serving to help them set.
This recipe is formulated for individual cups because the structure is soft (as it doesn't contain large amounts of gelatin or egg cooking). If you want to make a large cake to unmold, you would need to add a gelling agent (hydrated gelatin) to the cheese mixture so that it holds its shape when the mold is removed.
You can use any vanilla «digestive» type cookie, coconut cookies to enhance the tropical flavor, or even a base made with granola if you want a different texture. If you're looking for a spicier profile, cinnamon or ginger cookies (speculoos type) are incredible with mango.

Share your experience

Cooking is for experimenting and sharing. I'd love to know how these individual cups turned out for you. Did you add any personal touches? Perhaps a little chili powder to the mango to give it a Mexican style? Leave your comment and share your own tricks! It makes me very happy to see how you adapt recipes in your homes.


Culinary glossary

  • Creaming: To beat a fat (like butter or cream cheese) alone or with sugar until its consistency becomes smooth, fluffy, and changes to a paler color.
  • Muscovado: A type of unrefined or partially refined cane sugar that retains a high molasses content, giving it a dark color, moist texture, and intense flavor.
  • Tropiezos: A gastronomic term referring to the solid pieces of an ingredient found within a cream, soup, or sauce, providing texture when chewed.
  • Zest (or Rind): The colored outer part of citrus peel, where aromatic essential oils are concentrated, avoiding the white part which is bitter.
  • Plating: The act of arranging food on the plate or final serving container (in this case, the glass) in an aesthetic and orderly manner before serving.
Mango cheesecake cups
Mango cheesecake cups

Mango Cheesecake Cups: step-by-step recipe baked to perfection with perfect texture. Ideal for sharing. Serve immediately and adjust spiciness and salt to your taste.

Type: Recipe

Cuisine: International

Keywords: individual cups, cheesecake, mango, international, desserts, recipe, easy, homemade

Recipe Yield: 8 servings

Calories: 180 kcal

Preparation Time: PT20M

Total Time: PT20M

Recipe Ingredients:

  • Preparation: 20 minutes
  • Chilling: 1 hour and 30 minutes
  • Total: approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes
  • Servings: 8 individual cups
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • 3 packages of FITNESS HONEY COOKIES crushed (87 g)
  • 2 tablespoons of butter (28 g)
  • 1/2 cup of cream cheese (115 g)
  • 6 tablespoons of NESTLÉ CREAM (90 g)
  • 6 tablespoons of LA LECHERA CONDENSED MILK (120 g)
  • Juice of 2 lemons (96 ml)
  • 1 sachet of unflavored gelatin dissolved in 2 tablespoons of warm water (7 g)
  • 2 cups of mango pulp (330 g)
  • Use cold ingredients : the cream and cheese should be very cold to facilitate mixing and achieve a silky texture.
  • Do not overmix : an overly airy mixture can cause the cheesecake to lose firmness, so mix gently to maintain its compact consistency.
  • Pre-refrigeration : make sure the cups and mixtures are cold to speed up the setting process and achieve a presentation that holds up without falling apart.
  • Monitor the gelatin : disperse well to avoid lumps, and adjust the amount so that the structure remains firm without losing lightness.
  • Decoration with fresh mango : after setting, add pieces of fresh mango or mint to enhance the visual and aromatic touch.
  • At summer events, due to its refreshing and tropical character, ideal for avoiding the heat.
  • During brunch or snacks, providing a sweet and healthy touch thanks to natural fruits.
  • At family gatherings, to surprise everyone with a modern and chic presentation.
  • As a dessert at dinners with friends, for its practicality and ability to captivate any diner.
  • On special days, like birthdays, where the aim is to offer something different and delicious.
  • Choose your cookies well : opt for finely crushed versions, such as FITNESS HONEY COOKIES, to get a smooth and compact base.
  • Use ripe mango pulp : brands like Dulcesol offer excellent quality pulp that stands out in flavor and texture.
  • Control the amount of gelatin: too much can harden the dessert, and too little can affect the structure. Adjust according to the desired consistency.
  • Refrigerate in stages: the multi-phase process helps each layer set correctly, achieving an optimal dessert in presentation and flavor.
  • Final decoration: fresh fruit, in addition to decorating, provides a visual and taste contrast, making the dessert even more appealing.
  • Mango cheesecake cups
  • Key ingredients: cream cheese, mango pulp, gelatin
  • Advantage: creamy and refreshing, no baking.
  • Oreo cake in a glass
  • Ingredients: crushed Oreos, cream cheese, butter
  • Advantage: crunchier and with a classic flavor.
  • Marbled cheesecake
  • Ingredients: cheese, fruit, chocolate
  • Advantage: visually striking with the contrast of flavors.
  • Healthy carrot cake
  • Ingredients: grated carrot, cheese, walnuts
  • Advantage: more nutritious, ideal for breakfasts or snacks.

Recipe Instructions:

Preparation: :

Preparation: 20 minutes

Mango cheesecake cups

Refrigeration: :

Chilling: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Mango cheesecake cups

Total: :

Total: approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes

Mango cheesecake cups

Servings: :

Servings: 8 individual cups

Mango cheesecake cups

Difficulty: :

Difficulty: Easy

Mango cheesecake cups

Select the cookies well :

Choose your cookies well : opt for finely crushed versions, such as FITNESS HONEY COOKIES, to get a smooth and compact base.

Mango cheesecake cups

Use ripe mango pulp :

Use ripe mango pulp : brands like Dulcesol offer excellent quality pulp that stands out in flavor and texture.

Mango cheesecake cups

Control the amount of gelatin :

Control the amount of gelatin: too much can harden the dessert, and too little can affect the structure. Adjust according to the desired consistency.

Mango cheesecake cups

Refrigerate in stages :

Refrigerate in stages: the multi-phase process helps each layer set correctly, achieving an optimal dessert in presentation and flavor.

Mango cheesecake cups

Final decoration:

Final decoration: fresh fruit, in addition to decorating, provides a visual and taste contrast, making the dessert even more appealing.

Mango cheesecake cups
Editor's Rating:
4.7
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Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Flavors of my Kitchen", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine, with international recognition.
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