Mango Float

Layers of sweet whipped cream, biscuits, and juicy mangoes. Mango float is an easy no-bake Filipino dessert that never misses.

Jump to:

• What is a mango float?
• Ingredients
• Tips for the perfect mango float
• Frequently Asked Questions
• 📖 Recipe

What is a mango float?

Mango float, also known as mango royale, crema de mangga or mango graham cake is a popular Filipino dessert. This icebox cake is made from layers of graham crackers, whipped cream, condensed milk, and ripe mangoes. This whole assembly is chilled and set before being cut into squares to serve.

The resulting dessert is creamy, refreshing and so delicious. If you haven't tried it yet now is the time! With only 4 ingredients and no oven needed, there isn't much to lose.

Ingredients

Graham crackers

Graham crackers are the most commonly used cookie to make mango floats. If you don't have graham crackers available where you are feel free to substitute them with other options like digestive biscuits or even lotus cookies.

Some recipes will even use lady fingers for a more cake-like texture

Heavy cream

Heavy cream, thickened cream or whipping cream will all work. Make sure your cream is completely chilled before whipping it with condensed milk. This helps the cream come up to stable stiff peaks.

Condensed milk

Condensed milk gives the cake sweetness and flavor! Feel free to increase or decrease the amount of condensed milk used to your taste. The amount I've specified is what I find the perfect balance of sweetness.

If you use a sweeter cookie you can reduce the amount of condensed milk to balance it out.

Mango

Choosing ripe mangoes is one of the most important factors when making this cake. As mangoes are the predominant flavor in this cake they need to be sweet and ripe.

I specified to use 4 mangoes, but you can increase or decrease this according to what you have on hand and how much mango you'd like in your cake.

Tips for the perfect mango float

This recipe is so easy to make but here are a couple of tips for mango float perfection.

Line your tin

If you're using a deep baking dish line the baking dish with parchment paper and leave some of the paper hanging over the edge. This way you can hold the parchment paper and pull the cake out of the dish when it's set.

Whip to stiff peaks

Whipping the cream to stiff peaks is essential for the cake to set. Otherwise your cake will still be very runny when you cut into it.

Give it enough time to set

The cake needs the full 6 hours or overnight rest to set. During this time the cookies absorb the moisture from the surrounding cream and mangoes. The allows them to take on a soft, cake-like texture.

The overnight rest will also allow the cream to set up to a firmer consistency. This makes it possible to cut the cake into squares later.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a mango float last?

This cake last for up to 3 days when stored in the fridge. Make sure you keep it covered to prevent the cream and mangoes from drying out.

How should I store a mango float?

As the mango float is made from cream it's important to keep it chilled when possible. If you leave the cake out of the refridgerator for too long the cream will start to melt.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes you can! This cake is actually commonly eaten frozen. The resulting texture is almost like an ice-cream cake.

If you are freezing the cake I recommend placing it in the fridge for a couple of hours before placing it in the freezer. This gives the cookies time to absorb moisture from the surrounding cream and mangoes, taking on a softer texture.

Why isn't my cake setting?

If your cake has been in your fridge overnight and still hasn't set the cream was most likely not whipped enough. If the cream hasn't been whipped to stiff peaks the cake will have a harder time setting.

Don't worry too much though it'll still taste just as amazing, you might just have to scoop it out of your dish rather than cutting it into squares. Or you can freeze it and eat it at a 'ice-cream' consistency.

Can I make this with a different fruit?

Of course you can! This kind of cake is so versatile and can take most fresh fruit.

A couple of crowd favourites include peaches and strawberries, but get creative with what you want to fill it with!

Can I make a mango float without graham crackers?

Yes of course! That's what I've done as graham crackers aren't available in Australia.

The closest alternative are digestive biscuits, but their round shape doesn't make them ideal for a square shaped cake. Any kind of plain cookie or biscuit will work great. Ladyfinger cookies are a common substitute!

Let's Get Baking

If you're looking for a delicious mango dessert to make this summer this will be a big hit! Filipinos love to make this cake on a special occasion or during the holiday season and soon you'll see why

If you liked this recipe make sure to leave me a comment and rating down below, I would love to know how you went.

Also, don't forget to tag me on Instagram @catherine.desserts and hashtag #cattycakes so I can see and share your desserts. Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Youtube, and TikTok for more of my baking creations and updates! Until next time... happy caking!

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