Summertime Indulgence: Mango Crémeux

Welcome to my blog! In today’s post, I’m sharing my Mango Crémeux recipe, a fun element created to elevate your cakes and dessert fillings—just right for those warm spring and summer days.

Originating from classic French patisserie, crémeux, meaning “creamy” in French, is known for its rich and luxurious mouthfeel. My mango crémeux recipe doesn’t contain gelatin and is thickened with creme anglaise or custard sauce, making it silkier smooth, and divine! It combines ripe mangoes with a hint of tanginess from lemon juice, putting a tropical spin on the traditional dessert and resulting in a truly irresistible treat.

What is Mango Crémeux?

The distinctive flavor and texture of my mango crémeux set it apart. The sweetness of mangoes harmonizes with the velvety smoothness of crémeux, while the lemon juice adds a touch of tanginess that enhances the overall taste. Ideal for warmer weather desserts, mango crémeux is a fantastic ingredient that can elevate your cakes and desserts this spring and summer. So come along as we explore and uncover the secrets behind my delectable Mango Crémeux!

Definition and key ingredients

Mango Crémeux is a luscious, velvety dessert that combines the richness of a classic French crémeux with the tropical flavor of ripe mangoes. Its key ingredients include mango purée, sugar, egg yolks, and a creme anglaise or custard sauce as a thickening agent. The resulting dessert is a delightful blend of sweetness, tanginess, and creaminess.

Comparison to similar desserts (custard, pudding, mousse)

While mango crémeux shares some similarities with custard, pudding, and mousse, it stands out due to its unique texture and flavor. Unlike custard and pudding, mango crémeux doesn’t contain gelatin and relies on creme anglaise for its silkiness. Compared to mousse, crémeux has a denser, more luxurious mouthfeel.

The role of mango in the dessert

Mango plays a significant role in this dessert, imparting its natural sweetness and tropical essence. It adds a vibrant color, unique flavor, and a hint of tanginess that perfectly complements the crémeux’s creamy base.

Choosing the Perfect Mango

Different mango varieties and their flavors

There are numerous mango varieties, each with its distinct flavor and texture. Some popular options include Alphonso, Ataulfo, Haden, and Kent. Choose a variety with a balance of sweetness and tanginess to enhance the crémeux’s flavor.

How to select ripe mangoes

Selecting ripe mangoes is crucial for the best results. A ripe mango should have a pleasant aroma, a slightly soft texture, and a vibrant color. Avoid mangoes with blemishes or an overly firm feel.

Storing and preparing mangoes for the recipe

To store mangoes, keep unripe ones at room temperature until they ripen. Ripe mangoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Before using them in the recipe, peel and cut the mangoes into small pieces, removing the pit. Then, purée the mangoes to achieve a smooth consistency.

Mango Crémeux Recipe

Ingredients

235g or 1 cup frozen/ fresh mango

100g or 1/2 cup granulated sugar 

30g or 2 tbsp. Lemon juice

60g or 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

227g or 1 cup unsalted butter

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine chopped fresh or frozen mango, sugar, and lemon juice. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture.

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and heavy whipping cream.

Slowly pour the hot mango mixture into the eggs and cream, whisking continuously to prevent curdling.

Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a custard-like consistency.

Remove the pan from heat and use a strainer to remove big lumps.

Add the butter and whisk it until butter is fully incorporated.

Cover with plastic making sure it touches the surface of the crémeux and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or until it’s set and chilled.

Use it as a cake topping or dessert filling. Freeze it until set if you want to serve it as a dessert on its own. You can add more fresh cut up mangoes and any fruits you like.

Tips for achieving the perfect consistency and flavor

Ensure the egg yolks and mango mixture are well combined to prevent lumps or curdling.

Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring continuously, for a smooth and silky consistency.

To check if it’s ready, lift the spatula and see if the mixture coats it or draw a line in the pan and see if it slowly disappears. 

Use high-quality ripe mangoes for the best flavor

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Classic presentations

Serve mango crémeux as a standalone dessert in elegant dessert cups or glasses, garnished with a sprig of mint or a dollop of whipped cream.

Layer the mango crémeux with sponge cake or ladyfingers in a trifle dish for a visually appealing presentation.

My Go-To Desserts to serve with Mango Crémeux

Mango Crémeux is an incredibly versatile dessert component that pairs beautifully with a variety of other desserts. Here are some ideas for pairing Mango Crémeux with tarts, eclairs, and choux pastries.

Mango Crémeux Tart: A crisp, buttery tart shell brimming with luscious mango crémeux and adorned with vibrant, juicy mango slices.

Mango Crémeux Eclairs: Golden-brown eclairs filled with velvety mango crémeux and topped with an elegant glaze or icing.

Mango Crémeux Choux: Bite-sized choux pastries filled with silky smooth mango crémeux and dusted with powdered sugar or garnished with whipped cream.

Pairings with other desserts or accompaniments

Serve mango crémeux alongside a slice of coconut or vanilla cake for a tropical-inspired dessert.

Pair the crémeux with fruit salads or fruit-based sorbets to enhance its fruity flavors.

Variations on Mango Crémeux

Incorporating other fruits or flavors

Experiment with different fruit purées, such as raspberry or passion fruit, to create your own unique crémeux variations. Coconut and passionfruit goes well with mango, perfect combination of tropical flavors.

Vegan and dairy-free alternatives

Replace the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut cream or cashew cream, for a vegan and dairy-free version of the crémeux.

Use a vegan egg substitute, like a flax or chia egg, in place of egg yolks to cater to dietary restrictions.

Lighter versions for a guilt-free treat

Opt for a low-fat or reduced-sugar variation by using a sugar substitute and a lower-fat dairy option, like half-and-half or whole milk.

Conclusion:

Mango crémeux is a delightful and versatile dessert that adds a touch of elegance to any spring or summer gathering. Its unique combination of flavors and textures make it a must-try for any dessert lover. Experiment with different variations, and don’t forget to share your own mango crémeux creations and experiences with others. Enjoy!

Did you make this recipe?

Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @lemon&limes on Instagram and hashtag it #lemon&limes.