Mangoes—the golden fruit of the tropics—bring with them a burst of sunshine, sweetness, and nostalgia. Known as the “King of Fruits” in many parts of the world, mango is not just a fruit—it’s an emotion. In the world of desserts, few ingredients can rival its versatility and lusciousness. Whether you prefer ripe mangoes blended into creamy textures, layered in chilled treats, or simply spotlighted in traditional sweets, there’s a mango dessert for every kind of sweet tooth.
Here are our 8 all-time favorite mango sweets—all vegetarian and bursting with flavor—you absolutely must try!
1. Aamras with Puris
Why You’ll Love It:
Aamras is a simple yet divine preparation made with just ripe mango pulp, a bit of cardamom, and sometimes a splash of milk or cream. Traditionally served with hot, fluffy puris, this classic Maharashtrian and Gujarati delicacy is a beloved summer staple.
What Makes It Special:
- Best made with Alphonso or Kesar mangoes for their sweetness and aroma.
- Can be flavored with saffron or a pinch of nutmeg.
- Serve chilled alongside freshly fried puris for a rich, satisfying combo.
Vegetarian Tip: Naturally 100% vegetarian. For vegan versions, skip milk or use almond milk.
2. Mango Kulfi
Why You’ll Love It:
Kulfi is India’s answer to ice cream—denser, creamier, and slower to melt. When combined with mango, it becomes a rich and fruity frozen delight that captures summer in every bite.
What Makes It Special:
- Made by slowly reducing milk to thicken it, then blending with mango pulp, sugar, and cardamom.
- Poured into molds and frozen—traditional versions use earthen pots (matkas) for a unique flavor.
- Garnish with chopped pistachios and saffron strands.
Vegetarian Tip: Use condensed milk or full-fat milk; no eggs required. Vegan versions can use coconut milk and cashew cream.
3. Mango Shrikhand (Amrakhand)
Why You’ll Love It:
A creamy, dreamy dessert made by combining thick, strained yogurt with mango pulp and sugar. Known as “Amrakhand,” it’s light yet indulgent—a perfect end to a spicy Indian meal.
What Makes It Special:
- Uses hung curd (strained yogurt) for a thick, mousse-like texture.
- Traditionally flavored with cardamom and saffron.
- Serve chilled in small bowls, garnished with slivered almonds or pistachios.
Vegetarian Tip: 100% vegetarian. To veganize, use thick plant-based yogurt (like coconut or almond-based).
4. Mango Phirni
Why You’ll Love It:
A rich and creamy rice pudding infused with mango, mango phirni is a royal dessert often served during festivals or special occasions.
What Makes It Special:
- Made with ground rice cooked in milk, sweetened and flavored with mango puree.
- Served in clay pots to add an earthy aroma.
- Topped with nuts, rose petals, or silver leaf (varak) for a festive touch.
Vegetarian Tip: Naturally vegetarian. For vegan versions, use almond or soy milk.
5. Mango Cheesecake (No-Bake Version)
Why You’ll Love It:
East meets West in this luscious mango cheesecake. With a biscuit base and creamy mango topping, this no-bake version is refreshing and perfect for hot weather.
What Makes It Special:
- Base made with crushed digestive biscuits and butter.
- Filling combines cream cheese, whipped cream, and mango puree.
- Topped with a shiny mango glaze or fresh mango slices.
Vegetarian Tip: Use vegetarian cream cheese. Ensure gelatin is replaced with agar-agar for a fully vegetarian version.
6. Mango Lassi Popsicles
Why You’ll Love It:
A creative twist on the traditional mango lassi, these popsicles are cool, tangy, and lightly spiced. Perfect for kids and adults alike.
What Makes It Special:
- Made by blending ripe mangoes with yogurt, honey (or sugar), and a pinch of cardamom.
- Poured into molds and frozen—great for summer treats or parties.
- Optional: swirl in some rose syrup for visual flair and added taste.
Vegetarian Tip: Fully vegetarian. Use plant-based yogurt to make it vegan.
7. Mango Halwa
Why You’ll Love It:
A lesser-known gem, mango halwa combines the richness of semolina (sooji) or besan (gram flour) with mango pulp and ghee to create a silky, aromatic dessert.
What Makes It Special:
- The ghee-roasted semolina or flour adds nutty depth.
- Mango pulp gives it a smooth, fruity flavor and gorgeous golden color.
- Cooked slowly and finished with cardamom and chopped nuts.
Vegetarian Tip: 100% vegetarian. Replace ghee with vegan butter or coconut oil if needed.
8. Mango Coconut Barfi
Why You’ll Love It:
A tropical twist on the traditional Indian sweet, this barfi combines the creaminess of coconut with the richness of mango.
What Makes It Special:
- Uses grated fresh or desiccated coconut, mango pulp, sugar, and a bit of cardamom.
- Cooked into a thick mixture and set into squares.
- A delightful combination of textures—slightly chewy, moist, and fruity.
Vegetarian Tip: Naturally vegetarian. Can be vegan if made with coconut oil instead of ghee.
What Makes Mango Sweets Truly Unforgettable?
Mango sweets are more than just seasonal delights. Here’s what elevates them:
1. Quality of Mangoes
The best desserts start with the best mangoes. Alphonso, Kesar, Dasheri, or Langra—each variety brings a unique taste and texture. Use fully ripe mangoes for sweetness and flavor; underripe mangoes can taste chalky.
2. Balancing Sweetness
Mango already carries natural sugars. The best mango desserts don’t overwhelm with added sugar—they enhance the fruit’s inherent taste.
3. Complementary Ingredients
Flavors like cardamom, saffron, rose water, coconut, and pistachio pair beautifully with mango. They elevate the dish without overshadowing the fruit.
4. Texture Play
A great dessert isn’t just about taste—texture matters. Creamy (shrikhands), chewy (barfi), icy (kulfi), smooth (phirni), or soft (halwa)—mango works with all.
Serving & Pairing Tips
- Chill is Key: Mango desserts are often best served cold or lightly chilled. It enhances their fruity, refreshing character.
- Garnish Gracefully: A sprinkle of nuts, mint leaves, or a drizzle of saffron milk can elevate even a simple aamras.
- Seasonal Joy: Mango season is short—savor these dishes when mangoes are at their peak. You can also freeze pulp for off-season treats.
- Pairing Drinks: Light drinks like mint chaas, iced green tea, or lemon water pair well with rich mango sweets.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about mango-based desserts. They’re indulgent yet fresh, exotic yet familiar. Whether it’s a no-fuss aamras or a festive mango phirni, these dishes showcase just how versatile and beloved mangoes are in the world of sweets.
If you’ve never tried these mango desserts—or only tasted one or two—it’s time to explore the full range. From frozen kulfis to creamy cheesecakes, from traditional Indian halwas to tropical barfis, each dish is a celebration of summer in its most delicious form.
So the next time mangoes arrive in your kitchen, don’t just eat them plain. Create something extraordinary.