mango lime "ice cream" squares

A cool summer treat. Plus why I don't use coconut oil/butter/milk.

I’ve had this recipe on my ‘to-create’ list for one whole year. A freezer full of mango chunks, a free Sunday afternoon, and a sweltering hot weekend finally inspired me to get these mango lime ice cream squares made and into the freezer.

And oh they hit the spot! The sweet tooth, it’s-sunny-let’s-celebrate, healthy-dessert spot.

The crust is thick and chewy and has a salty-zesty-sweet vibe. I’ve opted for a nut-free crust too, since we’re using nuts in the ice cream filling. The filling, which I can and do eat straight out of the blender, is rich but not heavy, sweet but not too sweet, and refreshing yet satiating.

It’s a beautiful vegan summer ice-cream-esque dessert, speckled with green flecks of lime zest, that’s perfect for a hot Saturday afternoon or a weeknight treat.

Oh and it’s coconut-everything free, read on!

Over here in Taiwan we get those good mangos. All different types too— Irwin, Kent, Haden. I wouldn’t be able to tell you which is which but they’re all so juicy and sweet and hard to resist.

I usually toss some fresh mango into salads (have you tried the summer salad from The Plant-Based Cookbook?! Page 111) and guacamole, but since frozen mango is a rarity here, I buy fresh and freeze it myself. I pick up a bunch (like 10!), peel and chop and place them in freezer-safe reusable baggies (I use these ones) for future smoothies and treats like these ice cream squares.

Here’s how these mango lime ice cream squares are made:

1. Make the crust by blitzing all the ingredients in a food processor.

2. Press the crust into the pan.

3. Make the filling in a blender and pour on top of the crust.

4. Freeze. Slice. Enjoy!

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Coconut free

When I’m making a vegan cheesecake or ice cream-inspired treat I have some big challenges right from the get-go. And I can’t lie, it’s frustrating. But I choose the challenging path for a good reason.

You see most rich vegan desserts call for coconut oil, milk, cream, or butter.

Why?