MANGO FLOAT - Icebox Cake

 Beat the Heat, Not the Mixer: This No-Bake Mango Delight is Your Summer Escape (No Oven Required)

Dive into Mango Madness: The Filipino Layered Dream

Forget fancy equipment and fiery ovens! Mango Graham Float is the ultimate Filipino dessert for the laid-back baker. Picture this: a cool, rectangular dish becomes a canvas for pure deliciousness. We start with a base of crisp graham crackers, then comes a dreamy layer of whipped cream kissed with condensed milk for a touch of sweetness. But the star of the show? Luscious mango slices, their vibrant color and juicy flavor peeking through. Repeat these layers until your dish overflows with mango majesty, then send it on a chilling adventure in the fridge.

The magic happens as the graham crackers soften, absorbing the creamy goodness. The result? A symphony of textures - the satisfying crunch of the cookies against the smooth cream and the burst of juicy sweetness from the mangoes. It's a flavor party in your mouth, folks!

This classic recipe is a blank canvas for creativity. Feeling adventurous?  Swirl in some cream cheese for a tangy twist, add a burst of color with fruit cocktail, or sprinkle in chocolate chips for a decadent surprise. But no matter how you play with it, the heart of the Mango Graham Float remains - a celebration of simple ingredients brought together to create pure, refreshing bliss.

So ditch the fuss and impress your guests with this Filipino gem. It's perfect for potlucks, parties, or whenever you crave a taste of sunshine in a dessert.

Recipe Video:

How to Make Mango Float? 

Here's a recipe for making Mango Float:

Ingredients:

• 3 pieces ripe mango
• 12 pieces graham crackers
• 250ml all-purpose cream
• 225g cream cheese
• 3/4cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 sachet of unflavored gelatin dissolved in 1/4 cup cold water and ½ cup hot water
• 1 tbsp. unflavored gelatin (yellow) dissolve in 1 cup of hot water

Instructions:

1. Peel and dice the mangoes. ( I recommend you use ripe carabao mango). Set aside or refrigerate.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, all-purpose cream, heavy cream (chilled overnight), and sweetened condensed milk. Beat using an electric mixer until the mixture thickens and forms soft peaks.

3. In a small bowl, dissolve 1 sachet of Knox unflavored gelatin in 1/4 cup of cold water and leave for a minute. Then pour 1/2 cup of hot water and mix well wait 5 minutes until set. 
Pour the gelatin into the cream mixture. Fold until well blended.

4. Spread a layer of the cream mixture on the bottom of a rectangular baking dish.
Place a layer of graham crackers on top of the cream mixture, making sure to cover the entire surface of the dish.

5. Spread a layer of the cream mixture on top of the graham crackers.
Add a layer of diced mangoes on top of the cream mixture.

6. Repeat the process by adding another layer of graham crackers, cream mixture, and diced mangoes. Continue layering until all the ingredients are used up. The final layer should be the mango diced.

7. In a separate small bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin (yellow color) in 1 cup of hot water. Mix well until the gelatin dissolves. Pour over to the top of the mango graham float.

8. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the graham crackers have softened.

9. Serve chilled and enjoy your delicious Mango Float!

What is Mango?

 It is native to South Asia but is now widely cultivated in many countries, including the Philippines, India, Mexico, and Brazil. It belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, which also includes cashews and pistachios. It is a popular fruit due to its sweet, juicy, and aromatic flavor, as well as its vibrant color and nutritional benefits.

Mangoes come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, ranging from green, yellow, and orange, to red. They have thin, tough skin that is typically removed before consumption. The flesh of a mango is soft and fibrous, with a large, flat pit in the center, juicy and sweet, with a tangy flavor that is often described as a combination of peach and pineapple.

Mangoes are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them nutritious fruit to include in your diet. They are a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin K, as well as potassium, magnesium, and fiber.

Mangoes can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, such as eating raw, blended into smoothies or juices, used in salads or salsas, or cooked in desserts or savory dishes. In many cultures, mangoes are also used to make jams, chutneys, and pickles.

In some cultures, mango is also used for medicinal purposes. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help boost the immune system, improve digestion, and lower cholesterol levels.

In the Philippines, mangoes are highly valued and considered a national fruit. The country is known for producing some of the sweetest and juiciest mangoes in the world, with the most popular varieties being the Carabao mango and the Indian mango. The Philippines even holds an annual Mango Festival to celebrate the fruit and its many uses in local cuisine.

Overall, mango is a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you eat it on its own or use it in a recipe, mango is sure to add a sweet and tangy flavor to any dish.

Substitute to Graham Crackers?

While Graham crackers are the traditional base for mango float, you can substitute them with other types of biscuits or cookies, or even cake. Here are some alternative bases that you can use:

1. Ladyfingers - These sponge fingers are commonly used in making tiramisu, and can also be used in place of Graham crackers. They have a light and airy texture, which goes well with the creamy filling and juicy mangoes.

2. Digestive biscuits - These biscuits have a similar texture and taste to Graham crackers, but are slightly less sweet. They are a good alternative if you prefer a less sweet base for your mango float.

3. Vanilla wafers - These thin, crispy cookies have a mild vanilla flavor that complements the sweet and tangy flavor of the mangoes. They are also a good option if you want a lighter base for your mango float.

4. Sponge cake - You can also use a sponge cake as the base for your mango float. Cut the cake into thin layers and use them to create the layers in the dessert. The soft and fluffy texture of the cake goes well with the creamy filling and juicy mangoes.

When substituting Graham crackers with these alternatives, keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the dessert may be slightly different. However, the overall taste of the mango float should still be delicious!