These Mango Pancakes are a delightful dessert or luxurious breakfast option, featuring delicate, bright yellow crêpes filled with sweet Chantilly cream and juicy ripe mango chunks. Light, fruity, and easy to make, they’re a tropical treat perfect for brunches, parties, or a refreshing end to a summer meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Pancakes:
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45g plain flour
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2 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch)
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20g icing sugar
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20g caster sugar
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Pinch of salt
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200ml warm full-fat milk
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2 large eggs
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2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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¼ teaspoon yellow food coloring (optional)
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Knob of butter for frying
For the Filling:
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250ml double cream (heavy cream)
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2 tablespoons icing sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2–3 ripe mangoes (preferably Indian or Pakistani varieties)
To Serve (Optional):
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Icing sugar for dusting
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Fresh mint sprigs for garnish
Directions
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Sift the plain flour, cornflour, and icing sugar into a large bowl. Stir in the caster sugar and a pinch of salt.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and food coloring if using.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth. Pass the batter through a sieve into a clean bowl to remove any lumps.
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Heat a knob of butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour about 50ml of batter into the pan, swirling to coat the base in a thin, even layer.
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Cook gently for about 1 minute, until just set but not browned. Remove and place on a plate. Repeat with the remaining batter.
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Whip the double cream with icing sugar and vanilla extract until soft to medium peaks form.
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Peel and slice the mangoes into large chunks.
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Once the pancakes are cooled, place a piece of mango and a dollop of whipped cream in the center of each.
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Fold the pancakes by bringing the sides in and then the top and bottom, flipping over to seam-side down to form a neat parcel.
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Dust with icing sugar and garnish with mint sprigs if desired. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrients
(Approximate per pancake, depending on size)
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Calories: ~210 kcal
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Carbohydrates: ~18g
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Protein: ~4g
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Fat: ~14g
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Saturated Fat: ~8g
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Sugar: ~10g
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Sodium: ~40mg
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Vitamin A: ~15% DV
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Vitamin C: ~25% DV
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Calcium: ~6% DV
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Iron: ~4% DV
Why Mango Pancakes Are So Popular
The appeal of Mango Pancakes lies in their harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The thin, soft pancakes provide a tender envelope for the rich yet airy Chantilly cream, while juicy mango chunks offer a refreshing, vibrant burst of natural sweetness. Unlike heavy desserts, Mango Pancakes feel light and refreshing, making them ideal for warmer weather or festive occasions. Their visually appealing presentation—with golden pancakes folded neatly around creamy, colorful fillings—adds to their allure. They also bring a sense of luxury and indulgence without being overly complicated to prepare, making them popular among home cooks and professional chefs alike.
Perfect for Brunches, Parties, and Summer Celebrations
Mango Pancakes are a natural fit for festive gatherings. Their light yet rich profile makes them suitable for late morning brunches where guests crave something sweet but not overwhelming. They are also ideal for outdoor summer parties, offering a refreshing alternative to heavier cakes and pastries. Served chilled, they make a beautiful centerpiece for dessert platters, especially when garnished with a sprinkle of icing sugar and a sprig of fresh mint. Their tropical flavor evokes a sense of vacation bliss, transporting diners to sun-soaked destinations with every delicious bite.
Celebrating Fresh, Wholesome Ingredients
At the core of Mango Pancakes is an appreciation for fresh, quality ingredients. The crêpe-style pancakes, made from simple pantry staples like flour, milk, eggs, and sugar, form a delicate, neutral canvas that highlights the fillings. The whipped Chantilly cream, made with heavy double cream, a touch of sugar, and fragrant vanilla, provides a luxuriously soft texture that contrasts beautifully with the firm, juicy mango pieces. Choosing ripe, fragrant mangoes—preferably varieties like Ataulfo, Alphonso, or Chaunsa—ensures the fullest, sweetest flavor. Together, these ingredients create a balanced dish where each component enhances and complements the others naturally.
Adaptability and Flavor Variations
One of the great joys of Mango Pancakes is how easily they can be adapted to different tastes and occasions. For a dairy-free version, the Chantilly cream can be replaced with whipped coconut cream, adding a subtle tropical note that pairs beautifully with mango. Other fruits like strawberries, kiwi, or blueberries can be added alongside or in place of mango for a mixed fruit version. The pancakes themselves can be flavored with a splash of coconut milk or a hint of lime zest to deepen the tropical flavors. For an extra luxurious twist, a drizzle of honey or a sprinkling of toasted coconut flakes can be added before folding. These easy variations allow the dish to stay exciting and customizable based on season, taste, and mood.
Nutritional Benefits
While indulgent, Mango Pancakes also offer some nutritional perks, particularly from the fresh mango. Mangoes are rich in vitamin C, which supports immune health, and vitamin A, which promotes good vision and skin health. They also provide antioxidants and fiber, supporting digestion and overall well-being. The eggs in the pancake batter add high-quality protein and essential nutrients like choline, which is important for brain health. By using moderate amounts of cream and focusing on fresh fruit, Mango Pancakes strike a balance between a treat and a wholesome dessert. Lightening the recipe by using low-fat cream or increasing the fruit-to-cream ratio can make it even more nutritious without sacrificing flavor.
Tips for the Best Mango Pancakes
A few key tips can help ensure your Mango Pancakes turn out perfectly. Using warm milk when mixing the pancake batter helps create a smoother, lump-free texture. Passing the batter through a sieve is crucial for achieving delicate, tender pancakes without clumps. When cooking, aim for thin, even layers of batter and avoid browning the pancakes, as their golden color enhances the presentation. Selecting fully ripe but firm mangoes ensures the chunks hold their shape and deliver the best sweetness. Whipping the cream to soft or medium peaks keeps it light and prevents it from becoming too stiff, ensuring that it complements the tender pancake without weighing it down. Assembling the pancakes once they have fully cooled helps preserve the texture of both the crêpe and the filling.
Serving Suggestions
Mango Pancakes are best enjoyed fresh but can be prepared slightly ahead of time and chilled for a refreshing treat. Serving them lightly dusted with icing sugar and garnished with mint sprigs adds a touch of elegance. They pair beautifully with a cup of green tea, jasmine tea, or a light, fruity white wine like a Riesling. For an elevated dessert presentation, serve the pancakes with a small scoop of sorbet or a drizzle of mango coulis on the side. On brunch tables, they complement savory dishes like smoked salmon platters, vegetable frittatas, or fresh salads, offering a sweet contrast to savory fare.
Cultural Inspirations and Modern Appeal
Mango Pancakes take inspiration from various global cuisines, particularly Asian desserts that celebrate fresh fruit, light batters, and whipped creams. In Hong Kong, mango pancakes are a beloved dim sum dessert, often filled with delicate whipped cream and perfectly ripe mango slices. This Westernized version adapts those ideas, using a slightly firmer crêpe and Chantilly cream to suit different textures and flavor preferences. The modern appeal of Mango Pancakes lies in their ability to bridge cultures and satisfy a universal love for fresh, beautiful, flavorful food. Their adaptability, lightness, and stunning presentation make them a timeless favorite for anyone who enjoys combining tradition with innovation.
Reasons to Love Mango Pancakes
There are countless reasons why Mango Pancakes deserve a spot in your dessert or brunch repertoire. They are visually stunning, adding color and elegance to any table. They are easy to prepare with simple ingredients yet taste luxurious and indulgent. They offer a lighter alternative to traditional heavy desserts, focusing on the natural sweetness of ripe fruit. They are highly adaptable to various dietary needs and personal preferences. Most importantly, they embody the joy of fresh, simple, beautiful food, bringing a sense of celebration to any meal or gathering.
Conclusion
Mango Pancakes are a delightful tribute to the pleasures of fresh fruit, airy cream, and delicate crêpes. Combining vibrant flavors, tender textures, and tropical colors, they offer a luxurious yet refreshing experience that feels perfect for sunny brunches, elegant desserts, or festive occasions. Simple enough for everyday indulgence yet sophisticated enough for special celebrations, Mango Pancakes are a true celebration of summer’s sweetness. With their easy preparation, adaptability, and irresistible appeal, these tropical parcels are sure to become a beloved favorite for anyone seeking to bring a touch of sunshine to the table.