Mango Cream Pie Recipe

This luscious mango cream pie balances tropical sweetness with velvety custard beneath a cloud of whipped cream, all nestled in a buttery, flaky crust.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
45 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Serves:
1 pie (8 slices)
An overhead shot of a perfectly sliced mango cream pie showcasing its stunning golden-yellow custard layer topped with pillowy whipped cream rosettes. Soft natural light highlights the glistening mango slices arranged in a decorative pattern across the top, creating vibrant contrast against the cream. The flaky, golden-brown crust provides a rustic frame, with a few fresh mint leaves and scattered toasted coconut adding texture. Condensation beads on the chilled filling suggest refreshing coolness, while a vintage silver server rests beside the pie on a white ceramic cake stand, ready to lift a perfect wedge revealing the distinct creamy layers within.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the Crust:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g cold unsalted butter, cubed</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">¼ tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large egg yolk</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2-3 tbsp ice-cold water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the Mango Filling:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">500g ripe mango flesh (about 3 large mangoes)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 large egg yolks</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g cornstarch</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">¼ tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">400ml full-fat milk</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200ml heavy cream</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the Topping:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">250ml heavy cream, cold</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g powdered sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 ripe mango, thinly sliced for decoration</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp toasted coconut flakes (optional)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">23cm (9-inch) pie dish</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Food processor or pastry cutter</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Rolling pin</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pie weights or dried beans</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Blender or food processor for mango puree</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Whisk</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Medium saucepan</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Fine-mesh sieve</li></ul>
BAKE SMARTER

Kitchen Converter

Quickly switch between common baking units without leaving the recipe.

Convert
Result—

Volume uses US cups, tablespoons, and teaspoons. Converting weight to volume depends on the ingredient.

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Begin by preparing your pie crust. In a food processor, pulse together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining (these butter pockets create flaky layers in your crust). Transfer to a bowl, add the egg yolk and drizzle in ice water one tablespoon at a time, gently mixing with a fork until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough or it will become tough.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Form the dough into a disc, wrap in cling film, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This resting period allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, ensuring a tender, flaky crust. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 3mm thickness and a diameter of roughly 30cm. Carefully transfer to your pie dish, gently pressing into the bottom and sides. Trim the excess dough leaving a 2cm overhang, then fold under and crimp the edges decoratively. Prick the bottom with a fork, line with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights. Blind bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment and bake for another 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Set aside to cool completely.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>For the mango filling, peel and dice the mangoes, then blend until completely smooth. You should have about 350ml of puree. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until well combined and slightly lightened in color.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and heavy cream, bringing to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, remove from heat. Gradually whisk about 120ml of the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture to temper the eggs (this prevents them from scrambling), then slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Return the saucepan to medium heat and cook, whisking continuously, until the mixture thickens significantly and begins to bubble, about 4-5 minutes. The custard should coat the back of a spoon and when you run your finger through it, the line should hold. Remove from heat and whisk in the mango puree and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Pass the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any lumps or fibrous mango bits, ensuring a perfectly smooth filling. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the custard (this prevents a skin from forming) and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>When ready to assemble, pour the chilled mango custard into the cooled pie crust, spreading evenly. Return to the refrigerator while you prepare the topping.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>For the topping, in a chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, which can turn your cream grainy. The perfect whipped cream should hold its shape but still look smooth and glossy.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the mango filling, creating decorative swirls if desired. Arrange the thinly sliced fresh mango in a pattern on top and sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes if using. Refrigerate the pie for at least 1 hour before serving to allow everything to set properly. The pie is best enjoyed within 24 hours but will keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving
🔥 Calories: 210 calories
🥑 Fat: 3 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 45 g
🍭 Sugar: 38 g
🍗 Protein: 6 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 5 mg
🧂 Sodium: 45 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I use frozen mangoes for a cream pie instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen mangoes can work in a pinch. Thaw completely and drain excess liquid before pureeing. Fresh mangoes provide the best flavour and texture, but high-quality frozen mangoes are a convenient alternative year-round. You may need to adjust the sugar slightly as frozen mangoes can be less sweet.

Why is my mango custard filling not setting properly?

Custard issues usually stem from insufficient cooking time or cornstarch. Ensure you cook until the mixture significantly thickens and bubbles. The custard should coat the back of a spoon and hold a line when you run your finger through it. Always chill thoroughly (at least 4 hours) before serving.

What's the best type of mango to use for a tropical cream pie?

Alphonso, Ataulfo (also called honey or champagne) and Kent mangoes are ideal for cream pies due to their sweet flavour, smooth texture and minimal fibres. Choose mangoes that yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a fragrant aroma at the stem end - these indicators of ripeness ensure maximum flavour.

Want to try something else in ...

More recipes you might like

Keep exploring with more recipes from What's Baking.