Mango floats have been steadily increasing in popularity, delighting dessert lovers with their perfect balance of sweetness and creamy texture. Originating from the Philippines, this no-bake dessert is traditionally made with layers of ripe mango, sweetened cream, and graham crackers.
Its simplicity and rich flavor have made it a favorite treat, especially during the hot summer months when mangoes are at their peak.
Besides being delicious, mangoes offer a host of health benefits. They’re an excellent source of vitamin C and also contain vitamin A, which support immune function, promote healthy skin, and improve vision.
Additionally, mangoes are a source of fiber and antioxidants, making them a nutritious key ingredient to this delightful dessert. If your mouth is watering already, just know ours are, too!
But first, to make this recipe healthier, we’ll make some substitutions and adjustments:
- Substitute Greek Yogurt: Instead of using heavy cream, opt for a lighter alternative like Greek yogurt. It’s lower in calories and fat.
- Reduce Sugar: Powdered sugar adds unnecessary calories. You can reduce the amount or replace it with a natural low-calorie sweetener like stevia, allulose, or monk fruit sweetener.
- Unsweetened Condensed Milk: Cut down on the amount of sweetened condensed milk or replace it with unsweetened condensed milk. You can adjust sweetness with healthier alternatives like 100% puree maple syrup or honey, to taste.
- Mango Puree: Stick with fresh mango puree, which provides natural sweetness and nutrients. Avoid canned mangoes in syrup, as they contain added sugars.
- Graham Crackers: Look for whole grain to increase fiber intake. Alternatively, you can select a gluten-free base or create your own homemade oat or almond flour crust.
- Sliced Almonds: Almonds contain protein and fiber but also contribute to calorie content. Focus on portion size to reduce calorie intake.
Here’s the revised better-for-you version of the recipe:
Better-For-You Mango Float
Serves: 9 | Serving Size: 1 piece
Ingredients:
- 1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt, chilled
- 1 tbsp natural low-calorie sweetener like stevia, allulose, or monk fruit sweetener (adjust to taste)
- 1/4-1/3 cup unsweetened condensed milk (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup fresh mango puree (made from 4 mangos)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Honey or maple syrup, to taste (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (from a 9-ounce package)
- 4 tbsp chopped nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans), divided
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, natural sweetener, unsweetened condensed milk, mango puree, and vanilla extract until well combined. Adjust sweetness with honey or maple syrup if desired.
- Line a 9 x 9 rectangular dish with a layer of graham cracker crumbs.
- Spread a layer of the mango mixture over the graham cracker crumbs. Sprinkle a tablespoon of chopped nuts over the mango layer.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of mango mixture on top.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
- Slice into 9 squares. Enjoy your healthier mango float cake!
Nutrition Information:
Per Serving: Calories: 135; Total Fat: 6g; Total Carbohydrates: 18g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 3g
