Cookie Coated Mango Lassi Frozen Yogurt Bars

Cool down this summer with these Cookie Coated Mango Lassi Frozen Yogurt Bars. Inspired by the creamy and refreshing mango lassi drink, these bars are easy to make and perfect for hot days. With a creamy mango base, coated in a crunchy blend of sugar cookies, freeze-dried mango, and crispy rice cereal, they offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Best of all, they are freezer-friendly, making them great for snacks or dessert at any time.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

Mango Base:

  • 2 ripe mangos, peeled and pitted

  • 2 ½ cups plain yogurt (divided)

  • ½ cup whole milk

  • 4 ½ tbsp honey (divided)

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • Pinch of cardamom

Cookie Coating:

  • 3 cups roughly broken sugar cookies

  • 2 (1 ½ ounce) bags freeze-dried mango

  • 1 cup crispy rice cereal

Directions

  1. Make the Mango Base:
    Place the ripe mangos, 1 ½ cups yogurt, milk, 3 tablespoons honey, salt, and cardamom in a blender. Blend until smooth.

  2. Fill the Molds:
    Insert popsicle sticks into silicone ice cream molds. Fill each mold with the mango mixture. Freeze for at least 6 hours until completely solid.

  3. Prepare the Coating:
    In a food processor, pulse the broken cookies, freeze-dried mango, and crispy rice cereal until coarsely ground. Transfer the mixture into a shallow baking dish and set aside.

  4. Assemble the Bars:
    In a tall glass, stir together the remaining yogurt and honey. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Once the mango bars are frozen, unmold them and dip each bar in the honey yogurt mixture, then dredge in the cookie mixture until fully coated.

  5. Final Freeze:
    Place the coated bars on the prepared baking sheet and freeze again for 2 to 3 hours, until completely frozen. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrients (per serving, approximate)

  • Calories: 74 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: 13g

  • Protein: 2g

  • Fat: 2g

  • Saturated Fat: 1g

  • Cholesterol: 6mg

  • Sodium: 66mg

  • Potassium: 116mg

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugar: 11g

  • Vitamin A: 343 IU

  • Vitamin C: 10mg

  • Calcium: 58mg

  • Iron: 1mg

The Inspiration Behind the Recipe: Mango Lassi

The origins of the Mango Lassi Frozen Yogurt Bars can be traced to the traditional Indian beverage known as mango lassi. A lassi is a yogurt-based drink, and the mango variety is a favorite in many cultures, particularly in South Asia. The drink blends the creamy texture of yogurt with the natural sweetness of ripe mango, often with a hint of cardamom for spice. Mango lassi is a refreshing, cooling drink enjoyed year-round, but it’s particularly popular in the summer for its hydrating and soothing qualities. This dessert takes inspiration from that classic drink, transforming it into a frozen treat that captures the essence of the mango lassi while offering a fun, bite-sized snack.

A Perfect Balance of Textures

One of the most appealing aspects of the Cookie Coated Mango Lassi Frozen Yogurt Bars is the exciting contrast of textures. The mango yogurt base is creamy and smooth, offering a rich, velvety mouthfeel that is both refreshing and satisfying. This creaminess is beautifully balanced by the crunchy, crumbly coating. The sugar cookies, freeze-dried mango, and crispy rice cereal are combined in a food processor, creating a mixture that coats the frozen yogurt bars with a delightful crunch. The freeze-dried mango brings a burst of intense mango flavor, while the sugar cookies provide a sweet and buttery finish. The crispy rice cereal adds an airy, light crunch that completes the texture profile, ensuring each bite is a balanced and delightful experience.

A Healthy Twist on a Classic Dessert

While traditional frozen desserts can be heavy on sugar and fats, these Cookie Coated Mango Lassi Frozen Yogurt Bars offer a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor. The bars are made with plain yogurt, which is rich in probiotics and protein, providing a nourishing base for the mango and milk mixture. The ripe mangoes lend natural sweetness to the bars, while the honey enhances the flavor and adds a touch of natural sweetness. Additionally, the mango yogurt bars are packed with vitamins, particularly Vitamin A and Vitamin C, which are essential for immune function, skin health, and overall well-being. With only 74 calories per serving, these bars are a guilt-free treat that’s perfect for summer snacking, dessert, or even a light breakfast.

Freezer-Friendly and Easy to Prepare

One of the best things about these frozen yogurt bars is their convenience. Not only are they simple to make, but they are also freezer-friendly, which means you can prepare them ahead of time and store them for later. Once the bars are made and coated with the crunchy cookie mixture, they need to be frozen for a few more hours, making them perfect for meal prepping or serving at your next gathering. The combination of the creamy mango base and the crunchy cookie coating makes these bars ideal for any occasion, whether you’re relaxing by the pool, hosting a summer barbecue, or simply enjoying a sweet treat at home.

Customization Options to Suit Your Taste

Although the recipe for Cookie Coated Mango Lassi Frozen Yogurt Bars is delicious as is, it offers plenty of room for customization based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, you can experiment with adding more cardamom to the mango base or even a pinch of chili powder to the coating for an extra kick. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, you can substitute the yogurt and milk with coconut milk and plant-based yogurt, ensuring that everyone can enjoy these bars, regardless of their dietary needs. Additionally, you can mix in different toppings or coatings such as chopped nuts, granola, or shredded coconut to further personalize the dessert.

The Role of Mango in the Dessert

Mango is the star ingredient in this dessert, and its natural sweetness and tropical flavor are what make these bars so irresistible. Ripe mangoes are blended into a smooth puree and combined with yogurt, giving the bars their creamy base and vibrant flavor. Mangoes are rich in Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune health and protects against free radical damage. They also provide a good source of fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness. The use of fresh, ripe mangoes not only enhances the taste but also boosts the nutritional value of the bars, making them a great option for those looking to indulge without compromising on health.

Perfect for Summer Entertaining

These frozen yogurt bars are an excellent option for summer entertaining, as they’re both easy to make and universally loved. Whether you’re hosting a casual barbecue, a pool party, or a family get-together, these bars are sure to be a hit. Their vibrant color and playful presentation make them visually appealing, while the combination of flavors and textures ensures they are a crowd-pleaser. You can even serve them as a fun, refreshing treat for kids at birthday parties or gatherings, offering a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream bars. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, these bars make summer entertaining a breeze.

The Appeal of Freeze-Dried Mango

The freeze-dried mango used in the cookie coating adds an unexpected burst of concentrated mango flavor, which enhances the overall taste of the dessert. Freeze-drying removes the water content from the fruit, leaving behind an intense, concentrated flavor that can be used in a variety of recipes. This technique also allows for long shelf life, making freeze-dried mango an excellent option for recipes like these frozen yogurt bars, where freshness and flavor are key. Additionally, freeze-dried fruit is a great way to add natural sweetness without increasing the moisture content, ensuring that the cookie coating stays crisp and crunchy.

A Sweet Treat with Nutritional Benefits

Cookie Coated Mango Lassi Frozen Yogurt Bars offer a delightful balance of sweetness and nutrition. With only 74 calories per serving, they are a light and satisfying option for those watching their calorie intake. The mango yogurt base provides a good amount of protein, making these bars a filling dessert or snack. The honey and mango deliver natural sugars, while the cardamom and other spices add complexity to the flavor. The crunchy cookie coating adds texture and a touch of indulgence, making each bite a little bit more exciting. With a serving size that’s both calorie-conscious and nutrient-dense, these bars offer a great way to enjoy a sweet treat without the guilt.

Conclusion

Cookie Coated Mango Lassi Frozen Yogurt Bars are the ultimate summer treat, combining the tropical flavor of mango with the creaminess of yogurt and a delightful crunchy coating. Inspired by the traditional mango lassi drink, these bars offer a refreshing twist on a classic favorite and are perfect for hot days. They are simple to make, freezer-friendly, and easily customizable, making them ideal for summer gatherings, snacks, or a sweet dessert. With their combination of vibrant flavor, satisfying textures, and nutritional benefits, these bars are a great way to cool down and indulge in a healthier frozen treat that the whole family will love. Whether you’re looking to enjoy them at a party or simply as an afternoon snack, Cookie Coated Mango Lassi Frozen Yogurt Bars are sure to become a new favorite summer staple.

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