Mango Pancakes

Mango Pancakes are a beloved Hong Kong-style dessert featuring soft, thin crêpes wrapped around fresh, juicy mango slices and a generous dollop of sweet Chantilly cream. Their light, airy texture and tropical sweetness make them the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent dessert. Traditionally served chilled, these pancakes bring a refreshing and luxurious twist to any meal. What makes these Mango Pancakes extra special is the simplicity of their ingredients and the harmony of flavors. The subtle vanilla-scented cream complements the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes, while the delicate crêpe provides a soft, melt-in-your-mouth contrast. Whether you’re craving something fruity and refreshing or looking to impress guests with a visually stunning dish, these Mango Pancakes are a must-try!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Pancakes:

• 45g plain flour
• 2 tbsp cornflour
• 20g icing sugar
• 20g caster sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 200ml warm full-fat milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp yellow food colouring (optional)
• Knob of butter, for frying

For the Filling:

• 250ml double cream
• 2 tbsp icing sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-3 ripe mangoes (preferably Indian or Pakistani varieties)

To Serve (optional):

• Icing sugar, for dusting
• Sprigs of fresh mint

Directions:

1. Prepare the Pancake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, sieve the plain flour, cornflour, icing sugar, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and food colouring (if using). Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix to combine. Pass through a sieve to ensure a smooth batter.

2. Cook the Pancakes: Heat a medium-sized non-stick pan over medium heat with a small knob of butter. Pour about 50ml of batter into the center, swirling the pan to create a thin, even layer. Cook for about 1 minute until set but without browning. Gently loosen the edges with a spatula and transfer the pancake to a plate. Repeat with the remaining batter.

3. Whip the Cream & Prepare the Mango: In a bowl, whisk the double cream with icing sugar and vanilla extract until medium peaks form. Peel and slice the mangoes into long, thick pieces.

4. Assemble the Pancakes: Once cooled, place a pancake on a plate, lay a slice of mango in the center, and add a dollop of whipped cream. Fold the left and right edges toward the center, then fold the top and bottom edges inward to form a neat parcel. Flip the pancake so the seam is underneath.

5. Serve: Dust with icing sugar and garnish with fresh mint. Enjoy immediately or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes for a firmer texture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 4-5 pancakes

The Origins of Mango Pancakes

While pancakes in various forms exist across many cultures, Mango Pancakes are most commonly associated with Hong Kong-style dessert shops and bakeries. Unlike American-style fluffy pancakes or traditional European crêpes, these pancakes are unique because they are served cold, making them incredibly refreshing.

Hong Kong is well known for its rich food culture, blending Western and Eastern influences into unique culinary creations. Mango Pancakes are believed to have gained popularity in the 1990s when high-end dim sum restaurants and dessert cafés began serving them alongside traditional Cantonese sweets. Today, they are a staple in dessert shops across Hong Kong and other Asian countries, often enjoyed after a meal of dim sum or paired with a warm cup of tea.

What Makes Mango Pancakes So Special?

There are many reasons why Mango Pancakes stand out as a dessert favorite:

1. Light and Refreshing – Unlike heavier desserts, Mango Pancakes have a soft and airy texture, making them the perfect light indulgence.
2. Tropical Sweetness – The use of ripe mangoes ensures a natural and fragrant sweetness that complements the rich whipped cream.
3. Elegant and Instagram-Worthy – Their bright yellow color, delicate folds, and creamy filling make them visually stunning and perfect for social media.
4. Easy to Make at Home – With a few simple ingredients and some practice, anyone can recreate this iconic dessert in their own kitchen.

The Secret to the Perfect Mango Pancakes

Making the perfect Mango Pancakes requires attention to detail. Here are some key tips to ensure success:

1. Choosing the Right Mangoes

The star ingredient in Mango Pancakes is, of course, the mango. The best varieties to use are Indian and Pakistani mangoes, such as Alphonso or Chaunsa, which are known for their rich flavor, smooth texture, and intense sweetness. If these are not available, look for any ripe, juicy mangoes with a strong fragrance and soft flesh. Avoid fibrous mangoes, as they can make the filling less enjoyable.

2. The Art of the Perfect Pancake

The pancakes should be thin and delicate, resembling crêpes rather than thick breakfast pancakes. They should have a smooth texture, which is why sieving the batter is crucial to remove any lumps. The batter should also be slightly runny so that it spreads easily in the pan, creating an even, paper-thin layer.

To achieve the signature yellow color, a small amount of yellow food coloring is often added to the batter. While optional, it enhances the appearance, making the pancakes look as vibrant as they taste.

3. Mastering the Whipped Cream Filling

Chantilly cream, a lightly sweetened vanilla-flavored whipped cream, is the heart of Mango Pancakes. The key is to whip the cream to medium peaks—not too soft and not too stiff. Overwhipping can result in a grainy texture, while underwhipping may cause the filling to be too runny.

Using high-quality vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste adds depth of flavor to the cream, making the filling even more luscious. Some variations also include mascarpone or cream cheese for a richer taste.

4. Folding Like a Pro

Folding the Mango Pancakes neatly is a skill that comes with practice. The key is to fold them gently but firmly, ensuring the filling stays intact without tearing the delicate pancake. The final fold should be placed seam-side down, securing the filling inside. Once folded, the pancakes should be chilled for at least 30 minutes to help them set and maintain their shape.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

Mango Pancakes are delicious on their own, but they can be elevated with a few creative serving ideas:

• Dust with Icing Sugar – A light dusting of icing sugar adds a touch of sweetness and an elegant finish.
• Garnish with Fresh Mint – A sprig of fresh mint enhances the presentation and adds a hint of freshness.
• Serve with Fresh Berries – Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add color and contrast to the tropical flavors.
• Drizzle with Mango Puree – A drizzle of mango puree or a light syrup enhances the fruity flavors.
• Pair with Iced Tea or Bubble Tea – The sweetness of the pancakes pairs beautifully with unsweetened teas, balancing the flavors.

Variations of Mango Pancakes

While the classic version remains the most popular, there are several variations that offer a unique twist on the traditional recipe:

• Chocolate Mango Pancakes – Adding cocoa powder to the batter creates a chocolatey contrast to the sweet mango filling.
• Coconut Cream Mango Pancakes – Using coconut cream instead of regular whipped cream adds a tropical twist.
• Matcha Mango Pancakes – Incorporating matcha powder into the pancake batter adds an earthy, slightly bitter note that complements the mango’s sweetness.
• Berry Mango Pancakes – Swapping mango for strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries provides a fresh new flavor profile.
• Vegan Mango Pancakes – Replacing eggs with a flaxseed or chia egg and using coconut whipped cream makes this dessert vegan-friendly.

Why You Should Try Making Mango Pancakes at Home

If you’ve never tried making Mango Pancakes at home, now is the perfect time! Here’s why:

• They’re surprisingly easy to make – With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality dessert at home.
• They’re budget-friendly – Buying pre-made Mango Pancakes from a bakery can be expensive, but making them at home is cost-effective.
• They’re fully customizable – You can experiment with different fillings, flavors, and presentation styles.
• They impress guests – Whether for a brunch gathering or an afternoon tea, these pancakes are sure to impress.

Conclusion:

Mango Pancakes are a true delight, combining the delicate texture of crêpes with the sweet and creamy goodness of ripe mango and whipped Chantilly cream. Their refreshing taste and elegant presentation make them a favorite among dessert lovers, whether enjoyed at a Hong Kong dessert café or made at home.

With the right ingredients, techniques, and a bit of practice, you can master this delicious treat and impress your family and friends. Whether you stick to the classic version or explore creative variations, Mango Pancakes are a must-try for anyone who loves light, fruity, and indulgent desserts.