Mango float could be the easiest, delicious no-bake dessert you could ever make. It only needs 4 ingredients too! It is a favorite Filipino 'icebox cake' that is a big hit during the holiday seasons or any other special occasion.
What is Mango Float?
Mango float is a popular dessert in the Philippines. It also goes by the names: Mango Royale or Crema de Mangga. A Filipino icebox cake made of graham crackers, all-purpose or whipped cream, sweetened condensed milk, and ripe mangoes.
It is made by creating layers of graham, cream, and mangoes using a big square or rectangle dish. Normally served chilled or even frozen. It is then cut into smaller squares before serving.
Notes on some of the ingredients:
Cream. This recipe uses all-purpose cream because this is what is commonly available locally and is much more affordable. But I have also made this several times using whipping cream or heavy cream successfully.
Mango. Most ripe mangoes can be used to make this dessert. The best variety though would be the Philippine mango or also known as carabao or Manila mango. It is known for its sweetness and delicious taste.
Graham. Mango float is normally made using whole graham crackers. You can also use ladyfingers or sponge cake.
Helpful tips in making Mango Royale/Float
- Normally, you only need to chill the all-purpose cream in the fridge for some hours or overnight. Chilling it will turn it into a thicker or solid form (similar to cream cheese )and add it to the recipe as is. If you are going to use heavy or whipping cream you also chill it first and then whip it at high speed until stiff peaks form. Remember to chill your bowls and whisks as well. You can also whip all-purpose cream for a lighter texture and it will also increase in volume.
- Remember that if you prefer to freeze your Mango Float, you have to refrigerate it first. This will give the graham crackers to absorb some of the moisture from the cream mixture so it can expand and soften. Freezing it for at least two hours will make it easier to cut and serve.
- You may line your container with a parchment paper so you can lift the whole cake once frozen. Just make sure to use a sturdy one so it will not break even when soaked.
Mango Float Easy Recipe
Ingredients
- 24 pieces Graham crackers (20-24 pieces)
- 500 ml all-purpose cream (2 packs)
- 300 ml sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
- 4 small-medium ripe mangoes
Instructions
- Chill the all-purpose cream the fridge overnight or in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- Peel the skin off the mangoes. Cut away the sides (flesh) from the pit. Lay the mango halves flat-side down on a cutting board. Cut the flesh lengthwise into thin slices. Set aside.
- Transfer chilled all-purpose cream in a large bowl. If you like it lighter and fluffier, whip it with a hand mixer until it doubles in volume.
- Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk to the all-purpose cream until well blended.
- Line the bottom of a rectangular or square (8x8 or 6x6) glass dish (or something similar) with a layer Graham crackers then pour and spread ¼ of the cream mixture on top of the crackers and then top with mango slices.
- Repeat this process until 4 layers are formed, ending with the cream and mango slices on top. You can arrange the mango slices for the top in an overlapping manner for design.
- Chill for at least 3-5 hours to set completely. You know it is ready when the Graham becomes soft and fluffy and no longer dry. You can also freeze it at this point before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published in January 2017. Updated in May 2020 to include new photos and a recipe video. Tips are also added.
Magee says
It was so good and planning to do it again for my mother inlaw but I would like to askyou if I can freeze it before travelling it is an 8 hrs drive? Please let me know really appreciate it. Thanks
Bebs says
Hi Magee, yes you can freeze it and keep it in a cooler box (with ice packs if possible) to prevent it from melting completely. But if you have time, just assemble it there and chill it in the freezer for at least an hour or 2.
MJ says
For how many people is that x3 measure ?
Bebs says
This recipe is good enough for 8 servings so x3 would be 24.
Alvin says
Hi Ms Bebs! Isn't the freezing gonna make the finished product somewhat watery when it thaws for serving? I'm planning on making this for Thanksgiving, just a little bit curious as to how it's gonna hold up its form upon serving. I appreciate your time.
Bebs says
Sorry for the late reply Alvin, I would have recommended chilling it only if you will serve it soon enough. Although I like mine a bit frozen and so far never had the problem with it turning watery when thawed. But I have to admit, it is so fast gone so it does not have time to completely thaw.
Marico Almazan says
So yummy and easy to make . Thank you so much for sharing your recipe !
Neth says
It’s easy to follow
Mary says
Hello … greetings from NC .. just want to askif I can use an apple mango kind instead the manila mango?
Bebs says
Sure you can, Mary. They will not taste the same as manila mango but should still be ok.
RosalindWongLY@gmail.com says
Very good. Tastes like ice cream when frozen. I made it three times already recently. Well done 👍😊
Sophia Nguyen says
It is very nice, keep up the great work!
Bebs says
Thank you.
Delle says
Hi, can i use cool whip instead of whipping cream?
Bebs says
The one sold in tubs? I think it could work.
Geronne says
Hi! I absolutely love this recipe, and I love all your recipes!! I’m Filipino but I live in Canada and you’re definitely my go-to whenever I miss home and am looking to make my comfort Filipino foods. Thank you so much for taking the time to make these recipes, oh and happy holidays:)
Bebs says
Glad you are enjoying our recipes, Geronne. Happy Holidays to you too and keep safe!
Jin says
Hi!
I wonder if Nestlé Media Crema can be used to replace the all purpose cream? I am not sure if they are the same.
Bebs says
Hi Jin, it is table cream and sure you can use it.
Rachelle says
Whats best alternative for mangoe on this recipe?
Bebs says
peaches or mixed fruits.
johanna says
can I use blender? to mix mango with the all-purpose and condense?
Bebs says
Sure, why not.
rochele Gore says
Hi, Ms.Bebs! Thank you so much for sharing your recipes. So far, I cooked Egg Pie, Beef Caldereta and Easy Baked Pasta. They all turned out really good. 🙂 Both my hubby and boy like them. 🙂
Btw, I have a question regarding Mango Float recipe. Can I use peach instead of mango? or other fruits? They don't often sell mangoes here where I live and if ever they do, they're not the same kind as what we have back home.
Thank you and more power to you.
Bebs says
Sure, you can, Rochele. I recommend peaches or mixed fruits.
jasmin says
hi sis, pano if i dont have a hand mixer ba yon? pde ba ung mano mano lang using whisk? bet ko gawen pra sa monthsary ng baby ko e <3
Bebs says
Hi Jasmin, the hand mixer is an optional tool to make the all-purpose cream fluffier and lighter.
jasmin says
hi sis, what if i dont have a hand mixer ba yon? pde ba ung mano mano lang using whisk? bet ko gawen pra sa monthsary ng baby ko e <3
Gem says
Thanks for sharing this video.
I will make this today and hopefully my daughter will like it when she come home in December for xmas break.
Bebs says
I will cross my fingers, Gem.
Sonny says
I use 2 cartons of nesels cream 1 can of Condensed
I large Mango pureed in food processor
All is mixed with a hand mixer until thick and creamy
Thats my trick for a richer mix.
Bebs says
Thanks for sharing it, Sonny.
ace says
hi Bebs are you whipping the cream on this recipe as recommended or only optional. whipping it by hand mixer for how many minutes?
Bebs says
Hi Ace, if you are using whipping cream then it has to be whipped. In the Philippines, we have the all-purpose cream that can be chilled and ready to go..
Dimples says
Hi, bebs! Is it necessary to whip the all purpose cream with a hand mixer? I don't have one 🙁 also having a hard time layering 'coz nagdidikit dikit yung graham crackers. At first I thought it was because of the mixture, but I already added cream so the ratio is 1:2. And still, nagdidikit dikit pa rin yung biscuits while floating T.T help!
Bebs says
Hi Dimple, as I mentioned in the post, whipping is optional if you are using all-purpose cream for a fluffier and lighter texture. The cream should be chilled before using so it could set or else it will be too liquid which I think is the reason why you are having a difficult time layering them. The mixture is too liquid and will not hold the crackers in place.
John says
Very good very simple very quick .
I try first in round bowl it doesn’t make good result. Rectangular of square container is necessary. Don’t add too much cream on the biscuit, just cover them with a layer is enough. Result is great and yummy. I use 1/2 can of the little one 180ml
Bebs says
Thanks for the comment John...
Arlene D says
Hi Bebs! Same measurement ba (500 ml) if I’m using heavy whipping cream? Thanks!!
Bebs says
Yes, same.
Hanna says
Hi Bebs! I've been wanting to make Mango Float here in Germany but couldn't find Graham Crackers, Nestle or All-Purpose Cream just like the ones we use in the Philippines. It also goes to say that the Mangoes that are available here in Germany are not so good as the ones we have back home. Can you please tell me some alternatives for those ingredients?
Thank you very much!
Bebs says
Hi Hanna, you can use Butterkekse for Graham crackers. Schlagsahne, when whipped, should also work ( I actually like it better). As for the mangoes, look for the frozen ones in the groceries (Kaufland, Edeka), they are not like ours but better than the ones you buy fresh in Germany.
Mark chester says
Hmm how much it cost for 1 whole tray? And how can I know the quantity of the ingredients to buy ?? 🙁 im sorry ita my first time making mango float 🙂 from php here 🙂
Nicolette Reynancia says
Hi!! Where can I buy graham crackers here in germany? I can‘t imagine using any substitute for grahams. I miss mango float so much. I‘m terribly craving them!! Btw, I live in Dersum, it‘s such a small town. But when I go to Berlin or any other bigger city, it’ll be my goal to get one.
Bebs says
Hi Nicolette, I was not able to find Graham crackers in Germany so I used to bring some packs whenever I go to the Philippines. But, you can try Butterkekse. It is the closest thing I can find as a substitute.
Lazaro says
When you say 1 pack of graham crackers, do you mean 1 bag of three or 1 whole box (3 bags /box)? Would like to suggest for you to use weights for a clearer description, thus leaving no chance for the readers for any misinterpretation. Love your recipes! Thanks for sharing.
Bebs says
Hi Lazaro, sorry if you got confused. I used about 12 pieces of graham crackers for this one. I didn't put the exact amount because it might need more or less depending on the container you use.
Savi says
Hi Bebs,
The mango desert looks great but what exactly is all purpose cream,dear?
Savi
Bebs says
Hi Savi, this is what we use in the Philippines. You can use whipping cream or even heavy cream...
eirene grace timbreza says
Thanks for the recipes, i will try to make puto flan.
Bebs says
You are welcome Eirene!
Mayuri Patel says
Love this simple and yet delicious looking dessert.
Bebs says
Thanks for the comment Mayuri. Have a nice day!
Tina says
Thank you so much...! So easy to make and so delicious with your recipe! Thumbs up...
Bebs says
Thanks Tina!
Stella says
Philippine mangoes are indeed the best. It's nice you can bring some with you to Germany. It's not allowed to bring in fresh fruits into New Zealand and I haven't seen any PH mangoes here.
Bebs says
How bad that you cannot bring in mangoes or any fresh fruits in NZ. I feel for you and I wish some importers would think of importing them there and here too! PH Mangoes are the best!