These Summery Lime-Mango Shortcakes are a delightful dessert that combines the tropical flavors of mango and lime with the richness of coconut cream and the lightness of poppy seed shortcakes. Perfect for summer gatherings or a refreshing treat.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Fruit:

2 ripe mangoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
3/4 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
1 1/2 teaspoons lime juice
1 tablespoon honey

Cream:

1/2 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
1 tablespoon water
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon coconut extract (optional)

Shortcakes:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon grated lime zest
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup vegetable shortening
1 egg
1 cup buttermilk

Directions

Prepare the Fruit: In a large bowl, combine the mango cubes, blueberries, and sliced strawberries. Drizzle with lime juice and honey; mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Prepare the Cream: Sprinkle the gelatin over the water in a small heatproof bowl. Let it soak for 5 minutes. Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring until the gelatin is dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes. In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream until it begins to thicken. Add the confectioners’ sugar and coconut extract (if using). Mix in the cooled gelatin. Continue to beat until soft peaks form. Cover and refrigerate.
Prepare the Shortcakes: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, lime zest, poppy seeds, and salt. Cut in the vegetable shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and buttermilk together. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead 3 to 4 times. Roll the dough to a 1/2-inch thickness and cut into 3-inch rounds. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the Shortcakes: Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 15 to 18 minutes. Allow to cool slightly, then split each shortcake in half horizontally.
Assemble the Shortcakes: Place the bottom half of each shortcake on a serving plate. Spoon the fruit mixture over the shortcake. Top with the coconut cream and then place the top half of the shortcake on top. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

Calories: 310
Total Fat: 17g (22% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 7g (35% DV)
Cholesterol: 42mg (14% DV)
Sodium: 469mg (20% DV)
Total Carbohydrate: 36g (13% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 2g (6% DV)
Total Sugars: 13g
Protein: 5g (9% DV)
Vitamin C: 17mg (19% DV)
Calcium: 138mg (11% DV)
Iron: 2mg (9% DV)
Potassium: 154mg (3% DV)

The Story Behind Shortcakes

Shortcakes are a classic treat, often associated with fresh summer fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, or peaches. They originated in England in the 16th century and became a part of American culinary traditions during the 19th century. The concept of a shortcake is based on a rich biscuit or cake that is topped with fruit and whipped cream or a similar topping. It is a dessert that has stood the test of time, evolving to suit different palates while maintaining its essence as a comforting, fruity indulgence.

While traditional shortcakes usually feature strawberries, the addition of mango and lime creates a vibrant, tropical twist. Mango, with its smooth, sweet flesh, and lime, with its sharp, tangy notes, balance beautifully in this dish. The fruit is combined with a soft, poppy seed-studded biscuit that is light yet substantial enough to hold the juicy fruit and creamy topping.

Why Lime and Mango?

Mangoes are often called the “king of fruits” for a reason. Native to South Asia, mangoes are a symbol of warmth and tropical indulgence. The fruit is rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, making it as healthy as it is delicious. Mangoes lend a sweet, floral flavor to any dish, making them the perfect base for dessert recipes. Their juicy and slightly fibrous texture also adds an appealing bite to the dessert.

Lime, on the other hand, is a citrus fruit known for its tartness and bright, zesty flavor. Limes are often used to enhance flavors, whether in savory dishes, drinks, or desserts. In this shortcake recipe, the lime zest provides a fragrant, citrusy note that cuts through the richness of the cream and balances the sweetness of the mangoes. It adds a refreshing contrast that makes the dessert even more enjoyable and satisfying.

Together, mango and lime create a symphony of flavors that feel both indulgent and refreshing. The combination of tropical sweetness with citrus tang is ideal for a warm-weather dessert, and it’s a great way to celebrate the season’s best fruits.

The Secret to the Perfect Shortcake

A key element of any great shortcake recipe is the biscuit itself. The shortcake in this recipe strikes the perfect balance between light and tender while still holding up to the juicy fruit and creamy toppings. The secret lies in the ratio of ingredients and the method used to combine them. The addition of lime zest and poppy seeds in the dough elevates the flavor of the shortcake, adding subtle yet delightful notes to each bite.

To achieve the perfect texture, the dough needs to be handled with care. Overworking the dough can result in dense, tough shortcakes, which is why it’s important to knead it gently and briefly. Rolling the dough to the right thickness and cutting out round cakes ensures that the shortcakes bake to a golden, flaky perfection.

The Coconut Cream: A Dairy-Free Twist

While the traditional whipped cream is often used in shortcake recipes, this version takes it a step further by incorporating coconut cream. The coconut cream not only provides a richer, dairy-free option but also complements the tropical flavors of mango and lime. It’s a great choice for those who follow a plant-based diet or are simply looking to try something new.

Coconut cream is naturally thicker than coconut milk, making it an ideal substitute for traditional whipped cream. The result is a luxurious, velvety topping that enhances the texture of the shortcake without overwhelming the flavor. For those who enjoy coconut, the hint of coconut flavor adds an extra layer of indulgence that pairs beautifully with the tropical fruit.

How to Serve Summery Lime-Mango Shortcakes

This dessert can be served in a variety of ways depending on the occasion. For a more formal presentation, you can stack the shortcakes by layering the fruit and cream between the biscuit halves. Alternatively, for a more casual, rustic feel, you can serve the shortcake components separately, allowing each guest to build their own dessert by spooning fruit and cream over the shortcake.

The dessert is best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be prepared in advance. You can prepare the fruit mixture and coconut cream a few hours ahead of time, storing them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the shortcakes. The shortcakes themselves are best baked on the day of serving for optimal freshness and texture, but they can also be made ahead and stored at room temperature for up to a day.

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Summer

Summery Lime-Mango Shortcakes are a celebration of summer in every bite. They’re light enough to enjoy on a hot day but indulgent enough to feel like a special treat. The freshness of the fruit, combined with the creamy topping and slightly sweet, tangy shortcakes, makes this dessert a perfect choice for outdoor gatherings, barbecues, or casual dinner parties.

The tropical ingredients evoke a sense of vacation and relaxation, making it the perfect dessert to serve after a day in the sun or alongside a refreshing beverage. Whether paired with iced tea, lemonade, or a fruity cocktail, Summery Lime-Mango Shortcakes are sure to impress your guests and leave everyone craving more.

Nutritional Benefits of Summery Lime-Mango Shortcakes

In addition to being a delicious treat, Summery Lime-Mango Shortcakes also offer some nutritional benefits. Mangoes are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which support immune function and skin health. Lime adds an extra dose of vitamin C, which can boost collagen production and protect against free radicals.

Coconut cream provides healthy fats, particularly medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are known for their ability to boost metabolism and support energy levels. The poppy seeds in the shortcakes also provide a small but valuable amount of fiber and essential minerals like calcium and iron.

The combination of fresh fruit, wholesome ingredients, and rich coconut cream makes this dessert a satisfying choice for those seeking something indulgent without completely compromising on health. While it’s still a treat best enjoyed in moderation, it’s a far better option than many other dessert choices.

Conclusion

Summery Lime-Mango Shortcakes are a refreshing and tropical twist on a beloved classic. The bright, citrusy lime shortcakes paired with juicy mangoes and coconut cream create a flavor combination that is perfect for hot summer days. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed as an indulgent solo treat, these shortcakes bring the flavors of the season right to your table.

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