Mango Royale Icebox Cake is variation on a popular Filipino dessert called Crema de Fruta. This quick and easy dessert is simply made with graham crackers, whipped cream, and fresh mangoes.
This is one of my favorite no-bake desserts. It only requires 4 ingredients. (YES, ONLY 4 INGREDIENTS!)
I present you with a slice of Mango Royale. This is a variation on a popular Filipino dessert called Crema de Fruta.
FILIPINO FOOD 101: Crema de Fruta
Traditionally, crema de fruta (which literally translates to” fruit cream”) is an icebox cake made of brojas (the Philippines’ version of ladyfingers), whipped cream sweetened with condensed milk, and fruit cocktail. From crema de fruta stems many variations.
Mango Float
The most popular crema de fruta variation is the mango royale, also known as mango float. It may not be the lightest dessert, but it sure is amazing.
Growing up, crema de fruta was reserved for special occasions like birthdays and holidays because it’s so rich and sweet.
Only need four ingredients to make this fabulous summer dessert:
- graham crackers
- heavy cream
- sweetened condensed milk
- ripe mangoes
Manila Mango
Champagne mangos are also known as Ataulfo, yellow or baby mango. Some markets also label them as Manila/Philippine or Mexican mangos.
They are an oblong-shaped golden yellow mango with very thin skin. They taste a bit sweeter than most mangos and the fruit isn’t as fibrous.
You are sure to find it at Asian or Latin markets (often sold in large boxes) and during the summer months, you can even get it at Costco.
However, if you can’t find then, don’t fret. You can use any other variety. Just make sure it’s super ripe and sweet.
Icebox Cake Assembly:
- Top graham crackers with a layer of whipped cream sweetened with condensed milk.
- Evenly distribute diced mango over the whipped cream.
- Repeat until you have three layers of cracker/cream/mango.
Then you have a really big decision to make. You can either put the mango royale in the fridge OR you can pop it in the freezer.
Chill the dessert in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best.
During this time, the whipped cream will soften the graham cracker until it mimics the texture of a very thin layer of sponge cake.
The whipped cream will firm up a bit and turn into a rich, luscious frosting.
If you choose the latter option, you’ll end up with something like an ice cream cake.
The cream will still soften the graham cracker, but the cream will also freeze like a semi-freddo.
Either way, fridge or freezer, you will end up with a fantastic, decadent, fun, and easy summer dessert.
If you can’t make up your mind about how to chill this mango royale, you can follow my lead.
I chilled it in the fridge overnight. Ate half of the cake.
Then, I froze the remaining half and took it to my parents’ house.
More Mango Desserts
- Coconut Mango Popsicles are sweet, satisfying, and super easy to make!
- Mango Coconut Sheet Cake is made with a vanilla sponge cake soaked with coconut milk and topped with fresh mango chunks.
- Mango Jackfruit Popsicles dipped in white chocolate and toasted with shredded coconut.
Mango Royale (Filipino Icebox Cake)
Ingredients
- 15 full-sheet graham crackers
- 3 cups super ripe champagne mangos, peeled and diced*
- 1 ¾ cup heavy cream, chilled
- ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Line a 9-inch square baking pan (with a removable bottom is best) with parchment paper along the bottom and sides to allow for easy cake removal. Line the baking pan with a layer of graham crackers. Cut crackers as necessary to fit pan.
- In chilled bowl, use a handheld mixer to whip heavy cream to soft peaks. Continue to whip while slowing adding sweetened condensed milk. Whip to firm peaks.
- Add about 1 cup of sweetened whipped cream over graham crackers. Distribute about 1 cup of diced mango over whipped cream. Place a layer of graham crackers over mangoes. Repeat twice by adding another layer of whipped cream followed by mangos.
- Cover pan with plastic wrap and let chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, overnight is best. Alternatively, you can freeze the dessert for more of an ice cream cake kind of texture. Once chilled, lift mango royale out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!
2 questions: Would substituting fat free sweetened condensed milk significantly change the taste and stiff whipped-peak formation? And would chilling the condensed milk be of benefit? Thanks:)
Can you substitute cool whip for the whipped cream?
I have never used cool whip for this recipe. Cool whip is significantly sweeter, plus it takes on a different texture than whipped cream when frozen.