This Easy Mango Graham Roll is a quick and refreshing dessert, perfect for hot days or when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. With ripe, juicy mangoes, creamy whipped filling, and crunchy graham crackers, this dessert comes together in minutes and doesn’t require baking. It’s light, fruity, and guaranteed to be a hit!
INGREDIENTS
- Ripe mangoes: You’ll need about 1 ½ cups of diced mangoes, plus extra for topping. Use ripe, sweet mangoes for the best flavor.
- Graham crackers: 210 grams of graham crackers, crushed coarsely. These form the base and add a lovely crunchy texture. You can use any similar biscuits if preferred.
- Whipping cream: 2 cups of whipping cream (500 ml), whipped to stiff peaks. This makes the roll light and creamy.
- Cream cheese: 1 ½ cups (180 g) of softened cream cheese to give the filling a rich and smooth texture.
- Sugar: ¼ cup of sugar (50 g) to sweeten the cream mixture.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (5 ml) for added flavor and sweetness.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Prepare the Cream Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine the whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip the mixture until it starts to thicken. Add the softened cream cheese and continue whipping until stiff peaks form. This cream mixture will serve as the rich and smooth filling for your Mango Graham Roll.
- Step 2: Dice the Mangoes and Crush the Graham Crackers
- Dice about 2 to 3 ripe mangoes, making sure you have about 1 ½ cups of diced mangoes for the filling, plus more for topping. Set aside. Crush 210 grams of graham crackers coarsely. You can either use a food processor or place the crackers in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Step 3: Mix the Graham Crackers with Cream
- In a separate bowl, take about 1 ½ cups of the whipped cream and cream cheese mixture and mix it with the crushed graham crackers. This will form a delicious base for the roll, combining the crunch of the crackers with the creaminess of the filling.
- Step 4: Assemble the Roll
- Spread the graham and cream mixture evenly on a sheet of parchment paper, forming a rectangular shape. Spread 2 cups of the whipped cream and cheese mixture on top of the graham layer. Sprinkle about 1 ½ cups of diced mangoes over the cream, spreading them out evenly. Carefully roll the dessert into a log using the parchment paper to help guide it.
- Step 5: Chill the Roll
- Place the rolled log into the freezer for at least 30 minutes to set. This helps the dessert hold its shape and allows the flavors to meld together.
- Step 6: Frost and Decorate
- Once the roll has chilled, transfer it to a serving tray. Frost the outside with the remaining whipped cream mixture. Cover the sides of the roll with more crushed graham crackers for an added crunch. Pipe some of the remaining cream on top for decoration and finish by sprinkling extra diced mangoes and graham crackers on top.
- Step 7: Serve
- The Easy Mango Graham Roll is ready to serve right away, or you can refrigerate it until you're ready to enjoy. Slice it up and enjoy the refreshing combination of creamy filling, sweet mangoes, and crunchy graham crackers.
Serving and Storage Tips
- This Easy Mango Graham Roll is best served chilled. It’s a perfect light dessert for warm days, and the combination of creamy filling and fresh mangoes makes it refreshing and satisfying.
- For an extra touch, you can serve each slice with a drizzle of mango puree or whipped cream on the side.
- If you want to make this dessert ahead of time, you can prepare the roll, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add the toppings just before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to keep it wrapped or covered to prevent the graham crackers from getting too soft.
Helpful Notes
- For an added tropical twist, you can mix diced pineapples or peaches into the filling along with the mangoes. This will give the dessert more variety in flavor.
- If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream mixture or omit the sugar entirely. The natural sweetness from the mangoes will still shine through.
- To make a gluten-free version, simply substitute the graham crackers with a gluten-free biscuit or cracker option.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Anna Olson: Recommends using chilled cream for the best results when whipping, as it helps the cream thicken faster and hold its shape.
- Chef Martha Stewart: Suggests adding a pinch of salt to the cream mixture to balance out the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
- Chef Nigella Lawson: Advises garnishing desserts like this with freshly sliced fruit or herbs, such as mint, to give them a fresh and vibrant finish.