A Chilled Filipino Dessert That’s Stunning to Serve and Simple to Make!
When the heat rises and your oven goes on vacation, there's one tropical dessert that always comes to the rescue: the no-bake mango float.
This chilled Filipino-inspired treat is everything you want in a summer dessert—creamy, fruity, foolproof, and irresistibly refreshing.

It’s cool, creamy, and wildly addictive
Made with layers of ripe, juicy mangoes, whipped cream, and honeyed graham crackers, this mango float is a tropical icebox cake that requires no baking and barely any effort. It’s cool, creamy, and wildly addictive—like mango shortcake meets tiramisu, with a beachy island twist.

And the best part? We’re leveling up the classic with a stunning flatlay presentation—a Pinterest-worthy arrangement of mango rosettes, toasted coconut, and mint that makes it just as gorgeous as it is delicious.

Looks gorgeous and tastes incredible.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, bringing a showstopper to a potluck, or just treating yourself to a no-fuss dessert on a hot day, this easy no-bake mango float recipe is your ultimate summer savior that looks gorgeous and tastes incredible.

📋 Recipe At-a-Glance
Detail | Time/Amount |
---|---|
Prep Time | 20 minutes |
Chill Time | 6 to 12 hours (overnight preferred) |
Total Time | ~6 hours 20 minutes |
Yield | Serves 8 to 10 people |
Skill Level | Easy (no baking needed) |
🥄 Ingredients
- 3 cups cold heavy cream (or whipping cream)
- 7 oz (½ can) sweetened condensed milk
- 4 to 5 ripe mangoes (Ataulfo or Carabao if possible)
- 20–24 graham crackers (or ladyfingers/digestive biscuits)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Fresh mint, mango slices, or graham crumbs (for topping)
🍽️ Tools You’ll Need
- 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square glass baking dish
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Mixing bowl (preferably chilled)
- Rubber spatula
- Serrated knife or vegetable peeler
- Parchment paper (optional, for easy lift-out)
- Tweezers or chopsticks (for styling the flatlay)
🧁 Step-by-Step Instructions (Fully Detailed)
Step 1: Prep the Mangoes
- Wash the mangoes thoroughly.
- Peel each mango using a sharp knife or vegetable peeler.
- Slice two mangoes thinly into vertical strips (about ⅛" thick) for decorating the top.
- Dice the remaining two to three mangoes into ½-inch chunks for the layers.
- Place in separate bowls and chill while you prep the cream.
Step 2: Make the Cream Layer
- Place your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes before starting (optional but helps whip faster).
- Add 3 cups of cold heavy cream into the chilled bowl.
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat on medium-high speed for about 3–5 minutes until soft peaks form.
- Slowly pour in the 7 oz sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract (if using), and beat for another 1–2 minutes, until stiff peaks form.
- The finished mixture should be thick, smooth, and hold its shape well.
Step 3: Prepare the Dish
- Optional: Line your glass baking dish with parchment paper, allowing a little overhang on the sides to lift the float out easily after chilling.
- Arrange a single, tight layer of graham crackers along the bottom of the dish. Break pieces as needed to cover the base fully.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
- Spoon about ⅓ of the whipped cream mixture over the graham layer.
- Use a spatula to spread evenly, reaching all corners.
- Sprinkle half of the diced mangoes evenly across the cream.
- Add another layer of graham crackers on top of the fruit.
- Repeat: Add ⅓ cream, the remaining diced mango, then another graham layer.
- Finish with the final ⅓ of the cream, spreading it smooth across the top.
Step 5: Flatlay Decoration (Optional, But Gorgeous!)
- Arrange the thin mango slices in a spiral, fan, floral pattern, or simple rows over the top cream layer.
- Add mint leaves, extra mango cubes, or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers.
- Use tweezers, chopsticks, or the tip of a knife to adjust tiny details.
- Optional: Drizzle with honey or lime zest for extra flavor and flair.
Step 6: Chill and Set
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Refrigerate for at least 6 hours—overnight is best.
- Want a firmer texture or neater slices? Pop it in the freezer for 2–3 hours before serving.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
- Remove from the fridge (or freezer). Let sit for 5–10 minutes if frozen.
- Lift the float out using the parchment paper (if used).
- Slice into 9–12 squares using a warm serrated knife.
- Serve chilled with an extra mango slice or mint leaf on each piece, if desired.
🍍 Flavor Variations
- Tropical Twist: Add diced pineapple or shredded coconut between layers.
- Citrus Zing: Stir 1 teaspoon lime zest into the cream mixture for a fresh lift.
- Chocolate Upgrade: Add a layer of melted chocolate or cocoa nibs for contrast.
- Vegan Option: Use coconut cream and plant-based condensed milk + vegan grahams.
📸 How to Style a Mango Float Flatlay (For Blogs, Reels, Pinterest)
- Backdrop: Use white marble, wood, or light pastel board.
- Props: Add a linen napkin, gold spoon, or whole mango in the corner of the frame.
- Lighting: Shoot by a window with soft natural light. Use a white board to bounce shadows.
- Angle: Shoot directly overhead (90°). Use the rule of thirds and leave breathing space.
❓ FAQs
Can I make mango float ahead of time?
Yes! It’s even better when chilled overnight. Prep 1–2 days in advance and store covered in the fridge.
Can I freeze mango float?
Definitely. It will turn into a semi-frozen, ice cream-like dessert. Let sit 5–10 minutes before slicing.
What mangoes work best?
Sweet, low-fiber varieties like Ataulfo, Carabao, or Champagne mangoes are ideal.
Can I make this without a mixer?
Yes, but it will take time. You can whip the cream by hand or use pre-made whipped topping.

🧊 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with iced tea, mango juice, or coconut milk.
- Pair with tropical fruit salad for brunch.
- Makes a refreshing summer dessert after grilled meals or BBQ.
📢 Make This Mango Float Your Go-To Summer Dessert
This no-bake mango float recipe is more than a dessert—it’s a visual and tropical experience. Creamy, fruity, easy, and photo-ready, it’s the perfect summer treat whether you’re hosting, blogging, or just craving something cold and comforting.
📸 Tried this recipe? Tag @wellnesssleuth in your mango float photos!
📌 Save to your Pinterest board: No-Bake Recipes, Filipino Desserts, or Tropical Treats
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Print
No-Bake Mango Float Recipe with Creamy Layers and Fresh Mango (Flatlay-Style)
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8 - 10 servings
Ingredients
-
- 3 cups cold heavy cream (or whipping cream)
-
- 7 oz (½ can) sweetened condensed milk
-
- 4 to 5 ripe mangoes (Ataulfo or Carabao if possible)
-
- 20–24 graham crackers (or ladyfingers/digestive biscuits)
-
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
-
- Fresh mint, mango slices, or graham crumbs (for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Mangoes
-
- Wash the mangoes thoroughly.
-
- Peel each mango using a sharp knife or vegetable peeler.
-
- Slice two mangoes thinly into vertical strips (about ⅛" thick) for decorating the top.
-
- Dice the remaining two to three mangoes into ½-inch chunks for the layers.
-
- Place in separate bowls and chill while you prep the cream.
Step 2: Make the Cream Layer
-
- Place your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes before starting (optional but helps whip faster).
-
- Add 3 cups of cold heavy cream into the chilled bowl.
-
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat on medium-high speed for about 3–5 minutes until soft peaks form.
-
- Slowly pour in the 7 oz sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract (if using), and beat for another 1–2 minutes, until stiff peaks form.
-
- The finished mixture should be thick, smooth, and hold its shape well.
Step 3: Prepare the Dish
-
- Optional: Line your glass baking dish with parchment paper, allowing a little overhang on the sides to lift the float out easily after chilling.
-
- Arrange a single, tight layer of graham crackers along the bottom of the dish. Break pieces as needed to cover the base fully.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
-
- Spoon about ⅓ of the whipped cream mixture over the graham layer.
-
- Use a spatula to spread evenly, reaching all corners.
-
- Sprinkle half of the diced mangoes evenly across the cream.
-
- Add another layer of graham crackers on top of the fruit.
-
- Repeat: Add ⅓ cream, the remaining diced mango, then another graham layer.
-
- Finish with the final ⅓ of the cream, spreading it smooth across the top.
Step 5: Flatlay Decoration (Optional, But Gorgeous!)
-
- Arrange the thin mango slices in a spiral, fan, floral pattern, or simple rows over the top cream layer.
-
- Add mint leaves, extra mango cubes, or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers.
-
- Use tweezers, chopsticks, or the tip of a knife to adjust tiny details.
-
- Optional: Drizzle with honey or lime zest for extra flavor and flair.
Step 6: Chill and Set
-
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.
-
- Refrigerate for at least 6 hours—overnight is best.
-
- Want a firmer texture or neater slices? Pop it in the freezer for 2–3 hours before serving.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
-
- Remove from the fridge (or freezer). Let sit for 5–10 minutes if frozen.
-
- Lift the float out using the parchment paper (if used).
-
- Slice into 9–12 squares using a warm serrated knife.
-
- Serve chilled with an extra mango slice or mint leaf on each piece, if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
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