When calling for mango dishes from around the world, I had so many submissions to make mango float that I just had to include two Filipino mango recipes in the series. This mango float recipe comes from Alex, who lives in the Philippines.  

Alex describes the mango float as a dessert similar to a tiramisu since it has alternating layers of graham crackers, whipped cream, and mangos. He says every Filipino knows this dish by heart since the Philippines is considered the mango capital of the world. Their pride and love for mangos resulted in many delicious mango dishes, including sweet and savory dishes. The versatility of mangos also made it easy for them to create lots of unique mango dishes.  

Mango float was created when graham crackers were introduced to the Philippines during the American occupation. Since there was a surplus of mangos, the obvious creation was the mango float, which only has three simple ingredients.  

In the Philippines, whenever there is an occasion, including birthday parties, baby showers, weddings, and Christmas, mango floats are always present as a dessert. During the Christmas season, mango floats are made so much that the price of mangos actually significantly increases due to high demand.  

Alex describes the joy and comfort he gets when eating mango float, and he says it always reminds him of home, and he feels the comfort of being a kid again. He remembers his mom and sisters gathering around the table, making mango float together. Although they did not have much money and could only use a few mangos in the recipe, it was the best mango float he ever had.  

I tried the mango float, and I was surprised by how easy it was to make! It was the simplest dessert I have ever made. Even though there are minimal ingredients, the flavors are complex, creamy, and delicious. The condensed milk, vanilla, the spiced flavor from the graham cracker, and the sweetness of the mango make this dessert a definite crowd-pleaser. These ingredients are easy to find no matter what country you are in, and the dish is so simple and delicious, you just have to try it!