Name: Mango Bango (or Mango Sago Dessert)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: ½ cup tapioca pearls (see notes) (Source: ½ cup tapioca pearls (see notes)); 2 cups mangoes (diced) (Source: 2 cups mangoes (diced)); 1 each 10.5 ounce Nata de Coco ((coconut gel) drained) (Source: 1 10.5 ounce Nata de Coco ((coconut gel) drained)); 1 each 14 ounce coconut milk (full fat) (Source: 1 14 ounce coconut milk (full fat)); 1 cup half and half (Source: 1 cup half and half); 1 cup condensed milk (Source: ¾-1 cup condensed milk; upper source range endpoint used for shopping.)

Get to know the ingredients

tapioca pearls (see notes)

In the method: TAPIOCA: Add 4 cups of water to a saucepan along with the tapioca pearls and bring to a boil, once boiling, cook for 8-10 minutes (see note) on medium-high heat, stirring frequently.

mangoes (diced)

In the method: MANGOES: While the tapioca rests, peel the mangoes using a peeler.

10.5 ounce Nata de Coco (coconut gel; drained)

In the method: COMBINE: In a large bowl, coconut gel, cooled tapioca pearls, ¾ cup coconut milk, half and half, and condensed milk.

Let’s make it

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Servings

Original recipe: Serves 8. Original quantities shown.

Estimating…

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½ cup tapioca pearls (see notes)
Ingredient note
Source: ½ cup tapioca pearls (see notes)
2 cups mangoes (diced)
Ingredient note
Source: 2 cups mangoes (diced)
1 each 10.5 ounce Nata de Coco (coconut gel; drained)
Ingredient note
Source: 1 10.5 ounce Nata de Coco (coconut gel; drained)
1 each 14 ounce coconut milk (full fat)
Ingredient note
Source: 1 14 ounce coconut milk (full fat)
1 cup half and half
Ingredient note
Source: 1 cup half and half
1 cup condensed milk
Ingredient note
Source: ¾-1 cup condensed milk; upper source range endpoint used for shopping.

How to make it

0 of 6 steps complete

TAPIOCA: Add 4 cups of water to a saucepan along with the tapioca pearls and bring to a boil, once boiling, cook for 8-10 minutes (see note) on medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Lower the heat if the tapioca starts to boil too rapidly. Remove from heat. Cover and let sit for 10 minutes.
MANGOES: While the tapioca rests, peel the mangoes using a peeler. Remove the smooth flesh and dice the mango into small cubes.
DRAIN: the tapioca in a strainer and run under cold running water until the tapioca cools to room temperature. And most of the starch drains away. You’ll notice the tapioca pearls take shape once the excess starch drains from the strainer.
COMBINE: In a large bowl, coconut gel, cooled tapioca pearls, ¾ cup coconut milk, half and half, and condensed milk. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust with 1-4 more tablespoons of condensed milk to taste. Stir in the mango pieces.
COOL IT DOWN: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally 6-8 hours, so that the mango bango thickens.
SERVE: In bowls or dessert glasses, once cooled; enjoy!

Make room for Mango Bango (or Mango Sago Dessert)

Review ingredients in your pantry before anything is added. Meal plans use your household size; grocery-only additions use the servings selected above.

The last little job

Finish as directed

SERVE: In bowls or dessert glasses, once cooled; enjoy!

A little more help as you go

Match the cuts in the method

Use the chopping, slicing or cutting preparation specified.

Prepare for the next step

Have the next addition ready when the mixture reaches the boil described.

A few questions you might have

What should I prepare first?

Set out the saucepan. Start with this step: TAPIOCA: Add 4 cups of water to a saucepan along with the tapioca pearls and bring to a boil, once boiling, cook for 8-10 minutes (see note) on medium-high heat, stirring frequently.

Which preparation step should I plan for?

Include the chilling step when deciding when to start.

What happens at the end?

SERVE: In bowls or dessert glasses, once cooled; enjoy!

Is there another preparation step to plan for?

Use the chopping, slicing or cutting preparation specified.

Additional recipe notes

Updated 9/2025 Tapioca pearls come in a variety of sizes! When I first published this recipe, I was only able to find them in a medium size which took about 10 mins to cook and 10 mins to hang out. Recently, I’ve made this with small tapioca pearls which take 8 mins to simmer and then 7-8 mins to hang. All this to say, check the packaging for cooking directions first and use those if provided. General guides are in the recipe as well, but it may vary greatly based on the size of tapioca pearls.

Mango Bango (or Mango Sago Dessert)

1. Allow for chilling

2. Check when to cover

3. Stir as directed