Strawberry Mango Sago – Creamy Tropical Dessert Recipe

Strawberry Mango Sago is a tropical dream in a glass — creamy, fruity, and irresistibly refreshing. Imagine smooth strawberry custard mingling with chewy sago pearls, juicy mango cubes, and soft coconut jelly, all bathed in chilled sweet milk. The colors glow like summer — sunset pinks and golden yellows layered with icy white — while every spoonful bursts with a mix of textures and tropical sweetness.

Inspired by popular Asian dessert cafés, this easy Strawberry Mango Sago recipe brings a slice of paradise straight to your kitchen. Whether you’re craving a cooling treat after dinner or looking for the best tropical sago dessert for a party, this one never fails to impress. Ready to taste sunshine? Try this recipe today, share it with friends, and don’t forget to save it for your next sweet craving!

What Makes This So Irresistible

• Tropical fusion flavors – Sweet mango, tangy strawberry, creamy milk, and coconut in perfect harmony.
• Easy Strawberry Mango Sago recipe – Step-by-step instructions anyone can follow.
• Naturally beautiful – Sunset-pink custard and golden fruit make it picture-perfect for social posts.
• Customizable texture – Add more jelly for chew or extra milk for a silky drinkable version.
• Make-ahead friendly – All components chill well; assemble just before serving.
• Kid-approved & party-ready – Light, cold, and refreshing – the best tropical sago dessert for summer gatherings.
• Dairy-adjustable – Works with coconut milk or almond milk for vegan versions.

Ingredients for Strawberry Mango Sago

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This dessert is built in colorful layers: coconut jelly, strawberry custard, chewy sago, and fresh fruit. Everything is simple, accessible, and easy to prep ahead.

For the Strawberry Custard

• 2 cups milk – whole milk gives a rich base; substitute coconut or almond milk for dairy-free.
• 2 tbsp strawberry custard powder or blend ½ cup fresh strawberries + 2 tbsp cornstarch for natural color.
• 2–3 tbsp sugar, adjust to taste.

For the Coconut Jelly

• 1 cup coconut water – the foundation for a delicate tropical flavor.
• 1 tsp agar-agar powder – vegan gelatin alternative that sets quickly.
• 1 tbsp sugar – just enough sweetness.

For the Dessert Assembly

• ½ cup strawberries, finely chopped.
• 1 large mango, diced into cubes.
• 1 cup coconut jelly, cut into cubes once set.
• 1 cup strawberry custard, chilled and cubed.
• ¼ cup gond katira (edible tragacanth gum) – soaked until translucent.
• ½ cup cooked sago pearls – soft yet slightly chewy.
• ½ cup milk, adjust for creaminess.
• ¼ cup condensed milk, adjust for sweetness.
• 1 cup ice cubes, for that frosty finish.

Ingredient Swaps & Dietary Options

• Vegan: Replace dairy milk with coconut milk and condensed milk with coconut cream + a drizzle of maple syrup.
• Low-sugar: Halve the sugar or use stevia; the fruits naturally sweeten the dish.
• Flavor twist: Add a splash of rose syrup for floral notes, or a dash of vanilla extract for depth.

How to Make Strawberry Mango Sago Step by Step

Follow these simple stages to create the perfect Strawberry Mango Sago at home.

Step 1: Prepare the Coconut Jelly

1. In a small saucepan, heat coconut water over medium flame.
2. Add agar-agar and sugar, stirring until completely dissolved.
3. Bring just to a simmer, remove from heat, and pour into a flat container.
4. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 2–3 hours until set.
5. Once firm, cut into small cubes.

Pro Tip: The thinner you pour the jelly, the faster it sets and the prettier the translucent cubes look in the glass.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Custard

1. Mix custard powder (or cornstarch + puree) with ¼ cup milk to make a smooth slurry.
2. Heat remaining milk with sugar until hot but not boiling.
3. Slowly whisk in the slurry, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a pudding consistency.
4. Pour into a shallow dish, cool, and refrigerate 2 hours until fully set.
5. Cut into 1 cm cubes.

Pro Tip: For natural coloring, fresh-fruit puree adds a deeper pink tone and a richer aroma.

Step 3: Prepare the Sago Pearls

1. Boil water in a large pot (about 5 cups).
2. Add sago pearls and cook 15–20 minutes, stirring every 3 minutes until translucent.
3. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
4. Keep chilled until assembly.

Pro Tip: Soak the pearls for 2 hours before boiling to cut cooking time in half.

Step 4: Soak the Gond Katira

1. Rinse well, then soak in cold water overnight.
2. It will expand and turn jelly-like. Drain excess water before using.

Step 5: Assemble the Dessert

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped strawberries, mango cubes, coconut jelly cubes, soaked gond katira, and cooked sago pearls.
2. Add strawberry custard cubes and plenty of ice.
3. Pour in milk and condensed milk, stirring gently to coat everything.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or thickness by adding more milk or condensed milk.
5. Serve immediately in chilled bowls or tall glasses.

Pro Tip: For layered presentation, add fruit and jelly first, pour the milky mixture, then top with custard cubes for visual contrast.

Pro Tips & Cooking Secrets

1. Chill every component – Cold jelly, custard, and fruit ensure a refreshing final texture.
2. Keep sago translucent – Overcooked pearls turn mushy; stop when the centers just clear.
3. Soak gond katira overnight – It needs time to bloom into a cooling, jelly-like texture.
4. Taste before combining – Each layer should be slightly sweet; the final mix balances naturally.
5. Use ripe mangoes – Alphonso or Ataulfo varieties add deep color and aroma.
6. Don’t skip the ice – It lightly thins the milk base and keeps everything chilled while serving.
7. Layer for visual appeal – Clear glasses highlight the pink custard and gold fruit.
8. Make ahead smartly – Prepare components up to 24 hours in advance, store separately, assemble just before serving.
9. Use full-fat milk or coconut cream – For the richest mouthfeel.
10. Add texture play – Sprinkle chopped nuts or basil seeds on top for crunch and contrast.

Strawberry Mango Sago Variations & Substitutions

Vegan Option

• Swap dairy milk with coconut or almond milk.
• Replace condensed milk with coconut cream + maple syrup.

Low-Sugar Version

• Use monk-fruit sweetener or stevia; let mango and strawberry provide natural sweetness.

Flavor Upgrades

• Add rose syrup for floral perfume.
• Stir in a dash of vanilla for a bakery-style aroma.
• Mix a few mint leaves for freshness.

Texture Twists

• Turn it into a drinkable dessert by blending custard with milk and ice.
• Or freeze leftovers into popsicles for a summer treat.

Best Ways to Serve Strawberry Mango Sago

• Family dessert – Serve after a spicy Asian meal to cool the palate.
• Party parfait – Layer in shot glasses; top with mint and shredded coconut.
• Afternoon snack – Pour into chilled mason jars for a portable pick-me-up.
• Brunch special – Pair with waffles or pancakes for a fruit-forward twist.
• Festival dessert – Add colorful tapioca pearls or jelly cubes for Diwali, Eid, or Lunar New Year tables.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 285 kcal | Carbs: 44 g | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 9 g | Fiber: 2 g

Note: Values vary based on milk type and sweetener.

Storage & Make-Ahead Guide

• Refrigerator: Keep components in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Do not freeze – custard and jelly lose texture once thawed.
• To re-serve: Combine chilled parts, add a splash of milk, stir, and top with fresh ice.
• Meal-prep tip: Pre-cube fruits in advance, but add only before serving to prevent color bleed.

Strawberry Mango Sago FAQs

Q1: Can I use tapioca pearls instead of sago?

Yes. Tapioca works the same way; boil until translucent and rinse cold.

Q2: Can I make Strawberry Mango Sago without custard powder?

Absolutely – use cornstarch and fresh strawberry puree as a natural base.

Q3: How do I keep the custard from forming a skin?

Cover the surface with plastic wrap while cooling to prevent air contact.

Q4: Is this dessert vegan or gluten-free?

It is naturally gluten-free; make it vegan by using plant-based milk and cream.

Q5: Can I add other fruits?

Yes! Lychee, kiwi, dragon fruit, and pineapple fit beautifully with the flavor profile.

Delicious Inspirations for Next Time

• Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese
• Whimsical Cotton Candy Cheesecake Truffles
• Berry Cheesecake – Creamy Vanilla Dessert Recipe

Your Turn in the Kitchen

Now you know exactly how to make Strawberry Mango Sago at home – a creamy, fruity, and refreshing dessert that’s bound to become your family’s new favorite. Each layer tells a story of color and comfort: soft custard, chewy pearls, juicy fruit, and icy milk mingling in tropical harmony.

So, grab your mixing bowl, chill your glasses, and dive into this island-sweet creation tonight.
👉 If you try it, share your photos or variations in the comments!
What’s your favorite twist on Strawberry Mango Sago?

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