If you’re craving something fresh, fruity, and downright irresistible, this Mango Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine a moist, tender cake layered with luscious fresh mango slices and smoothed over with a luxuriously creamy frosting that perfectly balances sweetness with tang. It’s a celebration of vibrant mango flavor in every bite, a dessert that’s not only stunning to look at but also surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re a mango lover or just looking to wow your guests, this Mango Cake Recipe will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mango Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a pivotal role, from lending the cake its airy structure to infusing it with fresh tropical sweetness and creating that dreamy creamy frosting that pulls everything together.
- 6 large eggs (room temp): Provide structure and richness to the cake, helping it rise perfectly fluffy.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a tender crumb.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of our cake, giving it body and texture.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: A little lift to make your cake light and airy.
- 1 lb fresh mangos (peeled and thinly sliced into strips): Adds vibrant color and fresh juicy bursts within the cake layers.
- 1 lb fresh mangos (1 1/2 cups puréed): Infuses the batter with intense mango flavor and a lovely moist texture.
- 1 to 4 Tbsp sugar (if needed): To adjust sweetness in the mango purée, depending on your mangos’ natural sweetness.
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened): Creates a rich, tangy frosting that complements the mango beautifully.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds creaminess and smoothness to the frosting.
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
How to Make Mango Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mango Puree and Slices
Start by peeling your fresh mangos. Set aside thin sliced strips for layering later, and blend the remaining mango flesh until silky smooth to use in the batter. Taste the puree and add 1 to 4 tablespoons of sugar if your mangos aren’t as sweet, ensuring that vibrant tropical flavor shines through in every crumb.
Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers
Whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together vigorously until pale and fluffy—this step is key for a light sponge. Gently fold in sifted flour and baking powder, then carefully stir in the mango puree to create a luscious batter. Pour evenly into prepared pans and bake for about 25 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cake cools, whip together softened cream cheese and butter until silky smooth. Gradually sift in powdered sugar and beat until the frosting feels light but bodied. Add vanilla extract for that delicate flavor that perfectly balances the tropical sweetness of the mango.
Step 4: Assemble Your Mango Cake
Once the cake layers are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on the bottom tier, layering mango strips across for juicy brightness. Place the second cake on top and coat the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Smooth it out for a clean finish or play with textures for a more rustic, inviting look.
How to Serve Mango Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Top your mango cake with extra fresh mango slices arranged in pretty patterns or add a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for contrast. A few mint leaves can add a pop of green and a refreshing aroma that complements the fruity sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Mango Cake Recipe pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments like a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream, or even a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience. For beverages, a chilled glass of sparkling wine or a tropical fruit punch will elevate your serving perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try serving individual slices on pretty plates garnished with edible flowers or a drizzle of raspberry coulis. Alternatively, create mini versions of the cake in jars or glass cups layered with cake bits, frosting, and mango for a fun, portable twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your fresh Mango Cake Recipe, keep leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator. This will maintain the cake’s moisture and keep the cream cheese frosting fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing
If you want to store your cake longer, slice it and freeze individual portions wrapped firmly in plastic wrap and foil. When properly stored, it stays delicious for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Since this cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, reheating is not necessary. Simply bring slices to room temperature before serving to fully enjoy the sweet mango flavors and creamy frosting.
FAQs
Can I use canned mango instead of fresh?
Fresh mango always gives the best flavor and texture for this recipe, but if fresh isn’t available, make sure your canned mango is packed in juice (not syrup) and drain it well before blending for the puree.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The cake should also spring back lightly when pressed with a finger.
Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives, and choose egg replacers suitable for baking. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might shift slightly.
Is this Mango Cake Recipe very sweet?
The sweetness level can be adjusted by the amount of sugar you add to the mango puree and frosting, allowing for a perfectly balanced cake that highlights the natural mango flavor without overpowering it.
Can I turn this into cupcakes?
Absolutely! Simply divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake for about 18-22 minutes. Frost as you would the cake and add a small mango slice on top for a charming treat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Mango Cake Recipe that brightens any day, be it a warm summer afternoon or a festive celebration. The combination of fresh mango, fluffy cake, and creamy frosting is so simple yet so utterly delightful. I can’t wait for you to make it and share this tropical slice of happiness with your loved ones—it’s definitely a recipe worth savoring again and again!
Print
Mango Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 70 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 95 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Description
This Mango Cake is a luscious and moist dessert combining the tropical sweetness of fresh mangoes with creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfectly layered and beautifully decorated, this cake is a refreshing treat for mango lovers, ideal for celebrations or a decadent everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 6 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 lb fresh mangoes (2 medium), peeled and thinly sliced into strips
- 1 lb fresh mangoes (2 medium), 1 1/2 cups puréed
- 1 to 4 Tbsp sugar (if needed, to sweeten mango puree)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 16 oz cream cheese (2 packages), softened
- 1 cup unsalted butter (16 Tbsp), softened
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the mango purée: Peel and slice fresh mangoes; purée 1 lb of mango flesh until smooth. Taste and add 1 to 4 tablespoons of sugar as needed to balance the natural tartness, then set aside.
- Make the cake batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Beat 6 large eggs at room temperature with 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is thick and pale. Gently fold in 1 cup of all-purpose flour mixed with 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, then carefully fold in the mango purée until evenly combined.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into a greased and lined cake pan. Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the cream cheese frosting and assemble: Beat 16 oz softened cream cheese with 1 cup softened unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, beating until fluffy. Slice the cooled cake horizontally if desired and layer with cream cheese frosting and mango slices. Frost the exterior and decorate with remaining mango strips. Chill the cake before serving for best results.
Notes
- Room temperature eggs help create a lighter cake batter.
- Add sugar to mango purée based on mango sweetness to balance flavors.
- Be gentle folding in the flour and mango purée to keep the batter airy.
- Cool the cake completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- This cake is best served chilled but brought to room temperature before eating for optimal flavor.
