Mango Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mango Cake is the perfect balance of sweetness, moisture, and tropical flavor. It’s a refreshing departure from traditional cakes and offers a unique taste experience thanks to the mango’s natural sweetness and slight tanginess. The cake itself is easy to make, and the use of fresh mango in both the cake and frosting elevates the flavor. It’s a showstopper for birthdays, summer parties, or any occasion where you want to bring something a little different to the table. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy the deliciousness of mangoes all year round.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup mango puree (fresh or canned)

• ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk if you don’t have buttermilk)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra zing)

For the Mango Frosting:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• ¼ cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ cup mango puree

• Fresh mango slices (for garnish)

Directions

Preparing the Cake:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Add the mango puree and buttermilk: Mix in the mango puree and buttermilk (and lemon juice, if using) until just combined. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.

6. Combine the dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

7. Bake the cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Mango Frosting:

1. Whip the cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.

2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the whipped cream, and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.

3. Add mango puree: Gently fold in the mango puree to the whipped cream until it’s fully incorporated. The frosting will be light, fluffy, and perfectly mango-flavored.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Frost the cake: Once the cakes have completely cooled, place one layer of the cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of mango frosting over the top.

2. Stack the second layer: Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining mango frosting.

3. Garnish: Garnish the top of the cake with fresh mango slices or mango chunks for a beautiful and fresh touch.

Serving:

Serve your Mango Cake immediately, or refrigerate it until ready to serve. The cake is perfect for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or just a special treat to enjoy anytime.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including cooling time)

Variations

• Mango Coconut Cake: Add shredded coconut to the cake batter for extra tropical flavor, or top the cake with toasted coconut for a beautiful garnish.

• Vegan Mango Cake: Replace the butter with dairy-free butter and the eggs with flax eggs or aquafaba. Use coconut cream in place of heavy cream for the frosting.

• Mango-Lime Cake: Add a tablespoon of lime zest to the batter and frosting for a citrusy twist that complements the mango beautifully.

• Mango Cheesecake Cake: Add a layer of cheesecake in between the cake layers for a creamy contrast to the mango and cake.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The frosting will stay fresh and creamy, and the cake will remain soft.

• Freezing: You can freeze the cake layers for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To enjoy, thaw the cake layers overnight in the refrigerator and frost them when ready.

FAQs

Can I use frozen mango for this cake?

Yes, you can use frozen mango to make the puree. Just thaw it, blend it until smooth, and then use it as you would fresh mango.

Can I use a store-bought mango puree?

Yes, you can use store-bought mango puree for convenience, but fresh mango puree will yield the best flavor.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the cake layers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before frosting. Just allow them to come to room temperature before frosting.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. Be sure to also check that your baking powder is gluten-free.

How do I prevent the cake from sinking in the middle?

Make sure to properly measure the ingredients, and avoid overmixing the batter. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated and avoid opening the oven door too often while baking.

Conclusion

Mango Cake is a light, tropical treat that offers the perfect balance of sweetness and fruitiness, thanks to the fresh mango flavor. Its fluffy texture and creamy mango frosting make it a showstopper for any occasion, and its versatility allows for many variations to suit your tastes. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or enjoying a refreshing dessert on a warm day, Mango Cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!

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