Description
This Mango Cake recipe is a delightful tropical treat featuring moist, buttery cake layers infused with fresh mango puree and enveloped in a smooth, fluffy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for warm-weather celebrations or when you want a fresh, fruity dessert, this cake combines the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes with the richness of cream cheese icing for a balanced and flavorful dessert experience.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 ¼ cups cake flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup buttermilk
For the Mango Filling
- 4 ripe mangoes
- 1-3 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ¼ cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, indicating proper aeration for the cake’s texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until fully combined for even flavor distribution.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently until everything is just combined to keep the batter light.
- Fill Cake Pans: Evenly pour the thick batter into the prepared pans. Use a spatula to smooth the top surfaces and tap the pans lightly on the countertop to eliminate air bubbles.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cakes; it should come out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool in their pans for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely to room temperature.
- Layer the Cakes: Once cooled, cut each cake horizontally into two layers, yielding four layers total for layering.
- Prepare Mango Filling: Peel and puree 2 of the mangoes in a blender or food processor until smooth. Add 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar initially and adjust sweetness to your preference by adding up to 3 tablespoons.
- Make Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, and 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar. Beat on low speed until combined, then increase speed to high to whip for a light texture.
- Add Remaining Sugar: Add the remaining 2 cups powdered sugar gradually. Mix on low until just combined, then whip on high for 4-5 minutes until the frosting is fluffy. Scrape down bowl sides to ensure even mixing.
- Assemble Cake – Layering: Place the first cake layer on a cake stand or serving platter. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting, then add a layer of mango puree. Repeat this process for all four layers except the top layer.
- Frost Cake: Cover the sides and top of the cake evenly with the remaining cream cheese frosting for a smooth finish.
- Decorate Cake: Fit a piping bag with a star tip and fill it with the leftover frosting. Pipe decorative borders around the top edge of the cake.
- Add Mango Cubes: Dice the remaining 2 mangoes into small cubes and arrange them neatly inside the piped frosting border on top of the cake.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake until ready to slice. This helps the frosting set for cleaner slices and enhances flavors. Serve chilled and enjoy your fresh, tropical mango cake!
Notes
- Adjust sugar in the mango puree based on the natural sweetness of the mangoes used.
- For best results, use ripe but firm mangoes to achieve a smooth puree and distinct mango flavor.
- Ensure all ingredients like butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for smooth frosting.
- Allow the cake layers to cool completely before cutting and assembling to prevent frosting from melting.
- Store the assembled cake in the refrigerator to maintain freshness, especially in warm climates.
- The cake can be made a day ahead to enhance flavor melding; bring to room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American