Mango Layer Cake: A Tropical Delight Recipe
If you’re longing for a slice of sun-soaked paradise, Mango Layer Cake: A Tropical Delight is here to brighten your table! This luscious cake brings together pillowy layers of buttery vanilla cake, a sweet-tart mango filling, and clouds of whipped cream frosting, all crowned with fresh mangoes and mint. Whether you’re hosting a summer get-together, celebrating a birthday, or just craving a dessert that instantly transports you to the tropics, this showstopper will have everyone swooning over its brilliant color, fruity aroma, and irresistible flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the list intimidate you—each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to create layers of texture, a symphony of flavors, and that sun-kissed hue. Here’s how these simple components come together to make your Mango Layer Cake: A Tropical Delight truly magical:
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for a tender, moist crumb that holds up under all that filling and frosting.
- Baking powder & baking soda: These provide just the right lift, so your layers are lofty and light.
- Salt: Enhances every sweet, tangy, and creamy note.
- Unsalted butter (softened): For richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Vegetable oil: Adds extra moistness, so your cake stays soft even when chilled.
- Granulated sugar: Balances tart mango with gentle sweetness in the cake and filling.
- Eggs: Bind the batter for structure and extra richness.
- Vanilla extract: Lends warmth and fragrant notes to both cake and frosting.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the crumb and adds a subtle tang to contrast the mango.
- Mango puree (fresh or canned): This is the heart of the dessert—use ripe mangos for a burst of flavor! Canned Alphonso mango pulp is a delicious shortcut.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the mango filling so it stays put between layers.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream for that dreamy, cloud-like finish.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whips up fluffy and light, perfect for frosting the cake.
- Fresh mango slices & mint leaves: The ultimate garnish—bright, fresh, and elegant!
How to Make Mango Layer Cake: A Tropical Delight
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment if you like extra insurance for a clean release. This simple step sets the stage for cake layers that come out flawlessly every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your leavening agents are distributed evenly, so the cake will rise consistently and have a delicate crumb.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and airy. This process incorporates air into the batter, guaranteeing soft and fluffy layers in your Mango Layer Cake: A Tropical Delight.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs to the creamed mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for fragrance. Taking your time with this step creates a smooth and emulsified batter—key for even texture.
Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
With your mixer on low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. This careful method ensures the batter doesn’t get overmixed, which keeps your cake wonderfully tender.
Step 6: Fold in Mango Puree
Gently fold in the mango puree, using fresh, ripe mangoes if you can, or your favorite canned puree. Swirls of golden mango give your cake unbeatable color, subtle tartness, and an exotic aroma.
Step 7: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then flip onto wire racks to cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Mango Filling
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the mango puree, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy—about 3 to 5 minutes. Set aside to cool. This vibrant mango layer is tangy, jammy, and bursting with flavor.
Step 9: Whip the Cream Frosting
Using a chilled bowl and beaters, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. You want billowy, creamy peaks that will hold up beautifully in your Mango Layer Cake: A Tropical Delight.
Step 10: Assemble & Chill
Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the mango filling evenly over the top. Gently set the second cake layer on top, then cover the entire cake with whipped cream frosting. Garnish with luscious mango slices and mint leaves. Chill the cake for at least 1 hour before serving so everything sets up nicely and flavors meld together.
How to Serve Mango Layer Cake: A Tropical Delight
Garnishes
The classic finishing touch is a generous heap of fresh mango slices and a few mint leaves. Not only do they look stunning, but the extra pop of fruit and herbal freshness enhances every bite of Mango Layer Cake: A Tropical Delight. For a fancier touch, a sprinkle of toasted coconut or edible flowers works wonders, especially for parties.
Side Dishes
This cake shines brilliantly on its own, but if you want to build a spread, pair it with a platter of other tropical fruits—think pineapple, passionfruit, or lychee. For a cooling contrast, a lime sorbet or a glass of lightly sweetened iced tea will complement the richness and bring out the mango flavor even more.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, slice the cake into slim, tall layers and serve on colorful plates with an extra drizzle of mango puree. For mini celebrations, turn the batter into adorable cupcakes, topping each with a rosette of whipped cream and a mango flower. The Mango Layer Cake: A Tropical Delight truly shines in any presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cake fresh by covering it well and storing it in the refrigerator for up to three days. The whipped cream frosting and filling stay delicious and moist, and the flavors become even more harmonious as they meld. Just be sure to use an airtight container or cake dome to prevent drying out or absorbing fridge odors.
Freezing
You can freeze the plain cake layers (undecorated) for up to two months—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Let them thaw at room temperature before assembling. It’s best to add the mango filling and whipped cream right before serving or within a day or two to keep everything at its peak.
Reheating
This cake truly shines cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is required. If you’ve stored it in the fridge, let it sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing to soften the texture and maximize the flavors of your Mango Layer Cake: A Tropical Delight.
FAQs
Can I use canned mango puree for the cake?
Absolutely! Canned mango puree, especially brands like Alphonso, delivers a deep, consistent flavor and gorgeous color, no matter the season. Just make sure to choose an unsweetened or lightly sweetened variety to keep the cake balanced.
How do I know when the cake layers are done baking?
Look for golden edges, a slightly springy center, and a toothpick that comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Every oven is a little different, so start checking at the 25-minute mark to avoid over-baking this lovely Mango Layer Cake: A Tropical Delight.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a high-quality gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Be sure to check your baking powder and baking soda for gluten, and you’ll have a Mango Layer Cake: A Tropical Delight everyone can enjoy.
What’s the best way to get smooth, fluffy whipped cream?
Start with cold cream and a chilled bowl and beaters—this little trick makes all the difference! Add powdered sugar and vanilla gradually, and stop whipping as soon as stiff peaks form to prevent curdling.
Is it possible to make this cake ahead for a party?
Definitely! Make the cake layers and filling a day in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble with the whipped cream and garnishes the morning of your event—this will keep every layer of Mango Layer Cake: A Tropical Delight ultra fresh and picture-perfect.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to serve up slices of Mango Layer Cake: A Tropical Delight—it’s like a vacation on a plate! Whether you’re gathering loved ones or treating yourself to something special, this cake is bound to become a favorite. Happy baking and enjoy every sunny, creamy bite!
Print
Mango Layer Cake: A Tropical Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the tropical flavors of this Mango Layer Cake, a luscious dessert that combines moist mango-infused cake layers with a fruity filling and a light whipped cream frosting. Delight in the taste of summer with every slice!
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 3/4 cup mango puree (fresh or canned)
For the mango filling:
- 1 cup mango puree
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons sugar
For the whipped cream frosting:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish:
- fresh mango slices and mint leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare cake pans.
- Mix dry ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Prepare cake batter: Cream butter, oil, and sugar; add eggs, vanilla, buttermilk, and mango puree; fold in dry ingredients.
- Bake: Divide batter, bake for 25–30 minutes, then cool.
- Make mango filling: Cook mango puree, sugar, and cornstarch until thickened; cool.
- Whip cream frosting: Beat cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble: Layer cake, spread mango filling, frost with whipped cream, and garnish.
- Chill: Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Enhance mango flavor by brushing cake layers with mango juice.
- Use canned mango pulp for a richer taste.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
