The Ultimate Mango Cake Recipe: A Tropical Delight for Every Occasion
Mangoes are often referred to as the "king of fruits," and for good reason. Their juicy, succulent flesh and delightful sweetness make them a favourite among fruit lovers worldwide. Incorporating this tropical wonder into a cake creates a dessert that is both refreshing and indulgent. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this mango cake recipe will guide you to create a mouthwatering treat that is sure to impress. So, let's dive into the world of mangoes and discover how to make the ultimate mango cake.
Ingredients
For the Mango Cake:
- 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- ½ cup of unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of fresh mango puree (about 2-3 ripe mangoes)
- ½ cup of milk
For the Mango Filling:
- 1 cup of fresh mango puree
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- ¼ cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
For the Mango Frosting:
- 1 cup of unsalted butter at room temperature
- 4 cups of powdered sugar
- ½ cup of fresh mango puree
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
Instructions
Preparing the Cake
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. The mixture should become pale in colour as air is incorporated.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Incorporate Mango Puree and Milk: With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the mango puree and milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Mango Filling
Make the Filling: In a small saucepan, combine the mango puree, cornstarch, water, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes translucent. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool completely before using.
Preparing the Mango Frosting
Cream the Butter: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Incorporate Mango Puree and Vanilla: Add the mango puree and vanilla extract to the frosting, beating until well combined and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a little milk to reach the desired consistency. If it's too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Assembling the Cake
Level the Cakes: If the cakes have domed tops, use a serrated knife to level them off. This will ensure a flat, even surface for stacking.
Add the Filling: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of the mango filling over the top, smoothing it out with a spatula. Be careful not to spread it all the way to the edges to prevent it from oozing out when the second layer is added.
Stack and Frost: Place the second cake layer on top of the filling. Apply a thin layer of the mango frosting over the entire cake to create a crumb coat. This helps to seal in any loose crumbs and provides a smooth surface for the final layer of frosting. Refrigerate the cake for about 15-20 minutes to set the crumb coat.
Final Frosting: Apply a thicker layer of mango frosting to the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it out with an offset spatula or cake scraper. For an extra touch, you can pipe decorative swirls or rosettes on the top and edges of the cake using a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
Conclusion
This mango cake recipe is a delightful way to bring the taste of the tropics to your kitchen. With its moist, flavorful cake layers, luscious mango filling, and creamy frosting, it is sure to be a hit at any celebration. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy the delicious taste of mangoes, this cake is a must-try. If you're a fan of tropical desserts, you might also enjoy trying a mango cheesecake for a different twist. And for those times when you want to share this delightful treat with loved ones, don't hesitate to send cakes to spread the joy. Happy baking!