Luscious Mango Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting
Imagine slicing into a light, fluffy cake layered with sweet mangoes and silky whipped cream. This Homemade Mango Cake brings a touch of the tropics to your kitchen and is guaranteed to brighten up any celebration or afternoon indulgence. Whether you’re celebrating a summer birthday, hosting a brunch, or simply craving something fruit-forward and fabulous, this cake will hit the sweet spot.
Fresh mango chunks, a tender vanilla cake base, and a cloud-like whipped cream filling make this dessert unforgettable. If you love fruity desserts that are elegant without being fussy, this mango cake recipe is for you.
Who This Recipe is For
This mango cake is perfect for:
Tropical fruit lovers
Fans of light and fluffy desserts
Bakers looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing sheet cake
People who want a no-fuss cake with a beautiful presentation
Anyone looking for a refreshing summer dessert
With a straightforward structure and fresh fruit as the star, this cake requires no piping skills or fancy tools—just good ingredients and a bit of love.
Why You’ll Love This Mango Cake
🥭 Fresh mango chunks bring natural sweetness and vibrant color
🧁 Moist vanilla cake base made with buttermilk for added richness
🍰 Simple whipped cream filling lightens every bite
🎉 Elegant yet easy to assemble and decorate
🌿 Perfect for spring and summer gatherings or tropical-themed parties
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
For the Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3–4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
¼ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling and Topping:
2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
1 cup heavy cream, whipped (unsweetened or lightly sweetened to taste)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
9×13 inch baking pan
Mixing bowls (medium and large)
Electric mixer or stand mixer
Rubber spatula
Wire cooling rack
Serrated knife (for slicing the cake in half)
Offset spatula (for frosting)
Cake board or serving platter
Step-by-Step Instructions
🔥 Step 1: Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely before removing from the pan and transferring to a wire rack.
🧁 Step 2: Make the Buttercream Frosting
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar.
Add milk and vanilla extract; beat until smooth and fluffy.
Adjust the texture with more sugar or milk as needed.
Note: You can use this frosting only for the outside or omit it entirely if you prefer a fully whipped cream-covered cake.
🥭 Step 3: Prepare the Filling & Mangoes
Peel and dice 2 ripe mangoes into small cubes.
In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. You can add 1–2 teaspoons of sugar if desired, though the mangoes will add plenty of sweetness.
🍰 Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Once cooled, cut the cake in half horizontally using a serrated knife.
Spread a generous layer of whipped cream over the bottom half.
Top with half of the diced mangoes.
Carefully place the top cake layer back on.
Frost the top and sides of the cake with your whipped cream or buttercream (or both).
Decorate the top with the remaining mango pieces, arranging them in a mosaic or swirl pattern for a show-stopping finish.
Recipe Tips & Variations
🍰 Customize It
Tropical Twist: Add diced pineapple or passionfruit pulp for even more exotic flavor.
Mango Puree Drizzle: Puree some extra mango and drizzle it between layers or on top.
Layered Round Cake: Bake in two 8-inch round pans and layer for a bakery-style presentation.
Vegan-Friendly: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, butter with vegan margarine, and heavy cream with coconut whipped cream.
🍑 Mango Selection Tip
Use ripe Ataulfo or Alphonso mangoes for the best flavor and texture. The riper the mango, the juicier and sweeter your filling will be.
Storage Instructions
Store the finished cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
If using only buttercream, the cake can be stored at room temperature for a day.
Mangoes can weep moisture, so it’s best to add them just before serving if possible.
Individual slices can be frozen—just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month.
Best Pairings
Drink Pairing: Serve with chilled mango lassi, jasmine iced tea, or even a sparkling white wine like Moscato.
Side Treats: Pair with a scoop of coconut ice cream or mango sorbet for full tropical flair.
Fresh Additions: Garnish with mint leaves or shredded coconut to add visual and flavor contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cake layers a day ahead and store them tightly wrapped at room temperature. Assemble with the mangoes and cream just before serving.
Can I use canned mangoes?
Yes, in a pinch—but fresh is best for flavor and texture. If using canned mangoes, drain them thoroughly and pat dry before adding to the cake.
How do I keep the whipped cream stable?
You can stabilize whipped cream by adding 1 teaspoon of unflavored gelatin dissolved in water or using store-bought stabilized whipped topping.
Can this be made as cupcakes?
Absolutely! The batter makes about 18–20 cupcakes. Bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes. Fill each cupcake with whipped cream and a spoonful of diced mangoes.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Mango Cake is more than a dessert—it’s a celebration of vibrant flavor, soft textures, and easy elegance. Whether you’re serving it at a summer party, afternoon tea, or as a special treat for family, it’s sure to impress without the stress.
So go ahead, embrace the sunshine with each slice and savor the sweet taste of mango magic.
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