Craving something sweet and fruity? Look no further than this Mango Vanilla Layer Cake recipe. Bursting with the flavors of sweet mangoes and fresh fruit, each bite is a delicious blend of tropical goodness. 

With super soft and moist vanilla cake layers infused with fresh mangoes and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, it’s a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients you’ll need for this Mango Vanilla layer Cake recipe

This recipe calls for simple ingredients, found in any grocery store:

Cake

• All-purpose flour. All-purpose flour provides the structure and texture for our cake. It serves as the foundation upon which we build our delicious dessert 
• Baking powder. Acting as a leavening agent, baking powder helps our cake rise during baking, resulting in a light and fluffy texture. Its chemical reaction releases carbon dioxide gas, creating air pockets that lift the batter and give our cake its airy consistency. 
• Salt. Often overlooked but essential, salt enhances the flavors in our cake by balancing the sweetness and adding depth. It helps to amplify the taste of other ingredients, ensuring a well-rounded and flavorful dessert.
• Granulated sugar. Sweetening our cake batter, granulated sugar not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the structure and moisture of the final product. It dissolves during mixing, creating a smooth and homogenous mixture that bakes into a tender crumb.
• Unsalted Butter. Softened butter blends seamlessly with the other ingredients, adding richness and moisture to our cake batter. Its fat content creates a tender texture and provides moisture. 
• Eggs. Eggs act as binders and emulsifiers in our cake batter, helping to hold everything together while adding richness and structure. Their proteins coagulate during baking, contributing to the overall texture and stability of the cake.
• Vanilla paste. Adding vanilla paste or extract gives a subtle yet distinctive flavor to our cake. It enhances the overall taste profile, adding depth and complexity 
• Milk. Providing moisture and richness, milk contributes to the tenderness and flavor of the cake. Its proteins and sugars help to tenderize the crumb and create a moist texture.
• Mango. The most important ingredient! Ripe, juicy mangoes -cut in small pieces- add a burst of sweetness and tropical flavor to our cake. Their juicy texture and vibrant taste infuse each bite with fresh mango flavor. Ataulfo mangoes are always my choice of mango!

Frosting

• Cream cheese. Softened cream cheese forms the base of our creamy frosting, adding tanginess and richness. Its smooth texture and subtle flavor complement the sweetness of the cake
• Powdered sugar. Sifted powdered sugar sweetens and thickens our frosting, creating a smooth and luxurious consistency. 
• Lemon juice. A splash of lemon juice adds a bright and tangy flavor to the frosting, balancing the sweetness and adding a refreshing contrast.

Take a look at the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions for this fresh Mango Cake

Mango Vanilla Cake:

Preheat the oven temperature to 350°F. Grease three 6-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.

In a separate large bowl, cream together butter and sugar for about 3 minutes until the butter becomes lighter in color. Then, add the eggs, egg whites, and vanilla paste, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl as needed.

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined; do not overbeat.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes after removing them from the oven. Then, remove the cakes from the baking pan and place them in a wire rack to cool completely.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

Over the bowl of a stand mixer, beat room temperature butter, and vanilla on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add cream cheese and lime juice, and beat until combined, being careful not to overbeat.

With the electric mixer on low speed, gradually incorporate powdered sugar and beat until smooth and well combined.

To assemble:

Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over it.

Create a barrier of cream cheese frosting around the edge of the cake layer to contain the filling. Then, add 1/3 of the diced mango in the center.

Gently add the second layer on top and repeat the process by spreading frosting, creating a barrier, and adding the fresh mango filling.

Finally, place the last cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.

For decoration, use Wilton tip 2A to pipe on the top of the cake. Sprinkle the remaining diced mango over the top for a more professional look.

Expert Tips for the Best Fresh Mango Cake

Here are some expert tips to make your mango vanilla layer cake even better:

1. Choose the Best Ingredients: Pick good quality ingredients, especially for butter, cream cheese, and vanilla. Good stuff in equals great taste!
2. Go for Ripe Mangoes: Make sure your mangoes are ripe and juicy. They’ll bring out the best flavor in your cake.
3. Handle the Batter with Care: After adding the dry ingredients, be gentle with the batter. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so just mix until everything is combined.
4. Handle the Frosting with Care: Don’t overmix the cream cheese frosting; it might get too soft to pipe. If it does, pop it in the fridge for a bit to firm up.
5. Consider Vanilla Paste: Vanilla paste adds an extra punch of flavor, but vanilla extract works too. If you can, go for the paste for that extra oomph!

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store any leftover cake?

Store the frosted cake in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight cake container to prevent it from drying out. Bring the cake to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Can I use frozen mangoes instead of fresh ones?

While fresh mangoes are preferred for their flavor and texture, you can use frozen mangoes if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the cake.

Can I make the cake layers ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Alternatively, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

Follow this link if you’re looking for more Cake recipes like this one, or click the links below for some Mango desserts you might like:

Chamoyada de Mango Recipe

Meringue Nests with Mango and Pomegranate

Caramelized Walnuts, Mango & Vanilla Ice Cream Tart

Mango & Passion Fruit Mezcal Cocktail

If you make this recipe, please be sure to give it a star rating and leave a comment!

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