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This mango cake is bursting with fresh mango flavor! It has surprisingly simple ingredients (ONLY 9 TOTAL!) but it is a show stopper – and truly tastes as good as it looks.
This mango cake is a close relative of our wildly popular strawberry sponge cake. The fresh sweet mangos really shine in this recipe. Serve this at your next party and you will get plenty of compliments!
Watch How to Make this Mango Cake Recipe:
Mango is the real star of this cake so make sure to pick some good, sweet ripe ones (see video tutorial on selecting the perfect mango below). Mangos add a beautiful pop of color, incredible flavor, and a healthy boost of nutrients to the cake.
We just love mangos in our family and thankfully they are available year-round to satisfy the craving when it hits!
Ingredients for Sponge Cake:
6 large eggs, room temp
1 cup (210 grams) granulated sugar
1 cup (130 grams) all-purpose flour *measured correctly
1/2 tsp baking powder
Mango Cake Filling/ Topping:
1 lb or 2 medium fresh mangos, peeled and thinly sliced into strips
1 lb or 2 medium fresh mangos (1 1/2 cups puréed )
1 to 4 Tbsp sugar, if needed
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Frosting:
16 oz cream cheese (2 packages), softened
1 cup (16 Tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make the Sponge Cake (Click for Video Tutorial):
Prep: Pre-heat oven to 350˚F. Line the bottoms of two 9″ cake pans with parchment (do not grease pans).
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, beat 6 eggs on high speed 1 min until foamy. Gradually add 1 cup sugar then continue beating on high for 8 min. It will be whipped and forming thick ribbons when you pull up the whisk.
Cooks Tip: This classic European sponge cake relies on the volume of beaten eggs to rise so do not rush the mixing step. If you’re new to sponge cakes, watch our video tutorial first.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour and 1/2 tsp baking powder. Sift flour into batter 1/3 at a time, folding between each addition. Fold just until no flour streaks remain, scraping the bottom to catch any hidden pockets of flour. Divide evenly between prepared cake pans and bake at 350˚F for 23-28 min (my oven takes 25 min). Tops should be golden brown and spring back when poked slightly.
3. Run a knife or thin spatula around edges to loosen and invert onto wire rack. Peel back parchment paper right away. Place cakes right side up and cool to room temperature before cutting in half.
How to Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, combine 16 oz cream cheese, 1 cup butter, 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar and 2 tsp vanilla. Beat on low to combine then increase to high and beat 5-6 mins, scraping down the bowl as needed. Frosting should be whipped, soft and spreadable. Transfer 1 cup frosting to piping bag fitted with large open star tip and refrigerate until ready to use for the topping.
How to Cut a Mango:
1. A mango has one long, flat seed in the center of the fruit that goes from stem to nose. Slice off the sides around the seeds of all 4 whole mangos resulting in 8 halves. Set aside 4 halves – you will need them to decorate the top. Dice remaining 4 halves and scoop them out of their skin then transfer these to a blender and process until puréed. Taste the mango purée and add sugar to taste if needed.
Watch how to pick a good mango:
A ripe mango is determined more by how it feels than how it looks. It can look completely green and be ripe. It should give a little when you push on the outsides similar to how an avocado would feel when it is ripe. It should not be bruised or feel squishy.
How to Assemble the Mango Cake:
1. Place the first sliced cake layer on a platter and spread with 1/2 cup mango purée. On the second cake layer, spread 1/2 cup frosting and place it frosting-side-down on the first layer so the cream and mango are hugging. Repeat with remaining layers then cover top and sides with remaining frosting. Pipe reserved frosting around the top border of your cake.
2. Peel and thinly slice 4 reserved mango halves, cutting some strips long ways and some wide. Layer mango slices in rings around the cake, starting with the longest pieces and overlapping each piece slightly until only a 1/2″ space is left in the center. Roll a long, thin strip of mango into a coil and place it in the center. Cake can be served right away or refrigerated 2 hours for easier slicing. It keeps well covered and refrigerated up to 3 days.
Tips for a Tastier Mango Cake:
Be sure to taste your mangos and mango filling. Sometimes you may end up with a bland mango (or even a bad mango). If your filling tastes bland, you can spruce it up with a little sugar and/or lemon juice.
Layer after layer of mangos and cream. It doesn’t get much better than this mango cake!
Mango Cake Recipe (VIDEO)

Ingredients
For the Easy Sponge Cake:
- 6 large eggs, room temp
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
For the Mango Cake Filling/ Topping:
- 1 lb fresh mangos, (2 medium) peeled and thinly sliced into strips
- 1 lb fresh mangos, (2 medium) 1 1/2 cups puréed
- 1 to 4 Tbsp sugar, if needed
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 16 oz cream cheese, 2 packages, softened
- 1 cup unsalted butter, (16 Tbsp), softened
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
How to Make the Sponge Cake (Click for Video Tutorial):
Prep: Pre-heat oven to 350˚F. Line the bottoms of two 9" cake pans with parchment (do not grease).
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with whisk, beat 6 eggs on high speed 1 min until foamy. Gradually add 1 cup sugar then continue beating on high for 8 min. It will be whipped and forming thick ribbons when you pull up the whisk.*
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour and 1/2 tsp baking powder.
- Sift flour into batter 1/3 at a time, folding between each addition, just until no flour streaks remain. Scrape from the bottom to catch any hidden flour pockets. Divide evenly between prepared cake pans and bake at 350˚F for 23-28 min (my oven takes 25 min). Tops should be golden brown and spring back when poked lightly.
- Run a knife or thin spatula around edges to loosen and invert onto wire rack. Peel back parchment paper right away and let cakes cool right-side-up to room temp before cutting them in half.
How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, combine 16 oz cream cheese, 1 cup butter, 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar and 2 tsp vanilla. Beat on low to combine then increase to high and beat 5-6 mins, scraping down the bowl as needed. Frosting should be whipped, soft and spreadable. Transfer 1 cup frosting to piping bag fitted with large open star tip and refrigerate until ready to use for the topping.
How to Cut Mango:
- A mango has one long, flat seed in the center of the fruit that goes from stem to nose. Slice off the sides around the seeds of all 4 whole mangos resulting in 8 halves. Set aside 4 halves - you will need them to decorate the top. Dice remaining 4 halves and scoop them out of their skin then transfer these to a blender and process until puréed. Taste the mango purée and add sugar to taste if needed.
How to Assemble the Mango Cake:
- Place the first sliced cake layer on a platter and spread with 1/2 cup mango purée. On the second cake layer, spread 1/2 cup frosting and place it frosting-side-down on the first layer so the cream and mango are hugging. Repeat with remaining layers then cover top and sides with remaining frosting. Pipe reserved frosting around the top border of your cake.
- Peel and thinly slice 4 reserved mango halves, cutting some strips long way and some wide. Layer mango slices in rings around the cake, starting with the longest pieces and overlapping each piece slightly until only a 1/2" space is left in the center. Roll a long thin strip of mango into a coil and place it in the center. Cake can be served right away or refrigerated 2 hours for easier slicing. It keeps well covered and refrigerated up to 3 days.
Notes
our video tutorial first
Nutrition Per Serving
Filed Under
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen
I made this cake and it turned out awesome!!! Thank you so much!
You’re welcome! I’m so glad you enjoyed that!
Tried making mine just now, only problem I have is the cake did not fluff up to your level in the picture, otherwise everything went smoothly!
Hi Jackson, it sounds like there was a hiccup with the sponge cake. With the sponge cake, it is definitely best to bake right away after the batter is made. It could deflate and not rise properly if you left the batter out for an extended time. It may be a measurement issue as well, or possibly not enough volume to the eggs and sugar when beating. Have you seen our post on measuring? That may be helpful in this case.
Hi Natasha! Can I use cake flour instead of all purpose flour?
Your recipes are the best! Tried many of them. Keep on sharing please.
Thank you!
Hi Jay, I haven’t tested this recipe with cake flour. Since baking is such a science it may alter the texture a bit. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.
I made this cake and everyone loves it, my husband says to make another one because it’s not enough for them next time I will make it less sweet though. It taste like mango float for us and we loved it so much
Sounds like you found a new favorite Cynthia! That’s so great!
I just made this over the weekend and it was a hit! Thank you so much. I have a ton of more fresh mangos that I need to use. Would love a recipe for a mango bread pudding if you have!
That’s so great to hear! I don’t have a mango pudding recipe yet but perhaps you can do a smoothie with that instead?
hi! i was wondering if this recipie could be made with some sort of alcohol to make it more adult friendly. Has anyone tried it or have any recommendations? Thanks!
Hi Lea, I haven’t tested that but I think it could work. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.
Great recipe. It was yummy. Thank you for sharing.
Glad you loved it, Arlene. Thank you for your great review!
Hi Natasha, how will I know that the egg+sugar mixture is ready?
“It will be whipped and forming thick ribbons when you pull up the whisk” – is it like the soft or stiff peak when beating egg whites?
Can I reduce the sugar? If so, by how much? Thanks..
Hi C, the eggs and sugar mixture never reach stiff peaks but stay soft. It would still work fine with 3/4 cup sugar in the cake batter. I wouldn’t use too much less since the sugar helps the cake keep its form.
Hi Natasha I wonder where to get the bag for the frosting topping I don’t know where to get it, Thanks. I love your recipes.
Hi Judy, we love the big bags for piping like this one because they can hold a fair amount of frosting.
Never made this one before. I wonder if I can use fresh pineapple puree instead of mango puree? Anyone tried it?
Hi Natalya, I haven’t tested that to advise but I imagine that may work.
Hi Natasha. This cake looks beautiful and delicious. I wonder if the mango decorations stay fresh if i keep the cake in the fridge for a few hours? I mean, does the color change before it’s time to serve it? Wondering if i should cover with a layer of gelatin or something? Thank you
Thanks Sara I hope you can try this recipe soon. It’s one of our favorites! The topping is best served the day it is made – as it will be most vibrant in color. The leftover portion was a couple of shades darker the next day, it was still pretty and not really brown.
Thanks Natasha. I baked it yesterday and wow it was super yummy. The decorations were looking perfect the day after and the cake was even more delicious. Thanks for the recipe. The only thing was, i noticed the amount of the sponge cake sugar increased by about maybe a third cup compared to before? The strawberry layer cake recipe that i got from here around 4 years ago had the same sponge cake recipe as this mango cake but less sugar. I only figured out after i baked. To be honest i liked that lower sugar sponge cake more. But all in all my family liked the cake A LOT. My next cake to bake is your poppy seed cake with rum. Can’t wait
Hi Natasha. I tried this mango cake yesterday; and my family likes it. However, this morning, i have noticed that there are discolorations on mango toppings and the taste is not the same as yesterday. I guess, this cake is best consumed the day it was served. I am wondering, how to maintain the freshness and yummyness of the cake.
Hi Che, it can help to Squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the freshly sliced mango. Some mango slices brown faster than others, especially if they were already very ripe. You are correct that it would be the most vibrant on the day it is made.
Each component of the recipe was delicious – the puree was so good I ate the leftover with a spoon and thought, why don’t people just serve mango puree for dessert, the frosting was just sweet enough without being oversweet. The sponge cake was light and tall and delicious, the sliced mango was very snitch-worthy as I decorated. And it all looked very pretty with the rose like top and the stripes in each slice. But the combination was just meh. It was fine, I suppose, but it wasn’t the kind of cake where you’re super excited about leftovers, it was just the kind where you have a slice and it’s something different and interesting and not unpleasant, but not thrilling either.
Thank you for sharing that feedback with us, Crytiva.
Dear Natasha,
I tried this recipe baking for my colleague’s birthday last week. Everybody loves it so much they thanked me and keep asking me to bake it again. I should extend their thanks to you, really for sharing this super yummy mango cake!
That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new party favorite!
Thank you for the great recipe. Everyone at my friend’s birthday loved it. It looked and tasted amazing.
That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Maria!
Hi …Just came across your Mango cake…Just loved it as to how it’s easy to make..and I love mangoes
I have a few dbts though..
1)I have 2 eight inch pans..will that bring much of change in baking time or temperature?
2)Abt Mangoes and puree filling …will it go brown if this cake was assembled and refrigerated in advanced.
3)The sponge cake can be made in advance?
I hope you respond to my query at the earliest…thanks a bunch n advance.
Hi, I haven’t tested this in 8″ pans so I can’t say for sure if it would overflow but I think it would work. I would keep the baking time he same and maybe go 3-5 minutes longer since the cake will be taller. The topping is best served the day it is made – as it will be most vibrant in color. The leftover portion was a couple shades darker the next day, it was still pretty and not really brown. The filling stays a nice color overnight. The sponge cake can be made a day ahead and stored at room temperature (away from outdoor draft), covered in a plastic bag.
Hi! I baked this cake for my 15 year old son for his birthday. He and everyone in our family loved it! Thanks for the recipe!
You’re welcome, Cecilia! I’m so glad everyone enjoyed that! Happy birthday to your son!
Dear Natasha, every time that I watch you cooking makes my day full of fun and learning more. Your positive energy is showing how to enjoy cooking and be happy and satisfied. I wish you all the best!
You are so nice! Thank you for that thoughtful compliment Pava! I’m so happy our blog has been helpful!
Hi Natasha, this cake looks amazing as all of your other cakes 😉 I have a question though Why do you use cream cheese and butter in mango cake while in strawberry cake you use cream cheese and whipped cream? Can these be interchanged? Thanks!
Hi Arina, that should work fine to substitute if you enjoy the frosting on the strawberry cake.
Is there a reason why you used white butter instead of yellow butter for the cake?
Also, I have little clumps in my frosting which I believe are chunks of butter. Is it because the butter needs more time to sit at room temperature?
Hi Steve, the color difference in butter is more brand specific than anything else. I look for the white looking butter for aesthetics. If you see any chunks in your frosting, typically yes it is due to the butter or cream cheese being too cold. I would beat longer.
Hi Natasha,
Three weeks ago I tried your blackberry cake for my friend’s birthday and it turned out great!
I’m planning to try this mango cake for my husband’s birthday, but I do not have enough time to prepare it on the same day.
Can I make the sponge cake previous night and store it? If so, what would be the best way to store it? Should it be refrigerated?
Hi Jenifer, yes the sponge cake can be made ahead. Just bake, cool to room temperature and cover loosely with plastic wrap and leave at room temperature on the counter overnight. I hope you love this cake and happy birthday to your husband.
Beautiful cake, quite impressive appearance. But mediocre flavor and texture not to family’s liking. Will not make it again and husband suggested I toss this recipe. Sorry
Hi Julie, alot can depend on the flavor of your mangos – I highly recommend tasting the filling before adding it to the cake in case you ended up with a bland mango. In that case, you can add a little sugar or lemon juice to the filling to amp up the flavor.
Nope, mangos were ripe and tasted great…..I always tastes the fruit going into my cakes and pies. The problem was the texture of the cake of the cake and the puree just didn’t do it for the cake – I and the family members were not impressed. And I honestly felt I wasted 4 mangos on this cake.
Hi Julie, it sounds like the issue was with the cake base – did it look like what is in the photos – tall and fluffy or did it come out dense? If you haven’t made a classic sponge cake and it didn’t come out as expected, I highly recommend reading this post which should help. If it doesn’t rise properly, it can taste off and even eggy which would make the whole cake taste off.
Yes, it was light and rose high like your video. We just didn’t care for the texture of the cake or the pureed addition. One other thing to all those people saying how many raves they got for the cake. How many times have you complimented a friend on something she cooked, even though it was bad, just because you didn’t want to hurt her feelings? Natasha you have some good recipes on this site, but this one just doesn’t do it for me or my family, and they don’t give out compliments if the food is average or bad.
Made this cake for a Planning Party and it turned out just like the pictures. Friends were impressed. I did make some changes though. Decided not to divide the layers as shown, so mine was the basic 2 layer cake. And I replaced the mango puree/frosting between the layers with a mango-lime curd. It worked very well with this cake.
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!