There’s nothing quite like the satisfying pop of a fresh mango to brighten your day, and when it comes to desserts, my go-to is this irresistibly moist Mango Upside-Down Cake. The moment I cut into this cake, my kitchen fills with the sweet scent of caramelized mangoes and buttery goodness, instantly transporting me to a sun-soaked paradise.
One afternoon, while daydreaming about tropical vacations and escaping the mundane routines, I decided to take my ripe mangoes off the counter and create a treat that would capture that same carefree essence. The result? A cake that’s not only visually stunning but also deliciously simple—perfect for impressing friends or just indulging in a slice yourself.
With its dreamy coconut cream topping and the versatility to serve at any gathering, this Mango Upside-Down Cake is destined to become a favorite in your dessert lineup. So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s dive into the sweet, fruity delight that’s sure to brighten any occasion!
Why is Mango Upside Cake a must-try?
Irresistible tropical flavor: This cake combines the luscious sweetness of ripe mangoes with a caramelized topping that’s simply divine.
Effortless preparation: With straightforward steps, you’ll have a stunning dessert ready to impress with just basic baking skills.
Versatile dessert option: Perfect for a casual family dinner or a fancy celebration, its unique presentation always stands out.
Time-saving delight: With a cook time of just 35-40 minutes, this cake minimizes your time in the kitchen while maximizing flavor.
Coconut cream bonus: The whipped coconut cream adds a dreamy, creamy finish that perfectly complements the fruity cake.
Get ready to elevate your dessert game—this Mango Upside-Down Cake will be the star of your next gathering!
Mango Upside Cake Ingredients
To create this tropical delight, gather these simple yet essential ingredients!
For the Topping
• 2 ripe mangoes – The fresher, the better; choose mangoes that yield slightly to pressure for the best flavor.
• ¼ cup butter, softened – This ensures a smooth, rich caramel for your topping.
• ½ cup brown sugar – Adds a deliciously sweet, caramel flavor that perfectly complements the mango.
For the Batter
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter – Provides the necessary richness for a moist cake.
• 1.25 cups (220g) granulated sugar – Balances the sweetness of the mango in the cake!
• 1 cup (200g) mango puree or pulp – Enhances the mango flavor and keeps the cake moist.
• 4 eggs – Acts as a binder for a fluffy and well-structured cake.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla – Adds a warm, inviting aroma that rounds out the flavors.
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour – The base of the cake, giving it structure without being too dense.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cake rise beautifully to a fluffy texture.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Works alongside baking powder to ensure a light and airy cake.
• Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
For the Coconut Cream
• 1 can coconut milk – Use the full-fat version for a rich, creamy topping that pairs wonderfully with mango.
• 2-3 teaspoons sugar/honey – Sweeten the cream to your liking, adding a touch more tropical zest!
With these key ingredients ready, you’re all set to whip up your Mango Upside-Down Cake, creating a dessert that promises to impress with its vibrant colors and luscious flavors!
How to Make Mango Upside-Down Cake
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Prepare the Pan: Line an 8″ baking tin with parchment paper, then lightly grease it with oil or butter to prevent sticking. This will help ensure a clean release for your beautifully layered cake!
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Make the Topping: In a small pot, heat ¼ cup of unsalted butter and ½ cup of brown sugar over medium heat until melted and bubbly. Pour this luscious mixture into the cake tin and arrange the mango slices on top in a beautiful pattern.
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 170°C (340°F). Getting it ready now ensures that your cake will bake evenly and deliciously.
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Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter with 1.25 cups of granulated sugar for about 5 minutes until fluffy and light. This step is key for that delightful texture!
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Incorporate the Eggs: Add one egg to the bowl and whisk until fully combined. Repeat this for the remaining eggs, then mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to enhance the flavors further.
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Mix in the Mango Puree: Pour in 1 cup of mango pulp, stirring well to combine with the butter and egg mixture. This will deepen the cake’s fruity flavor, making it even more delightful!
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined—lumps are good here!
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Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin over the mango topping. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake is golden brown.
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Cool Slightly: Once baked, let the cake sit in the tin for at least 5 minutes. This resting time allows the caramel to set a bit and makes for easier removal.
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Whip the Coconut Cream: Open the can of refrigerated coconut milk, scoop out the hardened cream into a bowl, and set aside any leftover liquid. Whip in 2-3 teaspoons of sugar or honey until it thickens and becomes creamy.
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Serve & Enjoy: Slice your mango upside-down cake and generously dollop the whipped coconut cream on top. It’s a tropical delight that’s sure to impress!
Optional: Garnish each slice with a fresh mint leaf for a pop of color!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Mango Upside-Down Cake?
Indulging in a slice of this delightful cake opens the door to a world of flavors—let’s create a perfect meal that tantalizes the senses!
- Whipped Coconut Cream: A must-have partner that enriches every slice, adding a luxurious, creamy texture to the fruity cake.
- Tropical Fruit Salad: A medley of juicy pineapple, ripe bananas, and citrus fruits brightens the plate, echoing the mango’s sweetness.
- Minty Lime Agua Fresca: This refreshing drink cuts through the cake’s richness with its zesty tang, making for a delightful complement.
- Coconut Macaroons: These sweet, chewy treats resonate with the coconut theme, adding a fun texture and more tropical flavor to your dessert spread.
- Ginger Snap Cookies: The warm spice of ginger pairs beautifully with the cake, creating a delightful contrast between flavors.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, the creamy, cold ice cream balances the warm cake, adding an extra layer of indulgence.
- Lemon Sorbet: A bright, tart sorbet can serve as a palate cleanser, refreshing your taste buds between bites of the cake.
- Dark Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle on top to elevate the visual appeal and add a hint of rich chocolatey depth that plays beautifully with the mango.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: Garnishing with mint not only adds a pop of color but also introduces a refreshing herbal note to the decadent dessert.
- Chilled Mango Lassi: This creamy yogurt drink, infused with cardamom, adds an extra dose of mango and brings a delightful cultural twist to your meal!
How to Store and Freeze Mango Upside Cake
Room Temperature: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This helps retain its moist texture while keeping that delightful mango flavor fresh.
Fridge: If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate the cake in a covered container for up to 5 days. Just let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Freezer: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying it again.
Reheating: To enjoy a warm slice, place individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, just enough to take the chill off without drying out the cake.
Make Ahead Options
These Mango Upside-Down Cakes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the mango topping (butter and brown sugar mixture) up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. The dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt) can also be mixed together and stored for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply reheat the topping to liquefy it, pour it into the prepared tin, arrange the mango slices, and follow the remaining steps to finish the cake. This approach not only saves you time on busy weeknights but also ensures your cake stays just as delicious and fresh!
Mango Upside Cake Variations
Feel free to let your creativity soar and give this cake your own personal twist!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a deliciously inclusive version.
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Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use coconut oil instead of butter for a plant-based treat.
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Pineapple Twist: Swap mangoes for fresh pineapple for a tropical pineapple upside-down cake experience that’s equally vibrant and juicy.
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Coconut Flavor Boost: Fold in shredded coconut into the batter to enhance the tropical vibe and add extra texture to each bite.
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Nutty Addition: Stir in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter for a lovely crunch that contrasts beautifully with the moist cake.
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Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor that elevates your mangoes to new heights.
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Extra Fruity: Incorporate other fruits such as sliced bananas or berries for a delightful medley of flavors and colors that will wow your taste buds.
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Zesty Lemon: Grate lemon zest into the batter to introduce a zesty freshness that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of mango.
With these fun variations, each slice of Mango Upside-Down Cake can take on a new personality—let the baking adventure begin!
Expert Tips for Mango Upside Cake
Choose Ripe Mangoes: Select mangoes that yield slightly to pressure; they should be fragrant and free from blemishes for the best flavor.
Avoid Overmixing: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, mix just until combined. Lumps indicate a lighter, more tender cake.
Proper Cooling: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 5 minutes; this helps the caramel to set, making for easier slicing and serving.
Customize the Cream: Adjust the sweetness of the whipped coconut cream to your preference. Experiment with different sweeteners like honey or agave for unique flavors.
Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer inserted in the center to check for doneness; it should come out clean for perfectly baked cake.
With these expert tips, your Mango Upside Cake is bound to be a stunning success!
Mango Upside Cake Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe mangoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for mangoes that yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a sweet aroma. Avoid any with dark spots or blemishes for the best flavor. Ripe mangoes will be vibrant in color and soft to the touch, making them perfect for your cake.
How should I store leftover Mango Upside Cake?
Very! After cooling, store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For a longer shelf-life, place it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before serving—it really shines when enjoyed fresh!
Can I freeze Mango Upside Cake?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets, then wrap in foil for extra protection. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then serve as desired.
What should I do if my cake is too dense?
Oh dear! If your cake turns out dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter. For a lighter texture, mix just until the ingredients are combined without worrying about lumps. Additionally, ensure your baking powder is fresh, as expired leavening agents can also lead to denser cakes.
Is there a way to make this cake dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with vegan alternatives, such as coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. For the whipped topping, use a coconut whipped cream or a plant-based cream to get that silky finish without dairy. Enjoy the tropical vibes, even if you’re dairy-free!
Can pets have mangoes from the cake?
Very! While mangoes in moderation are safe for most pets, it’s essential to avoid the cake itself due to ingredients like sugar and butter that aren’t ideal for our furry friends. If you want to share, consider giving them small pieces of fresh mango instead as a treat!
These Mango Upside Cake Recipe FAQs help create a delightful experience in your kitchen—the more the merrier!
Mango Upside Cake: A Tropical Twist on Classic Dessert
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line an 8" baking tin with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- In a small pot, heat ¼ cup of unsalted butter and ½ cup of brown sugar until melted and bubbly. Pour into the cake tin and arrange mango slices on top.
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F).
- In a mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter with 1.25 cups of granulated sugar for about 5 minutes until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla.
- Add 1 cup of mango puree, stirring well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
- Pour the batter into the cake tin and bake for 35-40 minutes.
- Let the cake sit in the tin for 5 minutes before removing.
- Whip the hardened coconut cream and sweeten with 2-3 teaspoons of sugar or honey.
- Slice the cake and top with whipped coconut cream before serving.