Tired of the same old dessert routine? Craving something vibrant, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This simple mango cake recipe is your ticket to a taste of the tropics, perfect for any occasion – from a casual weeknight treat to a celebratory gathering. It’s a delightful blend of moist cake, sweet mango, and a light, tangy glaze, all coming together to create a truly unforgettable dessert. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this surprisingly simple yet incredibly delicious homemade cooking masterpiece! This recipe is perfect for those searching for easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, offering a healthy meals alternative to heavier desserts.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 cup ripe mango puree (about 2 large mangoes)
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup mango puree
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your cake bakes evenly and releases easily.
Make the Cake Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry ingredient mixture is the foundation of your fluffy cake.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air for a lighter texture.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the yogurt, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don’t overmix!
- Gently fold in the mango puree.
Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on your cake to avoid overbaking.
Make the Glaze:
- While the cake is still warm, whisk together the mango puree, powdered sugar, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth.
Assemble and Enjoy:
- Let the cake cool slightly in the pan before pouring the glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving. This simple step enhances the flavor and presentation.
Tips for Success:
- For the best results, use ripe, sweet mangoes for both the cake and the glaze.
- Don't overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough cake.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting or glazing for optimal results.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Add ½ cup of chopped nuts (like pecans or macadamia nuts) to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Substitute coconut yogurt for plain yogurt for a tropical twist.
- Top the cake with fresh mango slices and a sprinkle of shredded coconut for extra visual appeal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 4g
This simple mango cake is a delightful dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Its vibrant flavor and moist texture make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and its ease of preparation makes it ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers alike. Enjoy this delicious and refreshing treat!