Are you craving a burst of sunshine on a plate? Look no further than this simple, moist mango cake recipe! This delicious dessert is surprisingly easy to make, perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned cooks alike. Forget complicated recipes and enjoy the sweet, tropical flavors of ripe mangoes baked to perfection. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, ideal for a casual afternoon tea, a celebratory gathering, or simply a delightful treat for yourself. It's one of those easy recipes that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it a perfect addition to your collection of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 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 mango puree (approximately 2 large ripe mangoes)
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup mango chunks (for topping)
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
Mixing the Batter:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a light and fluffy cake.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for best results; this incorporates air for a tender crumb.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
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Gently fold in the mango puree. Don't overmix; you just want to incorporate it evenly into the batter.
Baking and Serving:
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the mango chunks evenly over the top.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Mango Cake:
- Ripe Mangoes are Key: Use ripe, sweet mangoes for the best flavor. Overripe mangoes work particularly well for this recipe.
- Homemade Mango Puree: Making your own mango puree ensures the freshest flavor. Simply blend peeled and pitted mangoes until smooth.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting or serving to prevent the frosting from melting.
Variations:
- Coconut Mango Cake: Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the batter for extra tropical flavor and texture.
- Spice it Up: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced mango cake.
- Glaze it: Drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and mango juice over the cooled cake.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Protein: 4-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This simple moist mango cake recipe is a delicious and satisfying dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the delightful flavors and the ease of making this homemade cooking masterpiece! It’s the best recipe for a quick and easy dessert that's sure to impress. From quick dinner ideas to delicious dishes, this cake offers a delightful twist on everyday baking.