Moist Mango Upside Cake – Quick & Delicious Tropical Dessert

As someone who loves creating easy, family-friendly recipes that bring people together, I’ve always enjoyed turning seasonal fruits into show-stopping desserts. One summer afternoon, inspired by the sweet aroma of ripe mangoes at the market, I decided to try an old-fashioned upside cake with a tropical twist. The result? A moist, caramelized Mango Upside Cake that quickly became a favorite in our household. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for both weeknight desserts and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mango Upside Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of tropical flavors in a moist, buttery cake. You’ll love this recipe because it’s quick, easy, and family-friendly, ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. The caramelized mango topping adds a golden, juicy sweetness that complements the tender cake perfectly. With options to make it with oil for extra moisture or even using a box mix for convenience, this mango upside cake recipe delivers flavor, simplicity, and versatility.

Ingredients for This Recipe

Every ingredient in this Mango Upside Cake is chosen for flavor and texture. Ripe mangoes provide juicy sweetness, while butter and sugar create a luscious caramel topping. The cake batter combines flour, sugar, eggs, milk, and a touch of oil to ensure a tender, moist crumb. Vanilla extract enhances the natural fruit flavors, making each bite rich and satisfying. Using fresh ingredients guarantees the best taste, whether it’s a family dessert or a special occasion cake.

Ingredients for Mango Upside Cake
Moist Mango Upside Cake – Quick & Delicious Tropical Dessert 13

🛒 Ingredients (for one 9-inch round cake):

For the Mango Caramel Topping:
3–4 ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted, and sliced
½ cup unsalted butter
¾ cup brown sugar

For the Cake:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (optional, for extra moistness)

How to Make This Recipe

Start by preparing the mango caramel topping, melting butter and brown sugar until smooth, and arranging fresh mango slices evenly in a greased pan. The cake batter is then mixed by creaming butter and sugar, adding eggs and vanilla, and alternating dry ingredients with milk for a tender, moist texture. Pour the batter over the mango topping and bake until golden and set. Invert the pan to reveal the caramelized mango. Serve warm or chilled for a tropical, flavorful dessert everyone will enjoy.

🛒 Steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round pan.
  2. Melt butter and brown sugar, pour into pan, and arrange mango slices.
  3. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
  4. Cream butter and sugar, beat in eggs and vanilla.
  5. Combine dry ingredients alternately with milk, stir in oil if using.
  6. Pour batter over mango topping and bake 35–40 minutes.
  7. Cool 10 minutes, invert onto serving plate, and serve.
Baking Mango Upside Cake in oven
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Expert Cooking Tips

To make your Mango Upside Cake extra moist and flavorful, always use ripe, juicy mangoes. For a tender cake, alternate adding dry ingredients with milk instead of all at once. Using oil in the batter increases moisture and shelf life. Make the cake ahead of time; it’s best inverted just before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream adds elegance. For variations, try adding a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon to enhance the tropical flavors.

💡 Expert Tips:

  • Choose ripe mangoes for maximum sweetness.
  • Alternate dry ingredients with milk for a soft crumb.
  • Add oil for extra moisture and tender texture.
  • Bake a day ahead; invert before serving.
  • Dust with powdered sugar or add whipped cream for garnish.
  • Experiment with spices like cardamom for extra aroma.
Variations of Mango Upside Cake
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FAQs

What is Mango Upside Cake?

Mango Upside Cake is a dessert with caramelized mango slices on top, baked under a soft, buttery cake. When inverted, it reveals a golden mango topping.

Can I use a box cake mix for Mango Upside Cake?

Yes, you can use a yellow or vanilla cake mix, adding fresh mango slices and preparing the pan for caramelization.

How do I make Mango Upside Cake moist?

Use ripe mangoes, add oil to the batter, and avoid overbaking. Optional syrup drizzle after baking keeps it tender.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake the cake a day ahead, store covered, and invert just before serving for freshness.

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Mango Upside Cake is a simple yet stunning dessert that combines tropical sweetness with classic buttery cake. Its moist texture and caramelized mango topping make it perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or even a quick weeknight treat. Easy to make, customizable, and sure to impress, this recipe captures the best of seasonal mangoes while being approachable for bakers of all skill levels. Enjoy the taste of summer in every bite!

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Mango Upside Cake slice on blue plate

Mango Upside Cake


  • Author: Savannah
  • Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 810 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A moist and tropical cake featuring caramelized mango slices on top. When inverted, it reveals a golden, juicy mango layer atop a soft, buttery cake. Perfect for summer gatherings, brunch, or as a refreshing dessert.


Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (for one 9-inch round cake):

For the Mango Caramel Topping:

  • 34 ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted, and sliced

  • ½ cup unsalted butter

  • ¾ cup brown sugar

For the Cake:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • ½ cup whole milk

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (optional, for extra moistness)


Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Mango Topping

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. In a small saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar together until smooth and bubbling.

  3. Pour mixture into the bottom of a greased 9-inch round pan.

  4. Arrange mango slices evenly over the caramel.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

  2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract.

  3. Gradually mix in dry ingredients alternately with milk until smooth. Stir in oil if using.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

  1. Pour batter gently over the mango slices in the pan.

  2. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  3. Cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

  • Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

  • Optionally, top with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Notes

  • Moist Cake: Use ripe mangoes and oil in the batter for extra tenderness.
  • Make Ahead: Cake can be baked a day ahead; invert and serve when ready.
  • Mini Version: Bake in cupcakes for individual servings.
  • Flavor Twist: Add a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon to the batter for extra aroma.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert / Tropical Cake
  • Method: Baked / Inverted
  • Cuisine: International / Tropical

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