Strawberry Mango Cake: A Summery Slice of Joy

Some cakes whisper of quiet afternoons with a cup of tea, while others demand a celebration. This Strawberry Mango Cake is firmly in the second camp. With its vivid colors and vibrant flavors, it’s a joyful tribute to sunshine, warm breezes, and the fruits that make summer worth savoring.

My first memory of a cake like this comes from a neighborhood potluck in late June. The table was packed with pies, tarts, and layered confections, but this one stood out — golden sponge layers sandwiched with clouds of whipped cream, bright mango slices nestled alongside ripe strawberries. Each bite was a burst of tropical sweetness with a lightness that made it impossible to stop at one slice.

Strawberry Mango Cake combines the lush sweetness of mango with the tart, juicy pop of strawberries, all wrapped up in a tender sponge and a creamy, dreamy filling. It’s the kind of cake that brings people together — perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or a weekend get-together that calls for something a little extra.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A True Showstopper: This cake isn’t just delicious — it’s beautiful. A centerpiece for any dessert table.
• Bright, Fruity Flavor: The blend of strawberries and mangoes creates a balanced, refreshing sweetness.
• Versatile: Ideal for warm weather occasions, but loved year-round.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its soft cake layers, creamy filling, and fresh fruit, there’s something in it for everyone.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep components ahead to simplify assembly on the big day.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

For the Sponge Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk

For the Cream Filling:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks

For the Fruit Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 1/2 cups fresh mangoes, peeled and diced
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh strawberry halves
• Mango slices
• Mint leaves
• Whipped cream

How to Make Strawberry Mango Cake

The key to the perfect Strawberry Mango Cake lies in gentle hands and fresh ingredients. It’s a cake that rewards care — but it’s not fussy. Here’s how to bring it together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Sponge Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and line two 9-inch round cake pans.

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

In a larger bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy — about 3 minutes with an electric mixer. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix just until combined.

Divide the batter evenly between the pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cakes completely before assembling.

2. Whip the Cream Filling

Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Slowly add the powdered sugar, then mix in the vanilla.

Gently fold in the whipped cream to keep the filling light and airy. You should end up with a luscious, spreadable cream.

3. Prepare the Fruit

Slice your strawberries and dice your mangoes into small cubes. For an extra touch of sweetness, you can toss them with a bit of sugar. Let them sit for 10 minutes while the cake finishes cooling.

4. Assemble the Cake

Place one sponge layer on your cake stand or plate. Spread a thick layer of the cream filling over the top, then sprinkle half the fruit evenly over the cream.

Add the second cake layer and repeat with cream and fruit. You can also add a ring of whipped cream around the top edge for flair.

For the final touch, garnish with strawberry halves, mango slices, and fresh mint.

Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before slicing to help the layers set beautifully.

Helpful Tips

• Use ripe mangoes and strawberries: They should be sweet and fragrant — underripe fruit won’t shine in this recipe.
• Cool completely before assembling: Warm cake can melt the filling and cause the layers to slide.
• Try a cake ring: For more stability, you can assemble the cake inside a cake ring or springform pan.
• Make it ahead: Bake the cake layers the day before and store tightly wrapped at room temperature.

Details

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 slices
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Fusion
• Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

• You can switch out the cream cheese filling for mascarpone for an even richer taste.
• Freeze individual slices for quick treats later — they thaw beautifully overnight in the fridge.
• Add a layer of strawberry or mango jam between the cakes if you want an extra hit of fruity flavor.

Nutritional Information (per slice)

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Sugar: 30g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 200mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned fruit instead of fresh?
Yes, but be sure to drain them thoroughly. Fresh fruit offers better texture and flavor.

Is the cake overly sweet?
Not at all. The cream cheese balances the sweetness of the fruit and frosting.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture will still be light and lovely.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other fruity delights:

• White Chocolate Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake
• Passion Fruit & Mango Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust
• Marry Me No-Bake Raspberry Chocolate Mousse Cups
• Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake

Conclusion

This Strawberry Mango Cake isn’t just a dessert — it’s a memory in the making. Each forkful carries the sweetness of summer and the comfort of a homemade treat. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or treating yourself to something special, this cake delivers sunshine in every slice.

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