Description
This rustic, airy sponge cake features delicate layers filled with tangy cream cheese frosting and a sweet, fresh mango purée. Topped with artfully arranged golden mango slices, this seasonal dessert celebrates the pure beauty and natural flavors of tree-ripened fruit.
Ingredients
- 4 large, ripe mangos
- 6 large farm-fresh eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 packages (8 oz each) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup unsalted cultured butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the oven. Heat your oven to 350°F and line the bottoms of two nine-inch cake pans with parchment paper, leaving the sides ungreased.
- Whip the eggs. Combine room-temperature eggs and sugar in a large bowl, beating on high speed for eight minutes until the mixture is thick, pale, and forms ribbons.
- Fold in flour. Gently fold the sifted flour and baking powder into the egg mixture in three stages using a silicone spatula until no streaks remain.
- Bake the layers. Divide the batter between prepared pans and bake for 25 minutes until golden and springy, then cool completely on a wire rack.
- Create the frosting. Beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla together until velvety and stable, then place some into a piping bag.
- Prepare the mango. Purée the flesh of four mango cheeks in a blender until smooth, and slice the remaining four cheeks into thin, petal-like strips.
- Assemble the cake. Slice the cooled cakes into four rounds, layering each with mango purée and cream cheese frosting before decorating the top with mango slices.
Notes
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature to achieve maximum volume and lift during the whipping process.
- Use a wide silicone spatula to gently fold in flour, ensuring you scrape the bottom of the bowl to prevent heavy pockets.
- Avoid greasing the sides of the cake pans so the sponge can climb the metal walls for a higher rise.
- Slice fruit very thinly to ensure the decorative flower crown stays upright rather than sinking into the frosting.
- Bring all frosting ingredients to the same temperature before mixing to prevent the dairy from curdling or separating.
- Prep Time: 70 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Modern Farmhouse
