Who doesn’t love mangoes? I am just crazy for mangoes and many other tropical fruits. From salads to desserts, mangoes deliver, big time. A great example is this gorgeous, sunshiny, mildly sweet and buttery, super duper delicious Mango Upside Down Cake — a recipe adapted from Feast On The Cheap, the blog that I have been assigned to for this month. Huh? Oh, didn’t I tell you? Today is SRC– Secret Recipe Club day!!!
Browsing through Feast On The Cheap’s recipe index, I bookmarked many great recipes. However, the Orange-Mango Upside Down Cake filled my eyes with its beauty and lusciousness to such a degree that I decided I just had to make a mango upside down cake. 🙂 I am also sick of these dark, cold winter days… I thought that bringing sunshine to my/our plate would be an awesome idea. Well, upside down cakes are highly esteemed in Brazil, with banana upside down cake and pineapple upside down cake being the two most popular. There, cafezinho (a small cup of our strong coffee) — or sometimes tea– is the preferred accompaniment to enjoy with coffee cakes such as this one. But if you would like to have yours warm, accompanied by a scoop of ice cream, go right ahead and enjoy! 🙂
Feast On The Cheap is a blog co-authored by mother-and-daughter Mary Ann and Mariel who cook amazing budget-friendly dishes and treats. Reading their story made me smile because of the many things Mary Ann and I have in common. Like me, Mary Ann is a mother, caterer, blogger, a member of both the Epicurious community, SRC, and the BlogHer Network. 🙂 She also had another career before starting cooking on a professional level. It is interesting how two complete strangers have so many things in common. But the coincidences do not stop here! Mariel, her daughter and co-author of Feast On The Cheap, grew up in her mother’s kitchen learning “the language of cooking at a young age.” According to her, “While the neighborhood children were chowing down on hot dogs and burgers, she was taste-testing rack of lamb, Scotch broth and tea sandwiches.” My two children are also growing up in my kitchen, and my six-year-old already shows great interest in cooking and appreciation for gourmet foods. Maybe my little girl will be my future co-author one day. 🙂
As always, I have to put my own little spin on the recipe in order to make it my own. For this reason alone, Mariel’s Orange-Mango Upside Down Cake became simply a Mango Upside Down Cake garnished with pomegranate seeds on top and incorporating mango juice in the batter instead of orange juice. I also added yogurt to its batter recipe to make it more moist. Although I do love oranges, I thought perhaps exchanging the orange juice for coconut milk or mint tea might be a nifty idea– but in the end winded up adding mango juice. I would prefer to savor the aphrodisiac taste of this tropical stone fruit, highly appreciated in Brazil, in both the batter and topping. In cooking, there is a principle: to really emphasize the taste of something, do not stray! So in order to really bring out the taste of the mangoes, I both used the fruit in the topping and mango juice in the batter. Of course, you are welcome to put your own personal touch(es) on yours, too.
For now, enjoy this sunshiny mango upside down cake. My smile is as large as my chubby face. 🙂
xx
Mango Upside Down Cake
Ingredients
- For the Topping:
- 3-4 firm-ripe mangoes peeled**
- 1/2 lemon or 1 lime
- 1/2 stick unsalted butter about 4 Tablespoons
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- For the Cake Batter:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 stick unsalted butter softened, ½ cup
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 whole large eggs plus 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup plain yogurt
- ½ cup concentrate mango juice mango nectar, or frozen mango pulp, thawed
Instructions
- To prepare the mango topping: Slice mangoes lengthwise. Using a spoon, remove flesh from the halves. Cut into half-inch slivers and place into a medium bowl. Sprinkle lemon juice (to give a touch of acidity to the cake and brighten the mango color) on top and set aside.
- In a small sauce pan, melt butter over medium heat, then stir in brown sugar. Simmer, stirring, until sugar has dissolved. Without stirring, let cook a little bit more until bubbles start to form around the edges of the mixture (i.e.the sugar begins to caramelize). Spread mixture in the bottom of a buttered 9-inch round baking pan and arrange mango slivers on top in a rose pattern or any other that you wish (Note: It is very important to fill all or most spaces; otherwise topping will not look as pretty as it could (Mine did not have all the spaces filled because only 2 mangoes were used). Then, set aside.
- To make the mango upside down cake batter: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl and set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and sugar together at medium speed until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes). Add the 2 whole eggs, one at a time, and then the egg yolk -- beating after each addition. Beat in both the vanilla and yogurt.
- Add half of flour mixture, beating at low speed until just combined. Mix in mango juice, then add remaining flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Spoon the batter over the arranged mango slivers in the cake pan (Be careful not to disturb the mango pattern!!!) and then, spread the batter smooth and even. Bake for 33-37 minutes (dark pan) or 45 - 50 minutes (shiny pan) or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. To unmold the mango upside down cake, run a thin knife gently along the edges of the pan, invert onto a platter, and continue cooling. If desired, garnish top of the mango upside down cake with pomegranate seeds (optional). Serve mango upside down cake slightly warm or at room temperature by itself or with ice cream.
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Feast on the Cheap says
Thank you so much for the kind words! And funny you have so much in common with us, love that. You have such a beautiful blog and it’s so nice to meet you through SRC. Small request: would you mind linking over to our original Orange-Mango Upside Down Cake in case anyone wants to check that out? Or just to our main site in general? Thanks!
http://feastonthecheap.net/ or http://feastonthecheap.net/orange-mango-upside-down-cake/
Denise Browning says
My pleasure! I did link to your Orange-Mango Upside Down Cake — initially on bottom of the recipe when I mentioned that the recipe was adapted from Feast On The Cheap. TA few minutes ago, I moved the link to the top of the recipe box. If you do prefer, I can place the link in the post text/article instead. What would you prefer?
Shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com says
Denise – you and I seem to have very similar tastes when it comes to fruits – first passionfruit and now mangoes…I love love love ’em – but have never had them in a cake before – this upside down cake looks GORGEOUS! Totally delectable!
Denise Browning says
Thanks a lot, Shashi!!! It is true…Tropical fruits are the best, right? xx
Little Cooking Tips says
Wow. Exceptional work once again. Thank you so much for bringing the sunshine into our screens so often Denise:)
Denise Browning says
The pleasure is always mine, Mirella and Panos!!!!
Our Eating Habits says
Wow, What a totally gorgeous cake! A Show stopper for sure!
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Jamie! I am so glad that you stopped by. xx
Chris @ The Café Sucré Farine says
This cake is GORGEOUS Denise and you named it so appropriately – it’s like a bit of delicious sunshine coming through my computer screen!
Denise Browning says
Awwww, Chris! I am glad that its image filled your screen with a bit of sunshine. xx
Deanna Segrave-Daly says
These photos are simply gorgeous and totally the sunshine I need this month! Cannot wait to try this recipe because I adore mangos too. This one will help me get through the winter for sure 🙂 (Also fun reading about all the similarities you had with your assigned blogger this month!)
Denise Browning says
Thanks for always stopping by on SRC days, Deanna!!! I love to have you here. xx
Daniela says
This looks like sunshine on a plate.
Fantastic, fruity flavor and gorgeous colors, Denise!
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Daniela! xx
Lisa {AuthenticSuburbanGourmet} says
Love a traditional pineapple upside down cake and love that you put a new twist with mango – this is a must try! Nice SRC pick!
Denise Browning says
Hi, Lisa! Thanks for stopping by every SRC day. Yes, I also love pineapple upside down cake. This was the first time making it with mango and I loved so much that I do intend to make it again. Wishing you a great week!
Gintare @Gourmantine says
You know, this gorgeous cake brought back memories of one tour we had in Brazil, where we could literally pick up mangos from the ground and eat them. Best mangos I’ve ever had 🙂
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Gintare! If they had a yellowish-rose skin, they were manga-rosa or rose mango — my fave variety.
Manu says
I LOVE this! And I love that you made it your own. I think adding yogurt to the batter is a brilliant idea… I often make yogurt cakes and I think they are THE best as they always come out nice and moist!!! And I love your presentation… the photo of the sliced up cake makes me wan to reach for a slice through my screen!!!! Bookmarking it as my husband LOVES mangoes!!! 🙂
Denise Browning says
It is always a pleasure, Manu! I hope you make this for him one day…My family and I are hooked on it.
Sugar et al says
Can’t tell you how much I love mangoes! Eaten them like crazy during my growing up years but now I have to spend quite a bit to get them in Oz. Your cake is beautiful and vibrant. Thank you for the sunshine…it’s been a cloudy week here:-)
Denise Browning says
Thank you, my friend! Mangoes are one of my all-time fave fruits.
sarah k @ the pajama chef says
sounds SO good!
Denise Browning says
Thanks for visiting FBTY and welcome, Sarah!
AnneFromMySweetHeart says
Oh Denise….this cake is just stunning! I love mangoes so much, I need to start baking with them more. This cake looks luscious and moist….and the pomegranates look like jewels! A perfect time of the year here in my dreary winter for a bit of sunshine! : )
Denise Browning says
Anne: Thanks again! I am tired of these long winter, cloudy days… and really looking forward to spring. This is one of the reasons why I chose this recipe. Looking at it, it makes me smile.
Abbe@This is How I Cook says
What a gorgeous cake and I adore mangoes! This makes me feel summery and sunshiny and happy!
Denise Browning says
I am glad that this cake makes you happy, Abbe! I feel the same.
Margaret says
Looks like summer on a plate.
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Margaret!
cquek says
I don’t think it’s something I’ve ever come across. :D, but i am sure I could finish them all
Denise Browning says
I am happy that you think so, cquek!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I’m in love with your mango upside down cake. If I could live on only one thing, I would choose a ripe mango every time. This is perfect!
Denise Browning says
Me too, Maureen!
Deb says
The sunny and bright Mango Upside Cake is just the refreshing sunshine my winter heart craves! A phenomenal dessert!
Denise Browning says
Thanks for the lovely and poetic words, Deb! I am looking forward to spring for sure.
Francesca says
This looks delicious. You’re not alone on the mango love!
Denise Browning says
Glad to know, Francesca!
Juliana says
This cake looks so pretty…I never had mango upside down cake…I love it…so refreshing and tropical!
Have a great week Denise 😀
Denise Browning says
Likewise, Juliana!
Karen - Cinnamon Freud says
This cake looks beautiful! The orange mango and red pomegranate seeds look amazing together!
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Karen!
Shibi @Flavz Corner says
Denise…who won’t love to have a slice from that beautiful looking cake???? I wish I could grab it now. The color is so tempting!!!!
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Shibi! This is really one delicious cake.
Aurica says
i’m crazy about the mango’s, and more crazy about this mango cake, it’s so creamy, suculent and very sweet..yummmmy 😀
Denise Browning says
Thanks a ton, Aurica!
Liz says
What a gorgeous upside down cake, Denise! It looks so summery in the dead of winter!
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Liz! That was my intention since I am so looking forward to sunny, warmer days. I just cannot stand to winter anymore… I really had enough of it! 🙂 Having at least a reminder on my plate of spring/summer, it was a comforting !!!
Rekha says
Wow what a gorgeous cake Denise.. A sunshine indeed 🙂 Love it. Mangoes have just started to show up here so will sure try this soon
Denise Browning says
Enjoy, Rekha!!! This one delicious cake…
Amira says
This is absolutely out of this world. I love love love mangoes. In Egypt we have many kinds most are very sweet,very flavorful and colorful. Thanks for this heavenly cake.
Denise Browning says
I hope you try this at home, Amira! You will love this cake. Wishing you a great day!
John@Kitchen Riffs says
I totally love mangoes too! But I’ve never had them in an upside down cake. I will, I will. 😉 Thanks for this.
Denise Browning says
If you make this, you won’t regret it, John…
Krissie - Pearls of Style says
I’m a HUGE mango lover, this cake looks so lovely! Love the pop of red too!
Krissie x -http://pearlsofstyle.blospot.com.au
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Krissie! This is my sunshine in a plate. I am so tired of winter days.
Dedy@Dentist Chef says
Gosh, simply delicious and the photograph is so intruguing…
lovin mango all the way….
Denise Browning says
Dedy: Thanks so much!
Judit & Corina @WineDineDaily says
You truly captured the sunshine with your delicious Mango Upside Down Cake! Love the beautiful photos Denise 🙂
Cheers,
J+C
Denise Browning says
I am so glad to see you both here again. Thanks a lot for the kind words, Judith and Corina! Wishing you an awesome evening…
Julia | JuliasAlbum.com says
Denise, this cake does look like sunshine: so bright and yellow! Love the design on top – so pretty! I am sure the cake is so tasty!
Denise Browning says
Hi, Julia! Thanks a ton. Yes, my family and I did enjoyed it so much that I intend to make it again. My little one is crazy for it!
Coffee and Crumpets says
I always eat mangoes by themselves but this cake looks wonderful! My grandfather’s house in India used to have mango trees and many other tropical fruit trees. It was so beautiful when everything was blossoming and going. Bright and cheerful like this cake.
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Nazneen! We had a tall mango in the backyard of the house where I grew up…I remember that it produced mangoes almost year round. I love mangoes since I was a child. My fave variety is called rose mango.
whatjessicabakednext says
This looks super delicious- I love upside down cakes, definitely need to try this one in the Summer!
Denise Browning says
You won’t regret it, Jessica! This is a super duper delish cake.
Abbe @ Abbe's Cooking Antics says
I finally have five minutes to sit down and pour over all the recipes I have missed in recent months and come face to face with this mouth watering dessert! It looks absolutely scrumptious, Denise – you are tempting me away from my diet 😉 xx
Denise Browning says
It’s so good to have you visiting me here again, Abbe! I’ve missed you. Thanks a lot for stopping by… I know that you have been quite busy!
Maria says
What a beautiful looking cake! And I love that you used mangos in it, it sounds so delicious!
Denise Browning says
Hi, Maria! Thank you very much…and welcome to FBTY!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
I could never resist upside down cakes!! Especially with mangoes 🙂
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Kiran! This was my first time making this type of cake with mangoes– and I loved it! In general, I use either bananas or pineapple.
Danielle Mackin says
How Do I incorporate the mango and the pineapple in this recipe?
Denise Browning says
Hi, Danielle!
This cake takes mango juice and sliced mangos. There is no pineapple among its ingredients.
Ingredients should be incorporated according to the recipe directions/instructions.
Have a great day!
Vama says
Omg such a lovely cake and beautiful clicks. I love mangoes wish could taste it..
Renee says
Is it just as good if I make it the day before or should it be fresh day of? Can’t wait to try it. Adding a little sunshine to Thanksgiving.
Denise Browning says
Hi Renee! You can make the day before and cover well to not dry out. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!
Ria says
Hi Denise! I tried the recipe and the cake was delish, but somehow the texture doesn’t seem right. Mine came out quite dense like bread pudding. I was wondering if you had any idea on what may have gone wrong? Thanks in advance for your help and for the recipe!
Denise Browning says
Hi Ria! I would love to help you figure this out but it is one of the most surprising results that I have ever heard. Everyone that has ever made this cake (including myself more than once) never experienced that type of texture as far as I know. A few things that may have altered the texture are: ingredients substitutions (or simply butter was not at room temp or softened and/or eggs were not at room temp), overbeating the batter, overbaking, and high altitudes. In addition, are you used to eat more cakes that are made from scratch or cakes that are prepared from a mix? One thing my American friends always say about cakes in general is they prefer the ones made from mixes because they are lighter although the ones from scratch are more flavorful. All these can play a role in the results or how you feel the texture. I wish I could have seen your cake to have a better idea. This is my younger daughter’s favorite cake and I use the same batter recipe to make variations as well such as pineapple, pear, and peach upside down cakes. I hope my answer can help you somehow. Thank you for stopping by!