Name: Vegan Mango Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 3 cups (375g) all-purpose plain flour (spoon and leveled); 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar; 3 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/8 teaspoon salt; ~2 cups (480g) mango puree (approx 3-4 medium ripe mangoes); 2/3 cup (165g) dairy-free milk; 1/2 cup (125g) neutral flavored oil; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 cups (300g) powdered sugar / icing sugar; 1/2 cup (120g) vegan cream cheese (room temperature); 1/2 cup (115g) vegan block butter (room temperature); 3 tablespoons (20g) cornstarch / corn flour; 3 tablespoons (45g) melted vegetable shortening or coconut oil; 1-2 mangoes (sliced or diced for decoration)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 71 reviews

If you are looking for a tropical twist on a delightful dessert, this Vegan Mango Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to! Bursting with the juicy sweetness of ripe mangoes and topped with a luxuriously smooth vegan cream cheese frosting, this cake feels like a sunny day captured on a plate. Perfectly moist, fluffy, and full of flavor, it’s a showstopper that’s entirely plant-based and surprisingly simple to pull off. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or craving a sweet treat, this recipe delivers all the joy and none of the dairy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven small bowls and glasses arranged on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl is white inside with a brown edge and is filled with white flour, placed near the top right. To its top left is a clear glass with a smooth mustard-yellow liquid. Below the glass is a white bowl with blue dots around the edge, filled with white granulated sugar. To the right of the sugar bowl, there's a white bowl with a dark blue rim, containing light-colored milk. At the bottom right, there is a small white bowl with a yellow liquid, likely oil or melted butter. Near the center bottom, a tiny white bowl contains a white powder, probably baking soda or baking powder. The colors are soft and natural, and the focus is on the textures and natural tones of the ingredients photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a special role, combining to create a perfectly balanced vegan cake that’s fluffy, moist, and naturally infused with mango goodness. Simple yet essential, they bring together flavor, texture, and that beautiful golden color you see in the final slice.

3 cups (375g) all-purpose plain flour: The base that gives the cake its soft and tender structure.
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: Sweetness that complements the natural fruit flavor without overpowering it.
3 teaspoons baking powder: Provides the lift and fluffiness for a light texture.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Works with vinegar to help the cake rise perfectly and stay moist.
1/8 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
~2 cups (480g) mango puree: Adds vibrant tropical flavor and moisture from fresh, ripe mangoes.
2/3 cup (165g) dairy-free milk: Keeps the batter smooth and tender without any dairy.
1/2 cup (125g) neutral flavored oil: Maintains moisture and adds richness to the cake crumb.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to create a tender crumb.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth that complements the mango beautifully.
3 cups (300g) powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese frosting to silky perfection.
1/2 cup (120g) vegan cream cheese, room temperature: For that classic tang and creamy texture in the frosting.
1/2 cup (115g) vegan block butter, room temperature: Adds richness and stability to the frosting.
3 tablespoons (20g) cornstarch: Helps thicken and stabilize the frosting for the perfect spreadable consistency.
3 tablespoons (45g) melted vegetable shortening or coconut oil: Adds smoothness and helps keep the frosting stable at room temperature.
1-2 mangoes (sliced or diced): For decorating and adding a fresh, juicy touch on top.

How to Make Vegan Mango Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease or line two 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans with parchment paper to ensure your cake layers release easily after baking. Getting this step right sets the stage for beautiful, intact layers.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed and free from lumps. This ensures your cake will have a consistent texture with no surprises.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Pour the mango puree, dairy-free milk, neutral oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together gently until the batter is smooth and no pockets of flour remain. The mango puree is the star here, lending moisture and tropical sweetness that you’ll notice bite after bite.

Step 4: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake them for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. Because the cake is delightfully moist, don’t worry if you see a couple of crumbs—that just means it’s perfectly tender!

Step 5: Cool Your Cake Layers

Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes to firm up slightly. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial; trying to frost a warm cake can result in frosting that melts or slides off.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, and cornstarch until smooth and well combined. Slowly drizzle in the melted vegetable shortening or coconut oil while continuing to beat the mixture. This gives the frosting a silky finish and the perfect spreadable texture. If you want your frosting thicker and sturdier, simply add a little more powdered sugar and give it another quick mix.

Step 7: Assemble the Vegan Mango Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

When your cake layers are completely cooled, slice off the domed top of one layer to create a flat surface. Place that layer on your serving plate, then spread or pipe about one cup of frosting evenly over it. Top with the second cake layer, then cover with the remaining frosting. Finally, decorate with the sliced or diced mango pieces for a fresh, eye-catching finish.

How to Serve Vegan Mango Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A slice of two-layered yellow-orange cake with a creamy white frosting layer in the middle sits on a beige plate. The top layer is covered with the same white frosting, topped with small yellow fruit pieces and a green mint leaf. In the background, there is a full cake with the same layers, frosting, yellow fruit pieces, and mint leaves, all placed on a white marbled surface with a soft, blurred light beige background and delicate flowers. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The bright, juicy mango on top is the star garnish here, but you can amp it up by sprinkling toasted coconut flakes or chopped toasted almonds. These add a lovely crunch and make every bite even more interesting and tropical.

Side Dishes

Serve this cake alongside a chilled tropical fruit salad or a light coconut sorbet for a refreshing contrast. These mild and fruity sides balance the richness of the cream cheese frosting beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try layering individual mini cakes or cupcakes with the same mango cream cheese frosting, then stacking them creatively. You can also create a vegan mango trifle by layering chunks of this cake with coconut whipped cream and mango slices in clear glasses for a stunning presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Vegan Mango Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and fresh for up to 4 days. Just bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake layers before frosting for up to two months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then frost and assemble just before serving for a fresh-tasting dessert any time.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is generally not necessary. If you prefer a slightly warmer slice, simply let it sit out for about 30 minutes before cutting and serving. Avoid microwaving as it can alter the texture of both the cake and the frosting.

FAQs

Can I use canned mango puree in this Vegan Mango Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?

Yes, canned mango puree can be a convenient substitute. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to control the overall sweetness, and adjust the sugar in the recipe if needed.

What if I don’t have vegan cream cheese?

If vegan cream cheese isn’t available, you can try using silken tofu blended with a bit of lemon juice and maple syrup for frosting. The texture will be different but still creamy and delicious.

Is this cake nut-free?

The base recipe contains no nuts, making it suitable for most nut allergies. Just ensure any vegan butter or cream cheese you use is also nut-free, and double-check any garnishes.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum will work, but expect a slightly different crumb and texture. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

How ripe should the mangoes be?

For the best flavor and natural sweetness, use mangoes that are fully ripe but still firm. Overripe mangoes can make the cake overly wet, while underripe ones won’t provide the same depth of flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Mango Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has quickly become one of my most beloved desserts to bake and share. Its bright, tropical flavors combined with a tangy, creamy frosting create a perfect harmony that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing friends and family, this cake is sure to bring smiles and requests for seconds. Grab some ripe mangoes and dive into this joyful baking experience—you won’t regret it!