This Strawberry Mango Split Cake is the perfect fusion of refreshing summer fruits and a light, airy cake base. Each bite bursts with the tropical sweetness of mango and the tart freshness of strawberries, complemented by layers of creamy frosting. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that will leave everyone craving for more, perfect for family gatherings, parties, or simply indulging in a treat.
A Juicy and Fruity Delight
The combination of strawberries and mango creates a delightful contrast that excites the taste buds. The vibrant colors and fresh fruits make this cake as visually appealing as it is delicious. With its layers of fluffy cake, sweet mango pudding, and strawberry slices, all topped with a light, creamy frosting, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
The cake itself is light and moist, perfectly balanced with the richness of the cream and the natural sweetness of the fruits. Whether you’re serving it as a birthday cake, a summer dessert, or just because you deserve something sweet, this Strawberry Mango Split Cake is the ideal choice. Plus, it’s simpler to make than it looks!
Ingredients for Strawberry Mango Split Cake
The key to this delicious cake is fresh, juicy fruits combined with simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each layer brings a burst of flavor, making every bite irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need to create this refreshing dessert:
- Cake Layers – Use your favorite sponge cake recipe or a pre-made vanilla cake mix. This serves as the light and fluffy base for the fruity layers. A simple homemade vanilla cake also works great!
- Mango Pudding – A smooth layer of mango pudding brings a creamy, tropical sweetness. You can use a store-bought pudding or make your own with fresh mangoes and gelatin.
- Fresh Strawberries – These add a tart and sweet freshness, beautifully contrasting the smooth mango pudding. Slice them thinly for easy layering.
- Whipped Cream or Frosting – For the creamy layer between the cake and fruit, use either whipped cream or a light vanilla buttercream frosting. The light pink color can be achieved with a few drops of food coloring or strawberry extract.
- Buttercream (optional) – You can add a thin layer of buttercream to keep the cake extra moist and provide richness.
- Fruit Garnish – Top the cake with extra fresh strawberries and mango slices for a beautiful, appetizing finish.
How to Make Strawberry Mango Split Cake
Creating this fruity cake is easier than you might think! Here’s how to put it together step by step, from baking the layers to assembling the fruity goodness:
- Prepare the Cake
Begin by baking two 8-inch round cake layers using your favorite vanilla or sponge cake recipe. Let them cool completely before slicing each layer in half horizontally to create four thin layers of cake. This will ensure a balanced ratio of cake to fruit filling. - Make the Mango Pudding
While the cake is cooling, prepare the mango pudding. If you’re using fresh mangoes, blend the fruit into a smooth puree and cook with a bit of sugar and gelatin. Let the pudding cool and set before assembling the cake. - Prepare the Strawberries
Wash and slice the strawberries into thin, even pieces. Set them aside for easy layering. Choose the ripest strawberries for maximum flavor. - Whip the Cream
If you’re using whipped cream for the filling, whip heavy cream with a little powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Add a drop of pink food coloring or strawberry extract to create a light pink hue, or keep it white for a more neutral look. - Assemble the Cake Layers
Begin with one layer of cake, then spread a generous amount of mango pudding on top. Place a second cake layer over the pudding, followed by a layer of whipped cream and sliced strawberries. Repeat with the remaining cake layers, alternating between mango pudding and strawberries with whipped cream. - Frost the Cake
Once the layers are assembled, frost the entire cake with whipped cream or your chosen frosting. Smooth the frosting over the sides and top, and garnish with additional strawberry and mango slices for a stunning finish.
How Long To Make Strawberry Mango Split Cake
The process of making a Strawberry Mango Split Cake involves several simple yet essential steps. From baking the cake layers to preparing the fruit and assembling everything together, the timing depends on how you manage each task. Here’s a breakdown to help you plan:
Cake Baking Time
The cake layers will need about 25-30 minutes to bake, depending on the recipe and the size of your cake pans. Be sure to let them cool completely before slicing and assembling the layers.
- 8-inch round cake layers: 25-30 minutes
- Cooling time: 30 minutes
Preparing the Mango Pudding
The pudding layer takes 10-15 minutes to prepare if using a store-bought mix. If you’re making it from scratch with fresh mangoes, it may take a little longer, about 15-20 minutes including the cooking and blending of mango puree. Remember to allow time for it to set properly before adding it to the cake layers, which will take 30-45 minutes in the fridge.
Assembling the Cake
Once the cake layers and pudding are ready, assembling the cake will take approximately 20-30 minutes. This includes spreading the mango pudding, layering the strawberries, and frosting the cake.
Total Time Breakdown:
- Baking the cake layers: 25-30 minutes
- Cooling the cake: 30 minutes
- Preparing mango pudding: 10-20 minutes (plus 30-45 minutes for setting)
- Assembling the cake: 20-30 minutes
How To Store Strawberry Mango Split Cake
Once your Strawberry Mango Split Cake is assembled, it’s important to store it correctly to maintain its fresh and delicious flavors. Here are some tips for storage:
- Refrigerate: The cake can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The fresh fruit and whipped cream layers need to be kept cold to avoid spoiling.
- Freeze: If you need to store the cake longer, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. To serve, thaw the cake in the fridge overnight.
Cooking Tips
- Chill the cake layers: For easier assembly, chill your cake layers for about 30 minutes before cutting them. This will prevent crumbling and make the cake easier to handle.
- Balance the sweetness: If you find the mango pudding too sweet, you can balance it with a squeeze of lime juice or a pinch of salt to enhance the tropical flavor.
- Rest the cake before serving: Once assembled, let the cake rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Strawberry Mango Split Cake
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
This delightful Strawberry Mango Split Cake combines the tropical sweetness of mango and the fresh tartness of strawberries with light, fluffy layers of cake and whipped cream. Easy to assemble, packed with refreshing flavors, and perfect for summer gatherings or special occasions, this cake will leave your guests asking for seconds.
Ingredients
For the Cake Layers:
- 2 round 8-inch vanilla sponge cakes, sliced in half
For the Mango Pudding:
- 2 cups fresh mango puree
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tsp gelatin (or agar-agar for a vegetarian option)
For the Whipped Cream:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Few drops pink food coloring or strawberry extract (optional)
For the Fresh Fruit:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- Fresh mango slices for garnish
For the Garnish:
- Extra strawberry and mango slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Layers:
Bake two 8-inch round vanilla sponge cakes, then slice each layer in half horizontally to create four thin layers. Let the cake layers cool completely before assembling. - Make the Mango Pudding:
In a saucepan, combine mango puree and sugar over medium heat. Stir in the gelatin and continue stirring until it’s completely dissolved. Remove from heat and pour the pudding into a dish to cool and set in the fridge for 30-45 minutes. - Prepare the Whipped Cream:
Using an electric mixer, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Add a few drops of pink food coloring or strawberry extract if desired for color. - Assemble the Cake:
Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of mango pudding on top. Add the second layer of cake, followed by a layer of whipped cream and sliced strawberries. Repeat the process with the remaining layers, alternating between mango pudding and strawberries with whipped cream. - Frost the Cake:
Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining whipped cream. Smooth the edges with a spatula for a clean finish. - Garnish and Serve:
Decorate the top of the cake with fresh strawberry and mango slices. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to set. - Store Leftovers:
Wrap the leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze individual slices for up to 1 month.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute the whipped cream with a light buttercream frosting if you prefer a richer cake.
- The cake is best served chilled, as it enhances the flavors of the fresh fruit and cream layers.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
