Name: Mango Upside Down Cake with Lime and Ginger Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups all-purpose flour; 1½ teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ¾ teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; ½ cup melted unsalted butter (1 stick); 1 cup sugar; 2 tablespoons lime juice; Zest of one lime; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup plain yogurt (regular or Greek); 4 tablespoons softened unsalted butter; ⅓ cup brown sugar (light or dark); 2-4 mangoes (depending on size and type)

If you’re looking for a tender, fragrant dessert that delivers a burst of tropical sunshine in every bite, you’re going to adore this Mango Upside Down Cake with Lime and Ginger Recipe. It’s a beautiful marriage of sweet, juicy mangoes caramelized with buttery brown sugar, brightened by zesty lime, and warmly spiced with ginger. This cake isn’t just a treat; it’s an experience that feels like summer on a plate. Plus, it’s surprisingly straightforward to prepare, making it perfect for impressing friends or brightening your everyday dessert rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various cooking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There are two whole ripe mangoes with a gradient of yellow, orange, and green skin placed in the center. Surrounding them are small transparent glass bowls filled with different ingredients: one with light brown sugar, another with white flour, a small bowl of white granulated sugar, a bowl with a few slices of pale yellow butter, and another bowl containing white yogurt that has a creamy texture. Three small green limes sit near the bottom left. There is a small bowl with a golden brown powder, likely ground ginger, and a tiny bowl with vanilla extract showing a dark brown liquid. Two whole white eggs rest in a glass bowl on the right. Three small white bowls with different types of salts or powders are placed near the top. The whole setup is bright with soft natural light, casting gentle shadows. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Mango Upside Down Cake with Lime and Ginger Recipe plays an essential role, whether it’s adding flavor depth, moistness, or that irresistible golden color. The beauty is in the simplicity—you only need staple pantry items and a handful of fresh produce to create magic.

1½ cups all-purpose flour: The base for a tender yet sturdy crumb that holds everything together perfectly.
1½ teaspoons baking powder: Gives the cake lift so it’s light and fluffy.
¼ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the yogurt to add extra rise and tenderness.
¾ teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
1 teaspoon ground ginger: Infuses the cake with a comforting warmth that pairs beautifully with mango and lime.
½ cup melted unsalted butter (1 stick): Adds rich moisture and buttery flavor to the batter.
1 cup sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender crumb.
2 tablespoons lime juice: Brings a lively brightness that elevates the tropical notes.
Zest of one lime: Packs concentrated citrus aroma and flavor.
2 eggs: Provide structure and bind the cake ingredients together.
1 teaspoon vanilla: Adds a comforting, sweet background note.
½ cup plain yogurt (regular or Greek): Moisturizes and tenderizes; also reacts with baking soda for lift.
4 tablespoons softened unsalted butter: Combined with brown sugar to create the caramelized mango topping.
⅓ cup brown sugar (light or dark): Caramelizes perfectly under the mango slices, adding deep sweetness and a gorgeous glaze.
2-4 mangoes (depending on size and type): The star fruit, sliced and arranged to create a stunning visual and juicy topping.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Mango Upside Down Cake with Lime and Ginger Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Generously butter a 10-inch cast iron skillet or a deep 9-inch cake pan. If you opt for the cake pan, line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Next, melt the ½ cup of butter for the batter and set it aside to cool slightly while you mix the dry ingredients. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and that fragrant ground ginger for a perfectly seasoned base.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Using a microplane, zest your lime and then juice it. In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, sugar, lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla together until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, giving the mixture a good whisk after each addition — it may look grainy at this stage, but that’s completely normal. Finally, stir in the yogurt with a silicone spatula, creating a silky and smooth wet mixture.

Step 3: Prepare the Mango Topping

Combine the softened butter and brown sugar in a small bowl until smooth and streak-free. Spread this mixture evenly on the bottom of your prepared pan using an offset spatula for a neat finish. Slice your mangoes by cutting lengthwise along the seed, then make diagonal cuts in the flesh. Fold the peel backward to fan out the slices, and then carefully remove them from the peel. Arrange the mango slices artistically on top of the brown sugar and butter layer, packing them close together for that stunning upside down effect.

Step 4: Combine Batter and Bake

Now, add the dry ingredients to the wet in two batches, incorporating fully with a spatula each time until there’s no visible flour. Pour your batter gently over the arranged mango slices, smoothing it evenly to the edges of the pan without disturbing the fruit. Place your pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the cake is deeply golden and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Flip and Cool

When your cake emerges from the oven, run a knife or offset spatula around the edges to loosen it. Transfer it on its pan to a cooling rack and let it rest for exactly 10 minutes. Then, using pot holders, place a large plate over the pan and carefully flip it in one confident motion to reveal the glossy mango topping. Allow the cake to cool for 30 to 60 minutes before serving. For an extra pop of brightness, sprinkle a little more lime zest on top.

How to Serve Mango Upside Down Cake with Lime and Ginger Recipe

A black cast iron pan sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a neatly arranged spiral of bright orange mango slices. The mango pieces are thin, smooth, and glossy, layered closely together in overlapping circles from the edge of the pan toward the center. The pan has a handle on one side and a short handle loop on the opposite side. The background is plain with soft lighting highlighting the juicy texture of the mango slices photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The best way to elevate this Mango Upside Down Cake with Lime and Ginger Recipe is with fresh, vibrant garnishes. Adding a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a spoonful of cooling vanilla ice cream complements the warm spices and tangy lime marvelously. A few fresh mint leaves or additional lime zest on top create a fresh, pretty presentation that invites everyone to dig in.

Side Dishes

This cake shines as a stand-alone dessert but pairs wonderfully with light, citrusy salads or a refreshing sorbet alongside it. If you’re serving it at a gathering, consider a platter of tropical fruits or a mild, creamy coconut panna cotta to keep the flavor theme flowing seamlessly through your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this cake as individual portions in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins, ensuring each guest enjoys their own little treasure. You can also dust the finished cake lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle a thin lime glaze to add shine and extra zing. For festive occasions, top with edible flowers for an inviting, Instagram-worthy finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, cover your Mango Upside Down Cake with Lime and Ginger Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store it at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to five days. This way, moisture and freshness are retained without sacrificing the cake’s tender texture.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them inside a freezer-safe bag or container. The cake can last frozen for up to three months without losing much flavor or texture. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To revive day-old or refrigerated cake slices, gently warm them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10 to 15 minutes or microwave in short bursts until just heated through. This brings back some moistness and helps the caramel topping to shine again.

FAQs

Can I use a different fruit instead of mango for this upside down cake?

Absolutely! While mango adds a tropical sweetness and vibrant color, you can experiment with pineapple, peaches, or even a mix of berries depending on what’s in season or what flavors you prefer.

What type of yogurt is best for this recipe?

Both regular and Greek yogurt work well here. Regular yogurt will give a slightly lighter texture, while Greek yogurt adds tang and a bit more moisture. Choose plain, unsweetened yogurt to keep the balance of flavors just right.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Look for a deeply golden surface and edges that begin to pull away from the sides of the pan. Most importantly, insert a toothpick or knife in the center of the cake—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum, you can have a gluten-free version. Just ensure the blend is designed for baking to keep the texture tender and similar to the original.

What’s the best way to cut and slice the mango for this recipe?

Cut lengthwise along each side of the mango seed, then score diagonal lines in the flesh. Fold the peel backward to fan out the slices, which makes removing them cleanly from the skin much easier and results in perfect mango segments for arranging on the cake.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Mango Upside Down Cake with Lime and Ginger Recipe, I promise it will become one of those unforgettable desserts you want to make again and again. It’s simple enough for weeknight baking but elegant enough for special occasions. The layers of caramelized mango, zesty lime, and warming ginger come together to create something truly special—one bite and you’ll see why this cake is a beloved crowd-pleaser. So grab those mangoes and get baking. Your taste buds will thank you!

Mango Upside Down Cake with Lime and Ginger Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need