Save A vibrant, tropical-inspired cupcake bursting with mango and strawberry flavors, finished with a stunning sunset swirl buttercream. Perfect for summer gatherings or any festive celebration.
This recipe quickly became a summer favorite in my family. Everyone loves how the fruity filling brightens up the cupcakes and the colors always wow at parties.
Ingredients
- Cupcake Batter: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp salt, ½ cup unsalted butter softened, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, ½ cup milk, ¼ cup mango purée fresh or canned
- Filling: ¼ cup strawberry jam
- Sunset Swirl Buttercream: 1 cup unsalted butter softened, 3 cups powdered sugar, 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 2 tbsp mango purée, 2 tbsp strawberry purée
- Optional Garnish: Fresh strawberry slices, Fresh mango slices
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- Stir in the milk and mango purée until combined.
- Fold Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just incorporated do not overmix.
- Fill Cupcake Liners:
- Divide the batter evenly among cupcake liners filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake:
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Filling:
- Once cooled use a small knife or cupcake corer to remove a small center from each cupcake Fill each cavity with about 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam.
- Make Buttercream:
- For the buttercream beat the softened butter until creamy Gradually add powdered sugar mixing until smooth.
- Add Flavors:
- Mix in vanilla extract and heavy cream or milk until fluffy.
- Divide and Color Frosting:
- Divide the frosting evenly into three bowls Leave one plain (white/vanilla) Mix mango purée into the second bowl (yellow-orange) Mix strawberry purée into the third bowl (pink-red).
- Create Swirl:
- To create the sunset swirl effect add spoonfuls of each colored frosting side-by-side into a large piping bag fitted with a star tip.
- Pipe Frosting:
- Pipe swirls of frosting onto each cupcake creating a sunset gradient.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with a slice of strawberry or mango if desired.
Save Baking these cupcakes always brings my family together. We enjoy decorating them and sharing stories over every colorful bite.
Required Tools
Muffin tin, Cupcake liners, Mixing bowls, Electric mixer (hand or stand), Spatula, Piping bag with star tip, Small knife or cupcake corer, Wire rack
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (dairy). May contain traces of nuts if ingredients are processed in facilities that handle nuts. Always check labels if preparing for individuals with allergies.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 320, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 45 g, Protein: 3 g per serving
Save These Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes are perfect for brightening any occasion with color and flavor. Enjoy the fresh tropical twist!
Recipe Help & Answers
- → What gives these cupcakes their sunset swirl effect?
The sunset swirl comes from combining three different frostings: vanilla, mango purée, and strawberry purée, piped side-by-side to create a gradient.
- → Can I use fresh fruit for the purées?
Yes, ripe fresh mangoes and strawberries make the best purées for vibrant flavor and color.
- → How should I store these cupcakes for freshness?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days to maintain moisture.
- → Can I substitute any ingredients for a lighter version?
Part of the butter in the batter can be replaced with Greek yogurt to reduce fat while keeping moisture.
- → Is it necessary to remove cupcake centers for the filling?
Yes, hollowing out the centers allows you to add strawberry jam inside for a burst of flavor in each bite.