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.
I first baked these cupcakes for a summer party and they were a huge hit with friends and family, who loved the fruity combination and colorful design.
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 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:
- Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Add Flavor to Buttercream:
- Mix in vanilla extract and heavy cream (or milk) until fluffy.
- 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 These cupcakes always bring smiles and are a favorite dessert at family celebrations and summer barbecues.
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 cupcakes add a burst of flavor and color to any occasion and are sure to impress your guests.
Recipe FAQ
- → What fruit flavors are featured in these cupcakes?
The cupcakes highlight mango purée in the batter and a strawberry jam filling, complemented by mango and strawberry in the buttercream frosting.
- → How is the sunset swirl effect created on the frosting?
Three frostings—vanilla, mango-flavored, and strawberry-flavored—are piped side-by-side into a piping bag, creating a colorful sunset gradient when swirled onto the cupcakes.
- → Can I prepare these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- → Are there suggestions for ingredient substitutions?
For a lighter texture, part of the butter in the batter can be replaced with Greek yogurt without altering the flavor profile significantly.
- → What tools are required for making these cupcakes?
You’ll need a muffin tin, cupcake liners, mixing bowls, an electric mixer, spatula, piping bag with a star tip, a small knife or corer, and a wire rack for cooling.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these cupcakes are vegetarian-friendly as they include no meat, poultry, or fish products.