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 favorite at my summer parties due to its eye-catching look and delightful taste.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Step 2:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 3:
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Step 4:
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Step 5:
- Stir in the milk and mango purée until combined.
- Step 6:
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just incorporated do not overmix.
- Step 7:
- Divide the batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full.
- Step 8:
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 9:
- 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.
- Step 10:
- For the buttercream, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Step 11:
- Mix in vanilla extract and heavy cream (or milk) until fluffy.
- Step 12:
- 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).
- Step 13:
- 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.
- Step 14:
- Pipe swirls of frosting onto each cupcake, creating a sunset gradient.
- Step 15:
- Garnish with a slice of strawberry or mango, if desired.
Save These cupcakes always bring smiles at family events and sweeten our celebrations together.
Required Tools
Muffin tin cupcake liners mixing bowls electric mixer 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 Enjoy these tropical cupcakes as a colorful and flavorful treat perfect for any festive occasion.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I achieve the sunset swirl buttercream effect?
Divide your frosting into three parts—plain, mango-puréed, and strawberry-puréed. Place spoonfuls side-by-side in a piping bag and pipe to create a color gradient resembling a sunset.
- → Can I use fresh fruit instead of purées?
Yes, ripe fresh mango and strawberries can be blended into purées for the best flavor and texture in the batter and frosting.
- → What is the best way to fill the cupcakes?
After baking and cooling, core a small section from the center of each cupcake and fill with strawberry jam for a sweet surprise inside.
- → How should I store these cupcakes?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days to preserve freshness.
- → Is there a lighter alternative for the butter in the batter?
Yes, substituting part of the butter with Greek yogurt makes the cupcakes lighter while maintaining moisture.
- → What tools are needed for preparation?
Essential tools include a muffin tin, cupcake liners, mixing bowls, an electric mixer, piping bag with star tip, and a small knife or cupcake corer.