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 have always found these cupcakes brighten up any party. The burst of fruity flavors combined with the creamy frosting makes them an instant favorite with friends and family.
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 My family loves gathering around and tasting each variation of the buttercream together; it truly makes special memories.
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 (per serving)
Calories: 320 Total Fat: 15 g Carbohydrates: 45 g Protein: 3 g
Save These cupcakes bring a tropical twist to your dessert table and can be customized easily with your favorite fruits.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I achieve the sunset swirl effect?
Divide the buttercream into three portions tinted with mango purée, strawberry purée, and plain vanilla. Place each into a piping bag side-by-side and pipe swirls for a gradient sunset look.
- → Can I use fresh mango and strawberries?
Yes, fresh ripe mangoes and strawberries provide the best flavor and vibrant colors for the batter and frosting.
- → What is the best way to fill the cupcakes with strawberry jam?
After baking and cooling, use a small knife or corer to create a cavity in the center, then spoon in the strawberry jam carefully.
- → Are these cupcakes suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the ingredients used are vegetarian-friendly, including eggs and dairy.
- → How should these cupcakes be stored?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days to keep them fresh.
- → Can the butter be replaced for a lighter option?
Part of the butter in the batter can be substituted with Greek yogurt to reduce fat while maintaining moisture.