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 has become a favorite at family parties, always drawing compliments for its taste and eye-catching appearance.
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:
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar:
- Cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- 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.
- Mix batter:
- 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:
- Remove a small center from each cupcake and fill with about 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam.
- Make buttercream:
- Beat softened butter until creamy gradually add powdered sugar mixing until smooth. Mix in vanilla extract and heavy cream or milk until fluffy.
- Color frostings:
- Divide frosting into three bowls: leave one plain, mix mango purée into second bowl, mix strawberry purée into third bowl.
- Create sunset swirl:
- Add spoonfuls of each colored frosting side-by-side into a piping bag with a star tip.
- Pipe and garnish:
- Pipe swirls of frosting onto cupcakes creating a sunset gradient and garnish with strawberry or mango slices if desired.
Save Our family enjoys making these cupcakes together every summer, sharing laughs while creating these colorful treats.
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 depending on processing facilities always check labels if preparing for individuals with allergies
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 320 calories 15 g total fat 45 g carbohydrates 3 g protein
Save These Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes bring both vibrant flavor and stunning presentation to your dessert table.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → What makes the frosting have a sunset effect?
The frosting is divided into three segments: plain vanilla, mango purée-infused, and strawberry purée-infused buttercream. When piped together, they create a sunset gradient swirl.
- → Can I use fresh fruits instead of purées?
Yes, fresh mango and strawberry purées are recommended for the best flavor, but you can make your own purée from fresh fruits blended smoothly.
- → How do I avoid overmixing the batter?
Fold in the dry ingredients gently and just until combined to ensure a tender crumb and avoid toughness.
- → What is the best way to fill the centers with jam?
After cooling, use a small knife or cupcake corer to remove a small section from the center, then spoon in the strawberry jam to keep the cupcakes moist and flavorful.
- → How should these treats be stored?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- → Any tips for a lighter version?
Substitute part of the butter in the batter with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tender texture without sacrificing moisture.