Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes

If you’re craving a dessert that looks as stunning as it tastes, these Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes are your answer. Bursting with tropical mango, sweet strawberries, and topped with a vibrant “sunset swirl” buttercream, these cupcakes are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for your taste buds.

Soft, moist cupcakes filled with strawberry jam and finished with a colorful, layered buttercream make these treats perfect for birthdays, brunches, or just a weekend baking adventure. They’re also vegetarian-friendly, making them an inclusive treat everyone can enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tropical twist: Mango and strawberry combine for a unique, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor.
• Sunset swirl frosting: Beautiful, Instagram-worthy presentation without complex techniques.
• Soft, moist texture: The addition of mango purée keeps cupcakes tender and airy.
• Customizable: Adjust the fruit purées to taste or add extra decorations.
• Quick and approachable: Ready in about 50 minutes, perfect for home bakers of all levels.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe makes 12 cupcakes. Exact measurements are preserved for accuracy.

For the Cupcakes

• 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)
• ¼ cup strawberry jam (for filling)

For the 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

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Muffin tin (12-cup capacity)
• Cupcake liners
• Medium and large mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk and spatula
• Small knife or cupcake corer
• Piping bags and tips (large round or star tip recommended)
• Bowls for dividing frosting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cupcake Liners

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

1. In a large bowl, cream unsalted butter and sugar together until light and fluffy using an electric mixer on medium speed.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

1. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Mix in milk and mango purée, ensuring the batter is smooth and uniform.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

1. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure soft cupcakes.

Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes

1. Fill each cupcake liner ¾ full with batter.
2. Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before filling.

Step 7: Fill with Strawberry Jam

1. Using a small knife or piping tool, create a small cavity in the center of each cooled cupcake.
2. Fill the cavity with strawberry jam for a burst of fruity flavor in every bite.

Step 8: Make Sunset Swirl Buttercream

1. Beat 1 cup softened butter on medium speed until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
3. Add vanilla extract and heavy cream, mixing until light and fluffy.
4. Divide frosting into three bowls:
   • Leave one portion plain (white/vanilla).
   • Mix one portion with mango purée (yellow-orange).
   • Mix one portion with strawberry purée (pink-red).

Step 9: Create Sunset Swirl

1. Add the three colored frostings side-by-side into a single piping bag.
2. Pipe the frosting onto cupcakes in a swirling motion to create a “sunset” effect.

Step 10: Optional Garnish

1. Top each cupcake with a small slice of fresh mango or strawberry for extra flair and visual appeal.

Tips & Variations

• Fruit purées: Fresh mango and strawberries give the best flavor, but canned purées work in a pinch.
• Vegan option: Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and eggs with flax eggs; use plant-based milk.
• Extra fruit swirl: Mix additional strawberry or mango purée into the batter for marbled cupcakes.
• Decorative touch: Add edible glitter or sprinkles on the frosting for parties or celebrations.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Taste: Sweet and tropical with vibrant mango notes balanced by the delicate tang of strawberries.
• Texture: Moist, tender cupcakes with creamy, soft buttercream frosting.
• Best Sides: Serve with a fresh fruit platter or a light, citrusy salad for brunch.

Nutritional Overview (Per Cupcake)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320 kcal
Sugar	25 g
Fat	15 g
Saturated Fat	9 g
Unsaturated Fat	4 g
Sodium	150 mg
Carbohydrates	45 g
Fiber	1 g
Protein	3 g
Cholesterol	50 mg

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian-friendly; contains dairy and eggs.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Cupcakes: Can be baked a day in advance and stored in an airtight container.
• Filling: Strawberry jam can be added up to 24 hours ahead of serving.
• Frosting: Buttercream can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge; re-whip before piping.
• Storage: Keep frosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen mango or strawberry purée?
A: Yes, just thaw fully and drain any excess liquid to maintain cupcake texture.

Q2: Can I make cupcakes without filling?
A: Absolutely! The jam is optional but adds a pleasant burst of fruit flavor.

Q3: How do I keep the frosting colors distinct?
A: Place each color side-by-side in the piping bag without overmixing, then pipe carefully.

Q4: Can I use other fruits for the swirl?
A: Yes, passion fruit, raspberry, or peach purée work beautifully for a tropical variation.

Q5: Can these cupcakes be frozen?
A: Cupcakes freeze best without frosting. Thaw completely, then fill and frost before serving.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Task	Time
Prep ingredients	10 min
Mix batter	10 min
Bake cupcakes	18–20 min
Cool cupcakes	15 min
Fill with jam	5 min
Make frosting	10 min
Pipe frosting	10 min
Total	~50 min

Serving Suggestions

• Pipe frosting high for dramatic effect, using a star or round tip.
• Garnish with small slices of mango or strawberry for visual contrast.
• Arrange on a tiered cupcake stand for celebrations or brunch tables.

Recipe Variations

1. Tropical Sunset: Add a teaspoon of passion fruit purée to the frosting.
2. Chocolate Mango Strawberry: Fold a few chocolate chips into the batter for extra decadence.
3. Mini Cupcakes: Make bite-sized versions for parties; reduce baking time to 12–15 minutes.
4. Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Ingredient Spotlight

Mango Purée

• Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and tropical flavor. Use fresh mango for the best taste and vibrant color.

Strawberry Purée

• Provides a subtle tang and enhances the sunset color palette. Crush fresh strawberries or strain store-bought purée for smooth frosting.

Pro Baking Tips

• Use room-temperature butter and eggs for smoother batter and frosting.
• Do not overmix batter; this ensures tender, soft cupcakes.
• Pipe frosting slowly to create clean swirls and a professional finish.
• Use fresh fruit slices for garnish to elevate the presentation.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Unfrosted cupcakes: Can be frozen individually in airtight containers for up to 1 month.
• Frosting: Buttercream can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days; re-whip before piping.
• Filled cupcakes: Best served fresh. Refrigerate for 2–4 days if needed. Avoid freezing after frosting for the best texture.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	320 kcal	Moderate indulgence
Sugar	25 g	Includes powdered sugar and strawberry jam
Fat	15 g	Butter contributes richness
Saturated Fat	9 g	Mainly from butter
Unsaturated Fat	4 g	From butter
Carbs	45 g	From flour, sugar, and fruit
Fiber	1 g	From fruit
Protein	3 g	From eggs and milk
Cholesterol	50 mg	From eggs and butter

Expanded Conclusion

These Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes bring tropical flavors and stunning visuals to your kitchen. Moist, mango-infused cupcakes with a hidden strawberry jam center and a sunset swirl buttercream are a show-stopping treat for any occasion.

Try this recipe for your next brunch, birthday, or cozy baking day. The vibrant colors, sweet fruit flavors, and tender cupcakes will have everyone reaching for seconds. Once you make them, these cupcakes are guaranteed to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

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