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 summer favorite at our family parties, always impressing guests with its vibrant look and delicious 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
- 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 (23 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 in dry ingredients:
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just incorporated do not overmix.
- Fill cupcake liners:
- Divide the batter evenly among cupcake liners filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake:
- Bake for 1820 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 vanilla and cream:
- Mix in vanilla extract and heavy cream (or milk) until fluffy.
- Divide and color frosting:
- Divide the frosting evenly into three bowls Leave one plain (white/vanilla) Mix mango purée into the second bowl (yelloworange) Mix strawberry purée into the third bowl (pinkred).
- Create sunset swirl:
- Add spoonfuls of each colored frosting sidebyside 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.
Pin it My family loves gathering around to decorate these cupcakes together, creating beautiful swirls and enjoying the tropical flavors.
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 from processing facilities. 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
Pin it This recipe adds a tropical twist to classic cupcakes perfect for any celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What gives the cupcakes their tropical flavor?
The tropical essence comes from fresh or canned mango purée in the batter and buttercream, complemented by strawberry purée in the filling and frosting.
- → How is the sunset swirl effect created?
Three frostings are colored naturally with mango and strawberry purées and piped side-by-side through a star tipped bag to form the sunset swirl.
- → Can these cupcakes be made ahead?
Yes, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days, maintaining freshness and flavor.
- → Are there any allergy considerations?
These cupcakes contain wheat, eggs, and dairy. Those with allergies should check ingredient processing information carefully.
- → Can the butter be substituted for a lighter option?
A lighter batter can be made by replacing part of the butter with Greek yogurt while maintaining moisture and texture.