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 first made these cupcakes for a summer picnic and they were an instant hit 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 enjoying these cupcakes during summer celebrations together.
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
Calories 320 Total Fat 15 g Carbohydrates 45 g Protein 3 g per serving
Save These cupcakes bring a refreshing and colorful touch to any dessert table.
Kitchen Help
- → What is the best way to achieve the sunset swirl effect?
Divide the buttercream into three parts and mix each with mango, strawberry, or plain vanilla puree. Place them side-by-side in a piping bag with a star tip, then pipe to create a smooth gradient swirl.
- → Can I use fresh fruit instead of purees?
Fresh mango and strawberries can be blended or mashed to create purees, offering a fresher, more vibrant flavor in both batter and frosting.
- → How do I prevent overmixing the batter?
Fold the dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture just until combined to keep the cupcakes tender and light.
- → What is the purpose of coring the cupcakes?
Coring removes a small center to fill with strawberry jam, adding a sweet surprise and extra moisture inside each cupcake.
- → How should these be stored to maintain freshness?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 4 days to preserve flavor and texture.
- → Is it possible to lighten the batter?
Yes, substituting some butter with Greek yogurt creates a lighter texture without compromising moisture.