Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes Recipe
These Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes are vibrant, fruity treats perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion where a burst of tropical flavor is desired. Moist mango-infused cupcakes are filled with sweet strawberry jam and topped with a beautifully swirled, colorful buttercream frosting that resembles a gorgeous sunset. Their balance of sweet mango and tart strawberry flavors creates a refreshing and visually appealing dessert.
- Author: Amy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
Buttercream Frosting
- 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
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt ensuring they are well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air into the batter.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla extract. Then mix in the milk and mango purée thoroughly for flavor and moisture.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can make cupcakes dense.
- Fill and Bake: Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until the cupcakes are golden on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool completely.
- Fill with Strawberry Jam: Once cooled, hollow out the center of each cupcake slightly using a piping tip or knife and fill with strawberry jam for a sweet surprise inside.
- Prepare Frosting Base: Beat the butter until creamy and then gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well to avoid lumps.
- Add Vanilla and Cream: Mix in the vanilla extract and heavy cream, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy, perfect for piping.
- Divide and Color Frosting: Separate the frosting evenly into three bowls. Leave one plain (white/vanilla), mix one with mango purée for a yellow-orange tint, and the last with strawberry purée to achieve a pink-red color.
- Create Sunset Swirl: Add each colored frosting side-by-side into a piping bag fitted with your favorite frosting tip to create a beautiful multi-colored swirl effect.
- Decorate Cupcakes: Pipe the frosting onto each cupcake in swirling motions to mimic a sunset sky on top.
- Garnish (Optional): For extra visual appeal, add a small slice of fresh strawberry or mango on top of each cupcake as a garnish before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or canned mango purée based on availability, but fresh purée will offer brighter flavor.
- Ensure cupcakes are fully cooled before filling and frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
- For a vegan or dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut or almond milk.
- Frosting colors can be adjusted by adding more or less purée to achieve desired intensity.
- These cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Mango cupcakes, Strawberry jam filling, Sunset swirl frosting, Summer dessert, Fruit flavored cupcakes