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Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes Recipe

4.4 from 131 reviews

Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes are delightful tropical-themed treats featuring a moist cupcake infused with mango purée and filled with a sweet strawberry jam center. Topped with a vibrant tri-colored buttercream swirl representing a sunset, these cupcakes are visually stunning and bursting with fresh fruit flavors. Perfect for celebrations or anytime you want a deliciously fruity dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a larger bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender crumb in the cupcakes.
  4. Add Eggs and Flavoring: Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, ensuring they are fully incorporated into the buttery mixture for good structure and flavor.
  5. Combine Wet Ingredients: Mix in the milk and mango purée, adding moisture and a tropical fruit flavor to the batter.
  6. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cupcakes dense.
  7. Fill and Bake: Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
  8. Fill Cupcakes: Once cooled, hollow out a small center portion of each cupcake using a piping tip or small knife and fill with strawberry jam to create a fruity surprise inside.
  9. Prepare Frosting Base: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar while beating to make a fluffy buttercream frosting.
  10. Add Vanilla and Cream: Mix in vanilla extract and heavy cream (or milk) until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
  11. Create Frosting Colors: Divide the frosting into three bowls. Leave one plain for vanilla white frosting, mix one with mango purée for a yellow-orange tint, and mix the last with strawberry purée for a pink-red hue.
  12. Combine Frosting for Swirl: Place all three colored frostings side-by-side into a single piping bag fitted with a decorative tip to create a sunset swirl effect when piped.
  13. Decorate Cupcakes: Pipe the tri-colored frosting onto the cupcakes in swirled motions to achieve a beautiful sunset-themed appearance.
  14. Optional Garnish: Garnish each cupcake with a small slice of fresh strawberry or mango for added visual appeal and a hint of fresh fruit flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh or canned mango purée depending on availability—ensure it is smooth for best mixing.
  • Filling cupcakes with jam after baking adds a delicious fruity surprise and moisture contrast.
  • Adjust the amount of cream in frosting for desired consistency—add more for a thinner texture.
  • Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
  • Allow cupcakes to cool completely before filling and frosting to prevent melting or sliding.

Keywords: mango strawberry cupcakes, fruit filled cupcakes, tropical cupcakes, sunset swirl frosting, buttercream frosting, baked desserts