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.
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 
Save A delightful tropical treat that brings summer to your table Perfect for celebrations
Recipe Help & Answers
- → What ingredients create the sunset swirl effect?
The sunset swirl is achieved by dividing buttercream into three portions and mixing mango purée into one, strawberry purée into another, and leaving one plain. These are then piped side-by-side to form the gradient.
- → How can I ensure the cupcakes stay moist?
Use room-temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter to keep cupcakes tender and moist.
- → Can I use fresh fruit for the purées?
Yes, ripe fresh mangoes and strawberries provide the best flavor and texture for the purées used in both the batter and frosting.
- → What is the best way to fill the center with strawberry jam?
After baking and cooling, use a small knife or corer to remove a small center portion of each cupcake, then fill it with about a teaspoon of strawberry jam.
- → How should these treats be stored?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days to keep them fresh.
- → Is there a lighter alternative for the butter in the batter?
Substituting part of the butter with Greek yogurt can make the cupcakes lighter while maintaining moisture.