Save to Pinterest 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.
These cupcakes have become a highlight at all my summer parties and bring a touch of sunshine to every bite.
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 to Pinterest Sharing these cupcakes with family has created joyful moments and sweet memories.
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
Save to Pinterest These cupcakes are sure to brighten any occasion with their fresh tropical flavors and gorgeous presentation.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What ingredients create the sunset swirl effect?
The swirl is made by dividing buttercream into three parts, mixing mango purée in one and strawberry purée in another, and piping them side-by-side for a gradient look.
- → How is the strawberry jam used in these cupcakes?
A small hole is removed from each cupcake center and filled with strawberry jam, adding a sweet and slightly tart filling.
- → Can these cupcakes be stored for later?
Store airtight at room temperature up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- → Are there any ingredient substitutions suggested?
For a lighter variation, part of the butter can be replaced with Greek yogurt in the batter without compromising texture.
- → What tools are necessary for preparation?
A muffin tin, liners, mixing bowls, electric mixer, piping bag with star tip, and a small knife or corer for hollowing cupcakes are needed.