Description
Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes are a delightful and visually stunning treat that combines the tropical sweetness of mango with the vibrant flavor of strawberries. These moist cupcakes are filled with luscious strawberry jam and topped with a beautiful tri-colored frosting swirl inspired by a sunset, making them perfect for parties or a special dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
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
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
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to ensure easy removal and cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is essential for a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Flavors: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Mix in the milk and mango purée until well combined to add moisture and fruity flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- 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 and the tops are golden.
- Cool and Fill: Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack. Using a piping bag or small knife, hollow out the center of each cupcake and fill with strawberry jam for a sweet surprise.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed to prevent powdery clouds.
- Add Vanilla and Cream: Mix in vanilla extract and heavy cream until the frosting becomes smooth, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Divide and Color Frosting: Separate the frosting into three bowls: keep one plain, add mango purée to the second for a yellow-orange hue, and strawberry purée to the third for a pink-red color.
- Assemble Sunset Swirl: Place each colored frosting side-by-side in a piping bag to create a beautiful sunset swirl effect when piped.
- Pipe Frosting: Swirl the tri-colored frosting onto each cupcake in decorative patterns.
- Garnish (Optional): Decorate cupcakes with a small slice of strawberry or mango for an extra touch of color and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened for easy and effective creaming with sugar.
- Using fresh fruit for the mango and strawberry purées enhances the natural flavors of the cupcakes.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to 2 days; refrigerate for longer storage but allow cupcakes to come to room temperature before serving.
Keywords: cupcakes, mango cupcakes, strawberry cupcakes, sunset cupcakes, fruity cupcakes, baked desserts, party desserts, fruit frosting