Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes Recipe
Introduction
These Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes are a delightful blend of tropical mango and sweet strawberry flavors. Topped with a tri-colored swirled buttercream, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious—perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients
- 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
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened, for frosting)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 2 tbsp mango purée (for frosting)
- 2 tbsp strawberry purée (for frosting)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 3: In a larger bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- Step 5: Stir in the milk and mango purée for moisture and flavor.
- Step 6: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined; avoid overmixing.
- Step 7: Spoon the batter into liners, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Step 8: Hollow out a small center in each cupcake and fill with strawberry jam for a sweet surprise.
- Step 9: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while beating to create fluffy buttercream.
- Step 10: Mix in vanilla extract and heavy cream (or milk) until smooth and spreadable.
- Step 11: Divide the frosting into three bowls. Leave one plain, mix one with mango purée, and one with strawberry purée to create three colors.
- Step 12: Place all three frostings side-by-side into a single piping bag with a decorative tip to make a sunset swirl.
- Step 13: Pipe the tri-colored frosting onto the cupcakes with swirled motions.
- Step 14: Optionally, garnish each cupcake with a small slice of fresh strawberry or mango for an extra touch.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh mango and strawberries for the purées when in season for the best flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream with plant-based alternatives.
- If you prefer less sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar slightly.
- Try adding a teaspoon of lime zest to the batter for a citrusy twist.
Storage
Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving. The frosting can be sensitive to heat, so avoid storing in warm spots. For longer storage, freeze the cupcakes without frosting for up to 1 month and thaw before frosting and serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the cupcake batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just give it a gentle stir before spooning into the liners.
How do I prevent the frosting colors from blending too much?
Place each frosting color side by side carefully in the piping bag without mixing them beforehand. Using a large piping tip helps maintain the distinct swirl effect as you pipe.
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Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 38-40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
Description
Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes are moist, fluffy vanilla cupcakes infused with tropical mango purée and filled with a sweet strawberry jam center. Topped with a tri-colored buttercream frosting showcasing a beautiful sunset swirl of vanilla, mango, and strawberry flavors, these cupcakes are a vibrant and delicious treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat 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 to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate larger bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender crumb.
- 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 structure and flavor.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Mix in the milk and mango purée, which adds moisture and a tropical fruit flavor to the batter.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cupcakes.
- Fill and Bake: Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely.
- 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 add a delightful fruity surprise inside.
- Prepare Frosting Base: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while continuing to beat to incorporate air, resulting in a fluffy buttercream.
- Add Vanilla and Cream: Mix in vanilla extract and heavy cream (or milk) until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Create Frosting Colors: Divide the frosting into three separate bowls. Leave one plain for vanilla (white), mix one with mango purée for a yellow-orange tone, and the last with strawberry purée for a pink-red hue.
- 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 beautiful sunset swirl effect when piped.
- Decorate Cupcakes: Pipe the tri-colored frosting onto the cupcakes using swirled motions for an eye-catching look.
- 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
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and smoother batter.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding dry ingredients to keep cupcakes tender.
- Use fresh or canned mango purée depending on availability.
- Filling the cupcakes with strawberry jam adds a pleasant surprise element and extra moisture.
- Divide frosting carefully for even color distribution to achieve the sunset effect.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine and use non-dairy milk and cream alternatives.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cupcakes, mango, strawberry, buttercream frosting, dessert, tropical flavors, fruity cupcakes

