If you’re a fan of fruity desserts, these Strawberry Mango Cupcakes will be a hit! With a light, fluffy texture and a delicate blend of strawberry and mango flavors, these cupcakes bring the essence of summer into every bite. Perfect for birthday parties, family gatherings, or any special occasion, they combine the classic allure of cupcakes with a refreshing, tropical twist. This recipe features soft, moist cupcakes and a beautifully swirled buttercream frosting that showcases the sweet and tangy flavors of strawberry and mango. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so irresistible!
Why We Love This Recipe
Strawberry and mango are a match made in heaven. The strawberries bring a slight tartness, while mangoes offer a sweet, creamy texture that balances out the flavors. Together, they create a vibrant taste profile that appeals to everyone. These cupcakes are not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor. The combination of fluffy cake and rich, creamy buttercream frosting makes for an indulgent treat. Plus, the recipe is straightforward, using simple ingredients that are easy to find. Let’s get started with what you’ll need.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups caster sugar (extra fine granulated sugar)
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups full cream milk (whole milk)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pink and red food gel (for strawberry flavor)
- 1 tsp strawberry flavoring
- Yellow food gel (for mango flavor)
- 1 tsp mango flavoring
For the Frosting
- 1 batch American or Swiss Meringue Buttercream
- Food gels: Pink and red for strawberry; yellow for mango
- Flavorings: Strawberry and mango
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cupcake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your cupcake pans with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk and oil, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly into two bowls. In one bowl, add pink and red food gel along with the strawberry flavoring. In the other bowl, add yellow food gel and mango flavoring. Mix until the colors and flavors are evenly incorporated.
Step 2: Swirl and Bake
- To achieve a beautiful swirl, add a spoonful of each batter to the cupcake liners, alternating between the strawberry and mango batters. Use a toothpick to gently swirl the two colors together.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Buttercream Frosting
- While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare your buttercream frosting. Whether you choose American or Swiss Meringue Buttercream, make sure it’s whipped to a light and fluffy consistency.
- Divide the frosting into two bowls. Add pink and red food gel and strawberry flavoring to one, and yellow food gel and mango flavoring to the other.
- To create a two-tone effect, spoon each frosting into opposite sides of a piping bag. When piped, this will give a beautiful swirl effect that matches the cupcakes.
Step 4: Frost the Cupcakes
- Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe the buttercream frosting on top of each cupcake.
- For an extra garnish, consider adding a slice of fresh strawberry or mango, or even a sprinkle of edible glitter for a touch of sparkle.
Success Tips
- Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in dense cupcakes rather than light and fluffy ones.
- Accurate Measurements: Use precise measurements, especially for the flour. Too much flour can make the cupcakes dry.
- Check Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated to the right temperature before baking. An incorrect temperature can affect the texture and color of the cupcakes.
- Let Cupcakes Cool Completely: Frosting warm cupcakes can cause the buttercream to melt, so be patient and let them cool fully.
Storage
Refrigerator
If you plan to keep the cupcakes for a few days, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for up to 5 days. Before serving, bring them to room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
Freezer
These cupcakes also freeze well. Place them (without frosting) in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and frost fresh.
Notes
- Substitute Greek Yogurt: If you don’t have Greek yogurt, sour cream works as a great alternative to keep the cupcakes moist.
- Customizable Colors: Feel free to adjust the food coloring intensity to match your preference.
- Flavor Variations: If you want to try other flavor combinations, consider using raspberry or pineapple instead of strawberry and mango.
Nutrition
Each cupcake is approximately 250 calories, but this can vary depending on the type of frosting and specific ingredients used.
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 12g
- Sugar: 21g
FAQs
Can I Make This Recipe Without Food Coloring?
Yes, the food gels are mainly for visual appeal and don’t impact the flavor. If you prefer a more natural look, you can omit the coloring and still enjoy the fruity flavors.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute and is suitable for baking to ensure the cupcakes have the right texture.
Can I Use a Different Frosting?
Absolutely! While American and Swiss Meringue Buttercream complement these cupcakes well, you could try a whipped cream frosting or even a cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Swirl in My Cupcakes?
For a perfect swirl effect, spoon in a layer of each batter color into the cupcake liners, alternating between strawberry and mango. Use a toothpick to gently swirl the colors together. Avoid over-swirling, as you want the colors to remain distinct.
What’s the Best Way to Serve These Cupcakes?
These cupcakes are best served at room temperature for the ideal flavor and texture. Garnish with fresh fruit or edible glitter for a special touch.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Mango Cupcakes are a delightful treat that offers a taste of the tropics in every bite. The fluffy cupcakes, combined with the fruity buttercream frosting, make for an irresistible combination that is sure to impress. Perfect for summer gatherings, birthdays, or any special event, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. Enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors, and don’t forget to share these delicious cupcakes with family and friends!