Strawberry Mango Cupcakes Recipe

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Let me share with you a delightful treat that’s bursting with tropical sunshine and berry sweetness—the Strawberry Mango Cupcakes Recipe. These cupcakes are a showstopper, blending luscious strawberry and mango flavors in a moist, fluffy cake base, topped with vibrant swirls of buttercream frosting that look as good as they taste. Perfect for celebrations or any day you want a burst of flavor and color, this recipe is your ticket to cupcake bliss, combining fresh fruit vibes with a fun, playful presentation that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, each bringing its own magic to the cupcakes. From the fluffy texture of all-purpose flour to the rich creaminess of whole milk and butter, every item plays a vital role in building the perfect balance of flavor, structure, and color in your cupcakes.

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your cupcakes, providing a soft, tender crumb.
• 1 1/4 cups caster sugar: Extra fine sugar that dissolves easily for a smooth sweetness.
• 3 tsp baking powder: Gives your cupcakes a light, airy rise.
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt: Balances the sweetness, enhancing all the flavors.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and keeps your cupcakes moist.
• 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients and help create a tender texture.
• 1 1/2 cups full cream milk (whole milk): Moisturizes the batter for softness and depth.
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cupcakes extra moist and tender.
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream: Adds a slight tang and helps with a tender crumb.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: A warm, subtle backdrop that complements the fruit flavors.
• Pink and red food gel: For that vibrant strawberry hue.
• 1 tsp strawberry flavoring: Intensifies the delicate berry notes.
• Yellow food gel: Brings the sunny mango color to life.
• 1 tsp mango flavoring: Gives a tropical kick to your batter.
• Buttercream Frosting: One batch of American or Swiss meringue buttercream for a silky smooth finish.
• Food gels and flavorings for frosting: Matching the cupcake flavors for a beautiful swirl effect.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: For the sweet, sparkling sugar rim.
• 10 limes, cut into wedges: A fresh, zesty garnish to complement the cupcakes.
• 10 strawberries, halved: Adds a fresh, fruity touch on top.

How to Make Strawberry Mango Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Bake

Start by preheating your oven to 275°F (140°C) with a fan-forced setting or 320°F (160°C) for a conventional oven. Line two cupcake tins with liners so your cupcakes don’t stick and come out perfectly shaped.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, caster sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix it all until the texture resembles fine crumbs. This creates a tender, light base for your cupcakes that is essential for achieving the right mouthfeel.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, Greek yogurt or sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture brings moisture, richness, and a slight tang to balance the sweetness in the batter.

Step 4: Divide and Color Batter

Divide the batter evenly into two bowls. To one portion, add pink and red food gels along with strawberry flavoring to create that inviting strawberry layer. To the other, mix in yellow food gel and mango flavoring for the tropical mango component. This color and flavor division is what makes this cupcake stand out visually and taste-wise.

Step 5: Fill Liners

Using a piping bag or spoons, carefully pipe or spoon alternating layers of strawberry and mango batters into each cupcake liner for a swirled effect inside the cupcakes. This layered approach means every bite is a delicious surprise.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the cupcakes for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow them to cool completely before frosting to ensure the frosting holds beautifully and the flavors set.

Step 7: Prepare Frosting

Prepare your buttercream frosting and divide it into two portions. Color one with pink and red gels plus strawberry flavoring, and the other with yellow gels and mango flavoring. This allows for the beautiful swirled topping that mirrors the cupcake’s inside layers.

Step 8: Sugar Rim

Lightly dip the rims of your cooled cupcakes in water, then roll them in granulated sugar. This sparkling sugar rim creates an appealing margarita glass effect, adding texture and a touch of sweetness with every nibble.

Step 9: Pipe Frosting

Use a piping bag to swirl strawberry and mango buttercream atop each cupcake in alternating patterns, creating eye-catching, colorful swirls that match the flavors inside.

Step 10: Decorate

Finish each cupcake with a lime wedge and a strawberry half perched on top. These fresh garnishes add a bright contrast both visually and flavor-wise, making the cupcakes feel fresh, fun, and utterly irresistible.

How to Serve Strawberry Mango Cupcakes Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh lime wedges and strawberry halves is not just for looks—these garnishes enhance the tropical and fruity notes of the cupcakes, inviting your guests to take a juicy nibble right alongside the buttery sweet cake and frosting.

Side Dishes

Serve these cupcakes with a light fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a refreshing dessert combo that complements the fruity flavors while keeping it light and enjoyable.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your Strawberry Mango Cupcakes Recipe on a bright serving platter garnished with edible flowers or mint leaves for a tropical vibe. Alternatively, present them in clear glass jars with colorful straws and fresh fruit slices for a festive party look everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, it’s best to store them in the fridge to keep the frosting from melting, but bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze these cupcakes by placing them in a single layer on a tray until frozen, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to a month. To thaw, leave them covered in the fridge overnight and then bring to room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

Since cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh, reheating is usually not necessary. However, if you prefer your cupcakes slightly warm, gently warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds without the frosting, or eat them as is to savor every nuance of flavor.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries and mango instead of flavorings?

Fresh fruit is delicious but can alter the cupcake batter’s texture due to added moisture. For best results, stick to the flavorings as specified or puree fruit and adjust liquid ratios carefully.

What if I don’t have food gel colors?

Food gels provide vibrant, concentrated color without thinning the batter. If you only have liquid food coloring, use sparingly to avoid affecting texture and flavor.

Can I make these cupcakes vegan?

Substituting vegan butter, plant-based milk, and egg replacer can work, but it may subtly change the flavor and texture. Experimenting with a vegan buttercream frosting is also key for a vegan-friendly version.

How long do these cupcakes stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these cupcakes stay fresh for about 2-3 days at room temperature or up to 5 days refrigerated.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and bake in batches if needed. Make sure not to overcrowd the oven for even baking.

Final Thoughts

Give this Strawberry Mango Cupcakes Recipe a try and bring a burst of colorful flavor and joyful sweetness into your kitchen. These cupcakes are guaranteed to brighten any gathering or cozy moment with their playful combination of strawberry and mango. Once you make them, you’ll understand why they’ve earned a special place in my heart and, hopefully, on your dessert table too!

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