mango strawberry cupcakes, sunset cupcakes recipe

If you’re searching for a dessert that looks as stunning as it tastes, Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes are your answer. These cupcakes combine the tropical sweetness of ripe mango with the bright, juicy tang of fresh strawberries, all wrapped up in a fluffy vanilla cupcake and crowned with a dreamy, two-tone buttercream swirl. They’re vibrant, flavorful, and guaranteed to turn heads at any gathering — from summer birthdays to brunches, baby showers, or even cozy weekend baking projects.

The name “sunset” isn’t just for show. The frosting is piped in a gradient of golden mango yellow and soft strawberry pink, mimicking the warm glow of a tropical sunset. Each bite delivers layers of flavor: tender vanilla cake, bursts of fruit, and silky buttercream that melts on your tongue.

These cupcakes aren’t just pretty — they’re also approachable. You don’t need professional pastry skills to pull them off. With simple ingredients, a hand mixer, and a bit of creativity, you can make bakery-style cupcakes right in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes

First, let’s talk flavor. Mango brings a lush, tropical sweetness, while strawberry adds brightness and a gentle tang. Together, they balance each other beautifully. Second, the texture: the cupcake crumb is soft and moist, and the buttercream is rich but not heavy. Third, presentation. These cupcakes look like something straight out of a patisserie display, but they’re totally doable at home.

They’re also versatile. You can make them as mini cupcakes for parties, full-sized for celebrations, or even as a layered cake using the same batter and frosting.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1¼ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup mango puree (fresh or canned, smooth)
• ½ cup finely chopped strawberries (patted dry)

For the Mango-Strawberry Buttercream

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3½–4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tbsp mango puree
• 2 tbsp strawberry puree
• 1–2 tbsp milk or cream (as needed)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh strawberry slices
• Small cubes or curls of fresh mango
• Edible flowers or gold sprinkles

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
   Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry
   Add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, followed by the milk, then the remaining dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
6. Fold in Fruit
   Gently fold in the mango puree and chopped strawberries, being careful not to overmix.
7. Fill the Liners
   Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
8. Bake
   Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Make the Buttercream
   In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed at first, then higher speed until fluffy.
10. Flavor and Color
    Divide the buttercream into two bowls. Mix mango puree into one and strawberry puree into the other. Add vanilla, salt, and a bit of milk if needed to reach a smooth, pipeable consistency.
11. Create the Sunset Swirl
    Fit a piping bag with a large star tip. Spoon mango frosting on one side of the bag and strawberry frosting on the other.
12. Frost the Cupcakes
    Pipe a tall swirl onto each cooled cupcake, creating a beautiful two-tone “sunset” effect.
13. Garnish and Serve
    Top with fresh fruit or sprinkles if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Sunset Cupcakes

• Use ripe fruit: The better your mangoes and strawberries, the better your flavor.
• Pat strawberries dry: Extra moisture can make the batter too wet.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing leads to dense cupcakes. Mix just until combined.
• Chill your frosting slightly if it feels too soft to pipe cleanly.

Variations

• Tropical Twist: Add shredded coconut to the batter.
• Lime Zest: Mix a little lime zest into the frosting for brightness.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, dairy-free milk, and egg replacer.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cupcakes with iced tea, lemonade, or a light sparkling drink. They’re perfect for picnics, summer parties, brunch spreads, or dessert tables.

Fun Food Fact

Mango is known as the “king of fruits” in many cultures, while strawberries symbolize love and celebration. Together, they create a dessert that feels joyful and indulgent.

With their tropical flavor and show-stopping looks, Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes are more than just dessert — they’re an experience. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation.