Strawberry Mango Cupcakes

Looking to add a tropical twist to your dessert table? These Strawberry Mango Cupcakes are a perfect blend of juicy strawberries and sweet, exotic mangoes, creating a light, fruity flavor that’s both refreshing and delicious. Ideal for summer gatherings, birthdays, or any occasion, this cupcake recipe is simple to make yet irresistibly flavorful. Let’s dive into how to create these delightful tropical treats!

---

Ingredients

For the cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk (whole or almond for extra flavor)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup diced fresh strawberries
• ½ cup diced fresh mango
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

For the strawberry mango frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup fresh strawberry puree (strained)
• ¼ cup fresh mango puree (strained)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: Fresh strawberry and mango slices for garnish

---

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. Dice the strawberries and mango, keeping them in separate bowls.

Step 2: Make the Cupcake Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk until smooth and fully combined.
5. Fold in the diced strawberries and mango carefully to avoid over-mixing.

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

1. Pour the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
2. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

1. In a bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar until fully incorporated and smooth.
2. Divide the frosting into two separate bowls. In one, add the strawberry puree; in the other, add the mango puree.
3. Stir in vanilla extract and mix until both frostings are smooth and creamy. If desired, use a piping bag with a dual-color technique to swirl the strawberry and mango frosting together for a beautiful tropical look.

Step 5: Decorate and Serve

1. Frost each cupcake with a swirl of strawberry and mango frosting.
2. Garnish with fresh slices of strawberry and mango for an extra touch.

---

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Mango Cupcakes

1. Use Fresh Fruit: Fresh, ripe strawberries and mangoes provide the best flavor and moisture.
2. Sift the Powdered Sugar: This helps prevent lumps in the frosting, resulting in a smoother finish.
3. Chill the Frosting: If your frosting becomes too soft, place it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before piping.

---

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Mango Cupcakes

These cupcakes bring together the best of both fruits: the natural sweetness of mango with the tart undertones of strawberries. They’re an eye-catching, mouthwatering dessert perfect for summer gatherings, tropical-themed parties, or simply treating yourself to a taste of the tropics!

Serving and Storage Tips for Strawberry Mango Cupcakes

Serving Tips:

1. Garnish with Fresh Fruit: To elevate the presentation, top each cupcake with a fresh slice of strawberry and mango. This adds a vibrant touch and enhances the fruity flavors of the cupcakes.
2. Pair with a Refreshing Beverage: These tropical cupcakes pair wonderfully with chilled drinks like iced tea, lemonade, or coconut water for a refreshing treat.
3. Serve Chilled or at Room Temperature: While these cupcakes are delicious at room temperature, serving them chilled can give the frosting a firmer texture, making them even more enjoyable on hot days.
4. Perfect for Parties: If you’re hosting a summer party, these cupcakes make an excellent addition to any dessert table. Their bright colors and tropical flavor are sure to impress your guests.

Storage Tips:

1. Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to serve them within a day or two, you can store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep them away from direct sunlight and humidity to maintain their freshness. They should stay fresh for up to 2 days.
2. Refrigeration for Longer Freshness: For longer storage, it’s best to refrigerate the cupcakes, especially if you’ve used fresh fruit in the frosting. Store them in an airtight container to prevent the cupcakes from drying out. They will last for up to 5 days in the fridge.
3. Freezing for Future Enjoyment: If you want to make these cupcakes in advance, you can freeze them. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature or place them in the fridge overnight.
4. Frosting Storage: If you’ve made extra frosting, store it separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can re-whip the frosting to bring it back to its creamy consistency before using it again.

---

With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Strawberry Mango Cupcakes at their best for days to come, whether for a gathering or as a sweet treat for yourself!

1. Can I use frozen fruit for the cupcakes?
While fresh fruit is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries and mangoes if fresh ones are unavailable. Just make sure to thaw and drain the fruit thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the cupcake batter.

2. How can I make the frosting less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or add a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness. Additionally, you can add more fruit puree to the frosting for a natural, fruity taste.

3. Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes, you can make gluten-free Strawberry Mango Cupcakes by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the rest of the ingredients for gluten, such as the baking powder, and use certified gluten-free alternatives.

4. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make both the cupcakes and frosting ahead of time. Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cupcakes (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Frost the cupcakes just before serving for the best results.

Print