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Tropical Swirled Summer Cupcakes

Featured in Sweet Delights for Every Occasion.

These Strawberry Mango Cupcakes bring a tropical twist to classic vanilla cupcakes. The recipe features two distinct batters - strawberry and mango - swirled together for a beautiful marbled effect. What makes these cupcakes special is their unique flavor combination and striking appearance, achieved through careful layering of the different colored batters. The addition of Greek yogurt ensures a moist, tender crumb, while the fruit flavorings and food gels create vibrant colors and authentic taste. They're perfect for summer parties, special occasions, or anytime you want to bring a taste of the tropics to your dessert table.
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Updated on Tue, 11 Feb 2025 00:21:14 GMT
Strawberry Mango Cupcakes Recipe – Fruity, Tropical Bliss Pin it
Strawberry Mango Cupcakes Recipe – Fruity, Tropical Bliss | cookingkeys.com

The perfect balance of strawberry and mango creates these vibrant tropical cupcakes that taste like summer in every bite. Each tender cake features beautiful swirls of fruit flavors, topped with silky buttercream and fresh fruit garnishes.

Through countless testing, I've learned that proper ingredient temperatures and careful mixing create the perfect cupcake texture.

Essential Ingredients

  • For Cupcakes:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Spooned and leveled
  • Caster Sugar: Or fine granulated
  • Unsalted Butter: Room temperature
  • Large Eggs: Room temperature
  • Whole Milk: Room temperature
  • Full-Fat Greek Yogurt: For moisture
  • Pure Vanilla Extract: No imitation
  • Fresh Baking Powder: For proper rise
  • Fine Sea Salt: Enhances flavors
  • For Frosting:
  • Unsalted Butter: Room temperature
  • Powdered Sugar: Sifted
  • Heavy Cream: For smoothness
  • Gel Food Colors: For vibrant hues
  • For Garnish:
  • Fresh strawberries
  • Fresh mango pieces
  • Lime zest
  • Edible flowers

Detailed Instructions

1. Preparation Phase:
Position rack in center of oven. Preheat to 350°F. Line muffin tins with paper liners. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Bring all refrigerated ingredients to room temperature for best results.
2. Butter Mixture:
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Don't skimp on this step - proper creaming creates tender cupcakes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape bowl frequently.
3. Mixing Method:
Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk mixture to butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients (three additions of dry, two of wet). Mix just until combined after each addition. Avoid overmixing.
4. Color Division:
Divide batter evenly between two bowls. Add strawberry flavor and pink gel color to one, mango flavor and yellow gel color to other. Fold gently until colors are uniform.
5. Filling Technique:
Fill each liner with alternating spoonfuls of strawberry and mango batter until ⅔ full. Use skewer to create gentle swirl pattern. Don't overmix colors or they'll become muddy.
Strawberry Mango Cupcakes Recipe – Fruity, Tropical Bliss Recipe Pin it
Strawberry Mango Cupcakes Recipe – Fruity, Tropical Bliss Recipe | cookingkeys.com

Storage and Serving Solutions

To maintain optimal freshness and flavor, proper storage is crucial. Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Once frosted, these cupcakes need refrigeration and will stay fresh up to five days. For longer storage, wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually and freeze up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature for best taste and texture.

Perfect Pairings

Create a complete dessert experience by serving these tropical cupcakes alongside complementary beverages and treats. A fresh fruit platter enhances the tropical theme, while drinks like coconut iced tea or tropical punch complement the fruity flavors. For adult gatherings, sparkling wine adds elegance, and traditional mango lassi provides an authentic tropical touch. Fruit-infused water offers a refreshing, non-alcoholic option.

Delicious Strawberry Mango Cupcakes Recipe – Fruity, Tropical Bliss Pin it
Delicious Strawberry Mango Cupcakes Recipe – Fruity, Tropical Bliss | cookingkeys.com

Flavor Variations

Experiment with different fruit combinations to create your signature version. Try passion fruit and mango for an exotic twist, or coconut and pineapple for classic tropical flavors. Strawberry and lime offer a fresh, zesty combination, while orange and mango create a sunny citrus blend. For berry lovers, try raspberry and lemon or create a triple berry swirl with strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.

Sweet Strawberry Mango Cupcakes Recipe – Fruity, Tropical Bliss Pin it
Sweet Strawberry Mango Cupcakes Recipe – Fruity, Tropical Bliss | cookingkeys.com

These thoughtful steps ensure perfect tropical cupcakes that bring sunshine to any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use natural food coloring?
Yes, but colors may be less vibrant. Natural food powders can also affect texture.
→ How do I create the perfect swirl?
Layer small amounts of each batter alternately and use a toothpick to create swirls.
→ Can I make these ahead?
Yes, unfrosted cupcakes can be made 1 day ahead. Store in airtight container.
→ Why use caster sugar?
It dissolves more easily than regular sugar, creating a finer texture.
→ Can I use fresh fruit instead of flavoring?
Fresh fruit can affect the texture, stick to flavorings for best results.

Strawberry Mango Cupcakes

Colorful swirled cupcakes combining fresh strawberry and mango flavors - perfect for summer celebrations.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
80 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24 cupcakes)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ For the Cupcakes

01 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
02 1 ¼ cups caster sugar (extra fine granulated sugar)
03 3 tsp baking powder
04 ½ tsp fine sea salt
05 ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
06 2 large eggs
07 1 ½ cups full cream milk (whole milk)
08 ½ cup vegetable oil
09 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream
10 1 tsp vanilla extract
11 Pink and red food gel (for strawberry flavor)
12 1 tsp strawberry flavoring
13 Yellow food gel (for mango flavor)
14 1 tsp mango flavoring

→ For the Frosting

15 1 batch American or Swiss Meringue Buttercream
16 Pink and red food gels (for strawberry)
17 Yellow food gel (for mango)
18 Strawberry and mango flavorings

→ Decorations

19 1 cup granulated sugar (for rimming)
20 10 limes, cut into 40 small wedges
21 10 strawberries, halved

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 275°F (140°C) for fan-forced or 320°F (160°C) for conventional. Line two cupcake tins with cupcake liners.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, caster sugar, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Add the softened butter to the bowl, and mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, full cream milk, vegetable oil, Greek yogurt or sour cream, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 04

Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring just until smooth and all ingredients are incorporated. Avoid overmixing.

Step 05

Divide the batter evenly into two portions. Add the pink and red food gels and strawberry flavoring to one portion, mixing until fully incorporated. Add the yellow food gel and mango flavoring to the other portion, stirring well.

Step 06

Alternately spoon or pipe layers of the strawberry and mango batters into each cupcake liner for a fun, swirled effect.

Step 07

Place the cupcake tins in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

Notes

  1. Can use American or Swiss Meringue Buttercream
  2. Creates a fun swirled effect with two flavors
  3. Perfect for summer occasions

Tools You'll Need

  • Two cupcake tins
  • Cupcake liners
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains wheat/gluten

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 285
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 4 g