Hello, sweet tooth friends! 🌞 If you’re craving a reminder of summer wrapped up in a cupcake, these Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes are about to become your new favorite bake. They’re soft, fruity, colorful, and bursting with tropical charm. Perfect for family get-togethers, birthdays, or a simple “treat yourself” moment after a long day, these cupcakes deliver happiness in every bite.
With sunny mango flavor, a hidden strawberry surprise, and dreamy sunset-swirled frosting, this recipe isn’t just dessert—it’s an experience.
Why You’ll Love These Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes
These cupcakes check all the boxes:
- Easy to make, even for beginner bakers
- Bright, tropical flavors that taste like sunshine
- Beautiful sunset frosting that steals the spotlight
- Soft, moist texture with a fruity jam center
Whether you’re baking for guests or just for fun, these cupcakes are guaranteed to impress without stress.
Ingredients for Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes
Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect cupcake balance—soft crumb, fruity flavor, and silky frosting.
Cupcakes
- All-purpose flour – provides structure
- Baking powder – ensures fluffy cupcakes
- Salt – balances sweetness
- Unsalted butter (softened) – adds richness
- Granulated sugar – sweetness and tenderness
- Eggs – moisture and structure
- Vanilla extract – warm flavor boost
- Milk – keeps cupcakes moist
- Mango purée – tropical flavor star
- Strawberry jam – sweet surprise filling
Sunset Buttercream Frosting
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Powdered sugar
- Heavy cream or milk
- Vanilla extract
- Mango purée
- Strawberry purée
👉 Exact measurements are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes
Follow these simple steps and enjoy every moment of the baking journey.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners and set aside.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even rising and a smooth batter.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until pale, light, and fluffy—about 3–5 minutes.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in eggs and vanilla extract. Mix in milk and mango purée until smooth and fragrant.
Step 5: Combine Batter
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined—don’t overdo it.
Step 6: Bake
Fill liners about ¾ full. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely.
Step 7: Fill with Strawberry Jam
Once cooled, core the center of each cupcake and fill with strawberry jam for a fruity surprise.
Step 8: Prepare Buttercream
Beat butter until creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar, then vanilla and cream. Whip until fluffy and smooth.
Step 9: Create the Sunset Colors
Divide frosting into three bowls:
- One plain
- One mixed with mango purée
- One mixed with strawberry purée
These will create the stunning sunset effect.
Step 10: Frost the Cupcakes
Place all three frostings side-by-side into a piping bag. Pipe swirls onto cupcakes for a sunset-style finish.
Step 11: Optional Garnish
Top with fresh mango or strawberry slices for extra flair.
Tips for Perfect Cupcakes
- Use room-temperature butter for best texture
- Fresh fruit purée gives the best flavor
- Don’t overmix the batter
- Cool cupcakes completely before frosting
- Taste frosting and adjust sweetness if needed
Equipment You’ll Need
- Muffin tin
- Cupcake liners
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Hand or stand mixer
- Piping bag (or zip-top bag)
- Cooling rack
Variations & Customizations
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- Vegan: Swap eggs for flax eggs and use plant-based butter/milk
- Chocolate Base: Add cocoa powder to the batter
- Different Fruits: Try peach, raspberry, or passionfruit purée
- Reduced Sugar: Slightly lower sugar in both batter and frosting
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with iced tea, lemonade, or cold milk
- Serve on a colorful dessert stand
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Perfect for birthdays, picnics, and summer parties
FAQs – Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes
Can I use frozen fruit?
Yes! Thaw completely and remove excess liquid before puréeing.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate up to 7 days.
Can frosting be made ahead?
Absolutely. Store in the fridge and soften before piping.
What can replace mango purée?
Peach, apricot, or pineapple purée works beautifully.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, just use a quality gluten-free flour blend.
Final Thoughts
These Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes are pure joy in dessert form. From their soft tropical crumb to the colorful sunset frosting, every detail is designed to delight. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or treating yourself, this recipe brings warmth, color, and happiness straight to your kitchen.
