There’s nothing quite like a warm evening, the air still and sweet, watching the sky paint itself in hues of orange, pink, and gold as the sun dips below the horizon.

That feeling of pure, simple joy, of nature’s breathtaking artistry, is what inspired me to create these incredible Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes. I remember one perfect summer night, sitting on my porch, mesmerized by the vibrant colors, and thinking, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful to capture this magic in a dessert?” I hurried into the kitchen, brimming with ideas.

The tropical sweetness of mango, the bright tang of strawberries – they just seemed destined to create a flavor profile as stunning as a sunset itself.

These aren’t just any cupcakes; they are a celebration of summer, a little burst of sunshine and sweetness in every bite. Preparing these delightful Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes quickly became my go-to recipe for bringing a touch of that summer magic indoors, and now I’m so excited to share the recipe for these gorgeous and delicious Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes with you.

Get ready to bake something truly special!

Why You’ll Love These Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes

You are about to discover your new favorite summer treat! These Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes are more than just a dessert; they are an experience. First, the visual appeal is simply stunning.

With their vibrant, swirling frosting mirroring a breathtaking sunset, these cupcakes instantly become the centerpiece of any gathering. People will undoubtedly ask, “How did you make them look so beautiful?” Furthermore, the flavor profile is utterly irresistible. Imagine tender, moist vanilla cupcakes, infused with a subtle hint of fruit, then crowned with a creamy, dreamy swirl of mango and strawberry cream cheese frosting.

It is a symphony of sweet and tangy, bright and comforting, all in one perfect bite. These Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes offer a refreshing escape from heavy desserts, making them ideal for picnics, barbecues, or simply a delightful afternoon treat. They are also incredibly approachable to make, proving that show-stopping desserts don’t need to be complicated.

You’ll impress everyone, including yourself, with these beautiful and delicious Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes. Truly, they offer the perfect combination of visual delight and unforgettable taste, making them a must-bake for anyone who loves vibrant flavors and stunning presentation. These cupcakes truly embody the joy of summer.

You will absolutely adore every aspect of these wonderful Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes from start to finish. So, get ready to spread some sunshine with every serving of these amazing Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cupcakes:

1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¾ cup (180ml) milk, at room temperature

For the Mango Puree:

1 large ripe mango (about 1.5 cups diced), peeled and chopped

For the Strawberry Puree:

1 cup (150g) fresh strawberries, hulled

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (if needed)

Substitutions & Variations

The beauty of baking is its flexibility, and these Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes are no exception! Feel free to get creative and tailor them to your preferences or what you have on hand. Firstly, regarding the fruit, while mango and strawberry create that iconic sunset look, you can easily swap them out.

Consider using peaches and raspberries for a different but equally delicious summer vibe, or even passion fruit and a touch of blueberry for a more exotic twist. Just ensure the fruit you choose can be easily pureed. Secondly, if you need to adapt the cake base, a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works wonderfully for gluten-sensitive guests; simply follow the package instructions for substitution ratios.

For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based milk (like almond or soy) and a dairy-free butter alternative in both the cake and frosting. These modifications still yield fantastic results for your Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes. Thirdly, let’s talk about the frosting.

While the mango and strawberry cream cheese frosting is divine, you might prefer a classic vanilla buttercream, or even a whipped cream topping for a lighter touch. You could also infuse the frosting with a tiny bit of orange zest for an extra layer of citrusy brightness that complements the fruit beautifully. Finally, consider different presentation styles.

Transform these into a larger layered cake for a birthday celebration, or bake them as mini cupcakes for bite-sized party favors. You could even create a trifle by layering pieces of the vanilla cake with the fruit purees and frosting in individual glasses. Each variation promises a delicious outcome, proving how versatile these Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes truly are. Experimenting in the kitchen is always fun, and these cupcakes are a perfect canvas for your culinary imagination!

If you’re feeling adventurous with your baking, consider trying out different fruit combinations for your cupcakes, like peaches and raspberries. For a delicious exploration, check out the recipe for Tropical Mango Chicken that pairs beautifully with these cupcakes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating these delightful Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes is an enjoyable process, and I’ll guide you through each step to ensure perfect results. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This prepares your baking canvas for the beautiful cupcakes. You want everything ready before you start mixing.

Prepare the Cupcakes:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside. This ensures all your dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, usually about 3-4 minutes. This incorporates air, making your cupcakes tender.
Beat in the large eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the pure vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything mixes evenly.
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; overmixing leads to tough cupcakes.
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. This step is crucial for perfect frosting application on your Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes.

Prepare the Fruit Purees:

For the mango puree: Place the chopped ripe mango into a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth. You might need to add a teaspoon of water if it’s too thick, but typically ripe mango blends easily. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
For the strawberry puree: Place the hulled fresh strawberries into a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth. Transfer to a separate small bowl and set aside.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and softened unsalted butter together on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. This forms the rich base of your frosting.
Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined. Then, increase the speed to medium-high and beat until light and fluffy.
Stir in the pure vanilla extract. If the frosting seems too thick, add milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired piping consistency.
Divide the cream cheese frosting evenly into three separate bowls.
To the first bowl, add the mango puree and mix until thoroughly combined and evenly colored. This creates your vibrant mango frosting.
To the second bowl, add the strawberry puree and mix until thoroughly combined and evenly colored. This gives you the beautiful strawberry frosting.
The third bowl will remain plain vanilla cream cheese frosting.

Assemble the Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes:

Once your cupcakes are completely cool, prepare a large piping bag fitted with a large star tip (like a 1M or 2D).
Using a small spoon or spatula, carefully spread streaks of each frosting color (mango, strawberry, and vanilla) side-by-side inside the piping bag. You want to create distinct lines of color along the inside of the bag. Alternatively, you can layer spoonfuls of each color on top of each other.
Pipe a beautiful swirl of frosting onto each cooled cupcake, starting from the outside and working your way in, creating that stunning sunset effect. The colors will naturally blend as you pipe, just like a real sunset.
Serve your gorgeous Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes immediately, or store them as directed below. Enjoy the beauty and flavor of these extraordinary Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes!

Pro Tips for Success

To ensure your Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes turn out absolutely perfect, I have a few Lena-approved tricks up my sleeve. Firstly, always use room temperature ingredients for both the cupcakes and the frosting. Room temperature butter, eggs, milk, and cream cheese emulsify much better, resulting in a smoother, more uniform batter and a truly creamy, lump-free frosting.

This single tip significantly impacts the texture of your finished Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes. Secondly, when mixing your cupcake batter, do not overmix! Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough, dense cupcakes instead of the light and airy ones we desire. Thirdly, measure your flour correctly. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge.

Scooping directly from the bag can pack too much flour into the cup, making your cupcakes dry. Fourthly, and this is a critical one for frosting, ensure your cupcakes are completely cool before you even think about piping. Frosting warm cupcakes leads to a melted, runny mess, ruining that beautiful sunset effect.

Patience is a virtue here. Fifthly, for that stunning sunset frosting effect on your Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes, loading your piping bag correctly is key. Gently “paint” stripes of each color (mango, strawberry, vanilla) along the inside walls of your piping bag before filling the center, or layer alternating spoonfuls.

This technique helps achieve those distinct, yet blended, color swirls. Finally, use ripe fruit for your purees. Ripe mangoes and strawberries not only blend more smoothly but also provide the most intense and natural flavors, enhancing the overall taste of your Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes without needing artificial colors or flavorings. Following these pro tips will elevate your baking experience and guarantee a batch of truly spectacular Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes every single time.

Perfecting your baking technique is key to achieving the best flavors and textures in your cupcakes. To elevate your culinary skills, don’t miss the helpful tips in my guide on Mango Pico de Gallo.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Proper storage ensures your delightful Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes remain fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Because these cupcakes feature a cream cheese frosting with fresh fruit purees, refrigeration is absolutely essential. Store your frosted Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Placing them in a single layer or using a cupcake carrier helps prevent the frosting from getting squashed. You definitely want those beautiful sunset swirls to stay intact! If you plan to serve them at a party, it’s best to take them out of the refrigerator about 15-30 minutes before serving.

This allows the frosting to soften slightly and the flavors to truly shine, bringing them closer to their freshly baked deliciousness. You will find that these Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes taste best when the frosting isn’t rock-hard from the fridge. For unfrosted cupcakes, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

You can also freeze unfrosted cupcakes. Wrap each cooled cupcake individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before frosting.

I do not recommend freezing the frosted Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes, as the texture of the cream cheese frosting can change upon thawing, potentially becoming watery or grainy. Always prioritize freshness for the best experience with these vibrant Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes.

What to Serve With This Recipe

These vibrant Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes are undeniably a showstopper on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate any occasion. Because they are so bright and fruity, they naturally complement light and refreshing meals. For a casual summer gathering, serve these cupcakes after a backyard barbecue featuring grilled chicken or fish, alongside a fresh garden salad and some corn on the cob.

The sweetness of the cupcakes provides a perfect contrast to savory grilled flavors. They also shine as part of a brunch spread, perhaps alongside fluffy pancakes, fresh fruit platters, and scrambled eggs. The playful colors of the Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes perfectly match the cheerfulness of a weekend brunch.

When it comes to beverages, think light and complementary. Iced tea, homemade lemonade, or a sparkling water infused with mint and lime would be delightful choices. For a more adult gathering, a light prosecco or a fruit-forward rosé would beautifully enhance the flavors of the mango and strawberry.

These Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes are fantastic for almost any celebration. They are perfect for birthday parties, baby showers, bridal brunches, or simply a spontaneous dessert to brighten a weeknight. Their stunning appearance makes them an instant conversation starter and a delightful treat that everyone will remember. Ultimately, these Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes are designed to bring joy and a touch of summer sunshine, no matter the meal or occasion.

Enhancing your dessert experience is easy when you serve the right accompaniments alongside your Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes. Consider pairing them with some refreshing dishes like the delightful Chocolate Strawberry Yogurt Clusters for a perfect balance.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fruit for the purees?

Yes, you can absolutely use frozen fruit for your Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes! Thaw the frozen mango and strawberries completely before pureeing them. You might find that thawed frozen fruit releases more water, so after pureeing, you might need to gently simmer the purees in a small saucepan over low heat for a few minutes to reduce some of the excess liquid.

This prevents the purees from making your cream cheese frosting too runny. Let the reduced purees cool completely before incorporating them into the frosting for your Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes.

How do I get the sunset effect with the frosting?

Achieving the stunning sunset effect on your Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes is easier than you think! After dividing your cream cheese frosting into three bowls (mango, strawberry, and plain vanilla), prepare your piping bag. You have a couple of options: you can use a small spoon or spatula to “paint” vertical stripes of each color inside the piping bag before filling it.

Alternatively, simply spoon alternating dollops of each color into the piping bag. As you pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes, the colors will naturally swirl together, creating that beautiful blended sunset look. Don’t worry about perfection; the magic is in the natural blend of colors when creating these Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes.

How long do these Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes last?

These Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes, with their cream cheese and fresh fruit frosting, are best enjoyed within 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. While they are safe to eat after that, the flavors and textures are at their peak within this timeframe. Always keep them chilled to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

Can I make these Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can certainly prepare parts of these Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes in advance. Bake the cupcakes up to 1-2 days ahead of time and store them unfrosted in an airtight container at room temperature.

You can also make the fruit purees a day in advance and keep them refrigerated. Prepare the cream cheese frosting, but keep the colors separate until just before you’re ready to pipe. Assemble and frost the cupcakes on the day of serving for the freshest and most vibrant results. This makes preparing these delicious Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes much less stressful for events.

Are these Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes suitable for a party?

These Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes are absolutely perfect for any party! Their striking visual appeal, with the vibrant sunset colors, makes them an instant hit and a fantastic conversation starter. Furthermore, the combination of refreshing mango and sweet strawberry flavors appeals to a wide variety of palates.

They are individual portions, which makes serving easy and hygienic for gatherings. Prepare to receive many compliments when you bring these beautiful and delicious Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes to your next celebration!

Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes are a delightful dessert that combines the sweet flavors of mango and strawberry in a visually stunning presentation. This popular treat often evokes memories of warm summer evenings and is enjoyed by many for its vibrant colors and delicious taste, which symbolize the beauty of a sunset.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Please note that this nutrition information is an estimate based on standard ingredient amounts and assumes 12 servings per recipe. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, ingredient variations, and precise serving sizes of your Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420 kcal
Total Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	12g
Cholesterol	75mg
Sodium	200mg
Total Carbohydrates	58g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Total Sugars	45g
Protein	4g

Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes

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Author: Lena
Total Time: 42 mins
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes are a vibrant and delicious dessert that captures the essence of summer with their beautiful presentation and delightful flavors. Made with vanilla cupcakes and two types of fruit purees layered with a creamy cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ cups All-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons Baking powder
¼ teaspoon Salt
½ cup Unsalted butter, softened
1 cup Granulated sugar
2 large Eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract
¾ cup Milk, at room temperature
1 large ripe Mango, peeled and chopped
1 cup Fresh strawberries, hulled
8 ounces Cream cheese, softened
½ cup Unsalted butter, softened
4 cups Powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons Milk or heavy cream

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside
Cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes)
Beat in the eggs one at a time and stir in the vanilla extract
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients and milk, alternating until just combined
Divide the batter among the cupcake liners, filling them about two-thirds full
Bake for 18-22 minutes until a skewer inserted comes out clean, then cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack
Make the fruit purees by blending the mango and strawberries until smooth, then set aside
For the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract
Divide the frosting into three bowls, adding the mango puree to one and the strawberry puree to another, leaving the third bowl plai
Pipe the frosting onto cooled cupcakes in a swirling design, creating a sunset effect
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator

Notes

For best results, use room temperature ingredients.

Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense cupcakes.

Use ripe fruit for the purees for the best flavor.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 22 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cupcake
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 45g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 58g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 75mg