Strawberry Mango Cupcakes Recipe

Sweet, fruity, and bursting with color, Strawberry Mango Cupcakes bring together the lush notes of ripe strawberries and juicy mango in a soft, fluffy cupcake topped with creamy, fruit-kissed frosting. These treats fuse two favorite summer fruits in a delightful bite-sized dessert, perfect for picnics, parties, or just adding a splash of sunshine to your day. With gorgeous colors and a flavor that’s both refreshing and indulgent, these cupcakes will charm anyone with a sweet tooth and have you dreaming of afternoons in a tropical orchard.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every great bake starts with simple but high-quality ingredients, and these Strawberry Mango Cupcakes are no exception. From the tender crumb to the fruity frosting, each addition has its own part to play in making these cupcakes irresistible.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for a light, airy cupcake that provides just the right structure.
• Baking powder: Gives your cupcakes that lovely lift and prevents them from coming out dense.
• Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the sweet, fruity flavors.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and a creamy texture, both in the cake and frosting.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and helps them turn a delicate golden color.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together for the perfect tender crumb—don’t skip them!
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the strawberries and mango without overpowering them.
• Whole milk: Makes the batter smooth for even baking and a moist interior.
• Finely diced strawberries: Use the ripest berries for a burst of sweet-tart flavor in every bite.
• Finely diced mango: Juicy mango lends a unique, sun-kissed sweetness that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
• Strawberry or mango puree (optional): Swirl some extra fruit flavor into the batter or frosting if you want things extra-fruity.
• Powdered sugar: Essential for a smooth, fluffy frosting that melts in your mouth.
• Unsalted butter (softened, for frosting): Creamy and rich, the base for a dreamy buttercream.
• Strawberry puree or mango puree (for frosting): Natural color and tangy tropical notes right in the frosting—choose your favorite or use a mix!
• Fresh strawberry or mango slices for garnish (optional): Turn your cupcakes into show-stoppers with a jewel-like topper.

How to Make Strawberry Mango Cupcakes

Step 1: Prep Your Tools and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 12-cup cupcake tin with cheerful paper liners. This helps your Strawberry Mango Cupcakes bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze. A little prep now sets you up for baking success!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This quick sift ensures your cupcakes rise beautifully and keeps every bite perfectly tender. Having everything well mixed at this stage means no surprise lumps later on.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy—this step is key to light cupcakes! It typically takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer, and the result is worth every second.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time to your creamed butter and sugar, mixing thoroughly after each. Stir in the vanilla extract for that classic, aromatic bakery scent. The eggs keep everything moist and help trap air for a perfect crumb.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour. This keeps the batter smooth and well incorporated without over-mixing, which could lead to tough cupcakes—be gentle here!

Step 6: Fold in Fruit

Carefully fold in the finely diced strawberries and mango. If you’re feeling adventurous, swirl in a tablespoon or two of strawberry or mango puree at this stage for an extra pop of flavor and color. Aim for an even distribution for a fruity bite in every cupcake.

Step 7: Fill and Bake

Divide the batter among your liners, filling each about three-quarters full. Pop the tin into your preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell simply magical!

Step 8: Cool Completely

Let your cupcakes cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This patience pays off later with perfect, non-melty frosting.

Step 9: Make the Frosting

Beat the softened butter for the frosting until creamy, then slowly add powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy and pale. Blend in 1–2 tablespoons of strawberry or mango puree (or a combination) until smooth and spreadable. This dreamy buttercream bridges the gap between cupcake and fruit smoothie!

Step 10: Frost and Garnish

Once the cupcakes are cool, swirl on generous dollops of your fruity frosting. Adorn each with a slice of fresh strawberry or mango for vibrant color and an extra hint of the flavors waiting inside. Admire your handiwork—then dig in!

How to Serve Strawberry Mango Cupcakes

Garnishes

Top your Strawberry Mango Cupcakes with a halved strawberry, a fan of mango slices, or a sprinkle of freeze-dried fruit for texture and beauty. Edible flowers or a touch of grated lime zest can also add an elegant, tropical flair that wows at first glance.

Side Dishes

Pair these cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a bowl of mixed fresh fruit for the ultimate summer dessert plate. They also play well with a chilled fruit salad or a bright berry sorbet when you want to go all-in on those fruity flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Strawberry Mango Cupcakes on a vibrant cake stand or in colorful cupcake wrappers for a party-ready platter. For a show-stopping brunch, set each cupcake in a mini trifle glass with layers of whipped cream and diced fruit around the base. They also make fantastic favors; just box them up with a ribbon and a little note about how much sunshine is in each bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to two days. If it’s especially hot or humid, store them in the fridge to keep the fruit and frosting fresh—it’s the best way to maintain their flavor and softness.

Freezing

Both the unfrosted cupcakes and the frosting freeze beautifully. Just wrap the cooled cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer bag. For the frosting, spoon it into an airtight container. Both will keep well for up to two months; thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

If you prefer your cupcakes warm, you can gently microwave an unfrosted cupcake for about 10 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feel. Always frost after heating, as the warmth can melt the buttercream. Once frosted, serve chilled or at room temperature for a perfectly decadent treat.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries and mango?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain the fruit thoroughly, then pat it dry before dicing and mixing into the batter so your Strawberry Mango Cupcakes don’t get soggy.

What can I substitute for whole milk?

If you prefer, you can use 2% milk, almond milk, or even coconut milk in this recipe. Each will slightly alter the texture, but the cupcakes will still be delicious and moist.

How do I get my fruit pieces to stay evenly distributed?

Finely dice the strawberries and mango so they’re lighter and less likely to sink. Dusting the fruit with a little flour before folding them into the batter can also help keep them suspended throughout each Strawberry Mango Cupcake.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Just check that the baking powder you use is gluten-free as well, and your cupcakes will turn out tender and fruity.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

You bet! This batter doubles easily—just be sure to mix the batter in batches if your bowl isn’t extra-large, and keep an eye on baking times, since ovens can act differently with fuller trays.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience just how uplifting and flavorful these Strawberry Mango Cupcakes are! Fruity, tender, and fantastically fun to share, they’re a personal favorite that adds a burst of tropical happiness to any occasion. Give them a try—you’ll see why they’ve become my go-to treat for brightening up the dessert table!

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