How to Make Strawberry Mango Cupcakes
These cupcakes are simple to make but packed with tropical flavor. Here’s how you can create this tropical treat in just a few easy steps:
1. Make the Mango Filling (Optional)
While the mango filling is optional, it adds a burst of mango flavor inside the cupcake and takes the recipe to the next level.
- In a small saucepan, combine the mango puree, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let it cool completely. You can refrigerate it to speed up the cooling process. This step ensures that the mango filling will stay in place when you add it to the cupcakes.
2. Prepare the Cupcake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or whisk by hand.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the pureed mango and pureed strawberries. The fruit puree adds moisture to the batter and infuses it with tropical flavors.
3. Bake the Cupcakes
- Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
4. Prepare the Strawberry Frosting
While the cupcakes cool, you can prepare the
strawberry frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the pureed strawberries, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The strawberry puree adds a fresh, fruity flavor and gives the frosting a lovely pink color.
- Add heavy cream (or milk) 1 tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. It should be smooth and spreadable but not too runny.
5. Assemble the Cupcakes
- Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, use a small knife or cupcake corer to remove a small section from the center of each cupcake.
- If you made the mango filling, spoon a small amount of the cooled mango mixture into the center of each cupcake. Be sure not to overfill—just enough to provide a delicious surprise when the cupcake is bitten into.
- Frost the cupcakes generously with the strawberry frosting using a spatula or piping bag for a more decorative look.
- Optionally, garnish with a small piece of fresh strawberry or a few bits of diced mango for an extra tropical touch.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Mango Cupcakes
- Use Ripe Fruit: The flavor of your cupcakes will depend heavily on the fruit, so use fresh, ripe strawberries and mangoes for the best flavor. If mangoes are out of season, you can use canned mango puree (unsweetened).
- Mango Filling: The mango filling adds extra flavor and moisture inside the cupcakes. However, if you’re in a rush, you can skip this step and simply add more pureed mango into the batter itself.
- Frosting Consistency: Adjust the consistency of your frosting by adding more powdered sugar if it’s too thin or more heavy cream if it’s too thick. You want the frosting to be smooth and pipeable.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the cupcakes and frosting a day ahead and store them separately at room temperature. Assemble the cupcakes on the day you plan to serve them to keep the frosting fresh.
Variations to Try
- Tropical Twist: Add pineapple to the batter or frosting for an extra tropical flavor that complements the mango and strawberry.
- Lime Zest: Add a bit of lime zest to the batter or frosting for a citrusy kick that pairs wonderfully with the fruity flavors of mango and strawberry.
- Vegan Version: To make these cupcakes vegan, substitute the butter with vegan butter, the eggs with flax eggs, and use almond milk or coconut milk for the liquid.
- Coconut Frosting: For a coconutty finish, add shredded coconut to the frosting or sprinkle it on top of the finished cupcakes.
What to Serve With Strawberry Mango Cupcakes
These tropical cupcakes are a delightful treat on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages and dishes:
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: A refreshing iced tea or a tropical lemonade (perhaps with a hint of mint or coconut) would be the perfect drink to pair with these cupcakes.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Serve with a side of fresh tropical fruit salad to keep the tropical vibes going strong.
- Cocktails: These cupcakes would pair well with a light, fruity cocktail like a pina colada, mango mojito, or a strawberry daiquiri.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Mango Cupcakes are the perfect way to bring the bright, tropical flavors of summer into any season. With their sweet and juicy fruit-filled batter, rich strawberry frosting, and optional mango filling, these cupcakes are sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation. They’re not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them ideal for birthdays, bridal showers, or any occasion where you want to add a little extra sunshine to your dessert spread.
So go ahead—treat yourself and your loved ones to a little taste of paradise with these amazing Strawberry Mango Cupcakes. You won’t regret it!
