
Strawberry Mango Cupcakes are a bright and breezy way to bring fruity flavors to your dessert table My kitchen feels sunnier every time I make these With a luscious mango cupcake base and a homemade strawberry frosting you will find yourself reaching for a second before you even finish the first If you have ever wanted a cupcake that tastes like a tropical getaway this is the one
I remember baking these with my daughter on a humid July day Strawberry seeds stained our fingers and we spent the afternoon giggling waiting for the cakes to cool
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: The structure for soft fluffy cupcakes Choose unbleached flour for best texture
- Baking powder: Gives the cupcakes a light rise Always check it is fresh for maximum effectiveness
- Salt: Balances the sweet and boosts the fruit flavors Use fine sea salt for an even blend
- Unsalted butter: The rich base of both cake and frosting Use high quality butter for the best flavor
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes without overpowering the fruit Look for bright white sugar for a clean taste
- Eggs: Bind the batter and add moisture Farm fresh eggs work wonders for depth of flavor
- Mango puree: Lends tropical fruitiness Choose ripe mangoes and puree until smooth or use canned if out of season
- Milk: Adds tenderness and keeps the crumb just right Whole milk brings the richest soft texture
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the fruit notes Opt for pure vanilla if you can
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and provides body to the frosting Sift for the smoothest finish
- Fresh strawberries: Delivers vibrant color and real berry flavor in the frosting Pick the reddest sweetest berries available
- Fresh strawberry slices or mango pieces for garnish: Adds pop and a little extra juicy bite Go for perfectly ripe fruit here
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Mango Batter:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and line your cupcake tray with paper liners In a medium bowl whisk together flour baking powder and salt This mix provides the core structure for each cupcake
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- Use a large bowl to cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together Beat for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy This step ensures a soft airy crumb so do not rush
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Crack the eggs in one at a time mixing completely after each so the batter stays smooth Stir in the mango puree milk and vanilla extract Blend until you have a silky well mixed base
- Combine with Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually fold in the flour mixture making sure no dry streaks remain but without overmixing Overbeating at this stage can create a dense cupcake
- Fill and Bake:
- Spoon the batter evenly into the cupcake liners Fill each about twothirds of the way so they rise but do not overflow Bake for 18 to 20 minutes Test with a toothpick in the center It should come out clean when they are done
- Cool Completely:
- Carefully remove cupcakes and transfer to a wire rack Let them cool totally before frosting This helps the frosting set perfectly
- Prepare the Strawberry Frosting:
- Beat softened butter in a large clean bowl until creamy Gradually add powdered sugar Mix in pureed strawberries and vanilla extract If your frosting seems thin whisk in extra powdered sugar For thick frosting adjust with a splash of milk or more puree until smooth and spreadable
- Decorate and Serve:
- Once cupcakes are cool pipe or spread a generous layer of strawberry frosting Finish with a fresh slice of strawberry or a mango cube for a hint of extra fruit and color

I always look forward to the mango puree I love the tropical aroma in the kitchen and a few tastes from the blender always set the mood These cupcakes became a family birthday favorite after my sister requested them three years in a row
Storage Tips
Keep cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days If it is especially hot move them to the fridge After frosting with fresh fruit avoid storing longer than three days for best texture and flavor Bring them to room temperature before serving to keep the buttercream soft
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot get fresh mangoes a high quality canned mango or even frozen pureed after thawing works beautifully For the strawberry frosting strawberry jam can stand in during winter months just beat it well into the butter and powdered sugar mix Vegan butter and a dairy free milk also adapt well if you need to go plant based

Serving Suggestions
Serve plain for a sweet treat or style them on a platter with extra fruit for a party buffet They pair well with iced tea lemonade or a sparkling fruit punch The colors look gorgeous on summer picnic tables or at a festive brunch
Cultural Context
Fruit flavored cakes are beloved in tropical regions and these cupcakes celebrate those bright summer tastes While cupcakes like these are not traditional in most tropical cultures they capture the hospitality and warmth I remember from tropical family reunions With American baking techniques these cupcakes bring a bit of that sunshine into everyday life
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I ensure the cupcakes are moist?
Use ripe mango purée and avoid overbaking. Mixing just until combined helps keep the crumb tender and moist.
- → Can I use frozen mango or strawberries?
Yes, thaw and puree frozen fruit before using. Make sure to drain any excess liquid to avoid watery batter or frosting.
- → What’s the best way to store these cupcakes?
Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- → Can I prepare the frosting in advance?
Yes, the strawberry frosting can be made ahead and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature and re-whip before spreading.
- → How can I enhance the mango flavor?
Try adding a few drops of mango extract to the batter or using extra mango puree for more pronounced flavor.
- → What if I don’t have fresh strawberries?
You can substitute with strawberry jam in the frosting, though reduce added sugar to balance the sweetness.