Strawberry Mango Cupcakes

Introduction

When it comes to desserts that capture the essence of summer, nothing beats the vibrant flavors of strawberry and mango. These Strawberry Mango Cupcakes have quickly become a family favorite in our home, especially during birthdays and warm-weather gatherings. The combination of light, fluffy cake infused with fruity goodness and topped with a luscious buttercream frosting creates a delightful treat that never fails to impress. My kids absolutely love helping with the decorating, especially when it comes to adding the colorful lime wedges and strawberry halves. Every bite is like a mini-vacation to a tropical paradise, and I can’t wait to share this recipe with you!

Ingredients

Cupcakes:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups caster sugar (extra fine granulated sugar)
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups full cream milk (whole milk)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pink and red food gel (for strawberry flavor)
• 1 tsp strawberry flavoring
• Yellow food gel (for mango flavor)
• 1 tsp mango flavoring

Frosting:

• 1 batch American or Swiss Meringue Buttercream
• Food gels: Pink and red for strawberry; yellow for mango
• Flavorings: Strawberry and mango

Decorations:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 10 limes, cut into 40 wedges
• 10 strawberries, halved

Instructions

Prep and Bake:

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat the oven to 275°F (140°C) for fan-forced or 320°F (160°C) for conventional.
• Line two cupcake tins with liners.

1. Mix Dry Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, caster sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture becomes crumbly.

1. Mix Wet Ingredients:

• In another bowl, combine the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully combined.

1. Divide and Color Batter:

• Divide the batter into two portions.
• To one portion, add the pink and red food gels along with the strawberry flavoring. Mix until the color is evenly distributed.
• In the other portion, add the yellow food gel and mango flavoring. Mix until fully incorporated.

1. Fill Liners:

• Pipe alternating layers of strawberry and mango batter into the cupcake liners, creating a beautiful marbled effect.

1. Bake:

• Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.

Frosting and Decoration:

1. Prepare Frosting:

• Prepare the buttercream frosting, dividing it into two portions.
• To one portion, add pink and red food gels along with the strawberry flavoring. Mix until the color and flavor are incorporated.
• To the other portion, add yellow food gel and mango flavoring.

1. Sugar Rim:

• Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, dip the rims in water, then roll them in granulated sugar to mimic a margarita glass.

1. Pipe Frosting:

• Pipe frosting in swirls on each cupcake, alternating between the strawberry and mango flavors for a vibrant appearance.

1. Decorate:

• Top each cupcake with a lime wedge and a strawberry half for a festive touch.

Enjoy these festive cupcakes that bring a taste of summer to any occasion!

Nutrition Facts (per cupcake):

• Servings: 20
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40–50 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve the cupcakes on a colorful platter for a festive presentation.
• Pair with a refreshing drink like lemonade or iced tea.
• Offer them at birthday parties, barbecues, or any summer gathering.
• Keep extras in a decorative box for gifting.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Fruits: For a more intense flavor, consider using fresh strawberries and mango in addition to the flavorings.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and yogurt are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
3. Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense cupcakes.
4. Check for Doneness: Ovens vary, so start checking your cupcakes for doneness at the 35-minute mark.
5. Make Ahead: You can make the cupcakes a day in advance; just frost them on the day of serving for best freshness.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, almond milk, and flax eggs instead of eggs and dairy.
• Chocolate Cupcakes: Replace a portion of the flour with cocoa powder to create a chocolate version.
• Other Fruit Flavors: Experiment with other fruit flavors like pineapple or raspberry for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.
• Pair with fresh fruit salad for a light and refreshing side.
• Include these cupcakes in a dessert table featuring tropical themes, such as piña colada cake or coconut macaroons.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If frosted, store in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freezing: Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and frost when ready to serve.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen strawberries or mango?

• Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before using.

1. What can I use instead of caster sugar?

• You can use regular granulated sugar, but caster sugar yields a lighter texture.

1. How can I make my cupcakes more flavorful?

• Consider adding zest from limes or lemons for an extra zing.

1. What if I don’t have cupcake liners?

• You can grease the cupcake tins well and pour the batter directly into them.

1. Can I make the batter in advance?

• It’s best to bake the cupcakes fresh; however, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking.

1. Can I use different flavorings?

• Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruit extracts to create your desired flavors.

1. How do I ensure my cupcakes rise properly?

• Make sure your baking powder is fresh and that you don’t open the oven door until the cupcakes are set.

1. Can I use a different frosting?

• Yes! Cream cheese frosting or whipped cream frosting would be delicious alternatives.

1. What’s the best way to pipe frosting?

• Use a piping bag with a star tip for beautiful swirls and designs.

1. Are these cupcakes suitable for children?

• Yes, they are perfect for kids, especially with their fun colors and fruity flavors!

Conclusion

Strawberry Mango Cupcakes are not just desserts; they are an experience that brings joy to any occasion. With their tropical flavors and stunning presentation, they capture the essence of summer in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking to brighten up a weekday, these cupcakes are sure to impress. They invite smiles and a taste of sunshine, making every moment special. So gather your ingredients and get ready to create a delightful treat that will have everyone coming back for more!

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