Description
Capture the tropical magic of Mango Strawberry Sunset Cupcakes! Cream softened butter and sugar for the fluffiest texture. This bright, fruity treat bakes at 350°F.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups)
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup)
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened)
- Large eggs (2 units)
- Baking powder (1 ½ teaspoons)
- Whole milk (½ cup)
- Fresh mango puree (½ cup)
- Freeze-dried strawberry powder (2 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Step 2: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, mixing until the batter is just combined and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Step 3: Divide the finished batter equally into two separate bowls. Into the first bowl, gently fold in the mango puree. Into the second bowl, gently fold in the freeze-dried strawberry powder until the color is consistent.
- Step 4: Create the "sunset" effect by spooning 1 tablespoon of the mango batter into each liner, followed immediately by 1 tablespoon of the strawberry batter on top of the mango. Use a toothpick or small knife to swirl the two colors together 1-2 times, taking care not to overmix.
- Step 5: Bake the cupcakes for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For maximum mango-strawberry flavor, store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days; chilling is only required if they are heavily frosted.
- If the unfrosted cakes feel slightly dry the next day, microwave a single cupcake for 5–7 seconds to gently restore a fresh-baked tenderness.
- Enhance the tropical experience by topping these treats with a light cream cheese frosting subtly flavored with a splash of fresh lime juice.
- To achieve a truly defined "sunset" effect, gently swirl the toothpick only 1 to 2 times after dropping the second batter, as overmixing will muddy the colors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Cupcake
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Protein: 35g