12 Easy Strawberry Mango Cupcakes – Best Tropical Dessert Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Strawberry Mango Cupcakes with this easy, step-by-step guide. Perfect for beginners & packed with tropical flavor!

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There’s nothing quite like biting into a soft, moist cupcake swirled with the perfect balance of sweet strawberries and tropical mango.

These Tropical Strawberry Mango Swirl Cupcakes bring a taste of paradise to your kitchen, combining the bright flavors of fresh fruit with a delicate cake base that’s sure to impress.

Whether you’re planning a summer party, looking for a colorful dessert for a special occasion, or simply craving something sweet with a tropical twist, these Strawberry Mango Cupcakes are guaranteed to delight your taste buds.

The beautiful swirl pattern not only looks impressive but ensures every bite contains the perfect blend of these two complementary fruits.

Best of all, this recipe is designed to be approachable for bakers of all skill levels, with clear instructions that make the process enjoyable and stress-free.

Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Mango Cupcakes

• Ready in just 45 minutes – perfect for last-minute entertaining!
• No special equipment needed – just basic baking tools you already have
• Stunning presentation with minimal effort – the swirl pattern creates a wow factor
• Perfect balance of flavors – sweet strawberries complement the tropical mango beautifully
• Versatile recipe that can be adapted for different occasions and seasons
• Make-ahead friendly – prepare components in advance for easy assembly
• Kid-approved yet sophisticated enough for adult gatherings
• Naturally colorful without artificial food coloring

Ingredients for Strawberry Mango Cupcakes

For the Cupcake Base:

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour (for gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil for dairy-free option)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ⅔ cup buttermilk (or ⅔ cup milk + 2 teaspoons white vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lime (adds tropical brightness)

For the Strawberry Puree:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled (or thawed frozen strawberries)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Mango Puree:

• 1 cup diced ripe mango (about 1 large mango)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon lime juice

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Reserved strawberry and mango puree (2 tablespoons each)

How to Make Strawberry Mango Cupcakes – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Purees

1. For the strawberry puree: Combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Transfer to a small saucepan and simmer over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Reserve 2 tablespoons for the frosting.
2. For the mango puree: Blend the diced mango with sugar and lime juice until smooth. Transfer to a small saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly reduced. Let cool completely. Reserve 2 tablespoons for the frosting.

Step 2: Prepare the Cupcake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and lime zest.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined (overmixing will result in dense cupcakes).

Step 3: Create the Swirl Effect

1. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of strawberry puree and 1 teaspoon of mango puree to the top of each cupcake.
3. Use a toothpick to gently swirl the purees into the batter, creating a beautiful marble effect. Don’t overmix – just 2-3 swirls is perfect.

Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes

1. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
2. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

1. Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
3. Add vanilla extract and beat on high speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
4. Divide the frosting into two bowls. Mix reserved strawberry puree into one bowl and mango puree into the other.

Step 6: Decorate the Cupcakes

1. Place the strawberry and mango frosting into separate piping bags or into opposite sides of the same piping bag for a swirl effect.
2. Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.
3. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices, mango chunks, or a sprinkle of lime zest if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Strawberry Mango Cupcakes

• Use room temperature ingredients for the batter – this ensures proper mixing and even baking
• Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour – this develops gluten and makes cupcakes tough
• Test for ripeness when selecting mangoes – they should yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a sweet aroma
• Strain the fruit purees through a fine-mesh sieve for ultra-smooth consistency
• Chill the frosting for 15-20 minutes if it seems too soft for piping
• Make the purees ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to save time
• For extra tropical flavor, add 2 tablespoons of coconut milk to the batter
• The secret to perfect swirls is using a light hand with the toothpick – less is more!

Best Ways to Serve Strawberry Mango Cupcakes

The best way to serve Strawberry Mango Cupcakes is slightly chilled but not cold, allowing the flavors to fully develop. These vibrant cupcakes pair beautifully with:

• A scoop of coconut ice cream for an extra tropical dessert experience
• Fresh fruit skewers featuring strawberries, mango, and pineapple
• A glass of sparkling white wine for adult gatherings
• Tropical fruit punch for family celebrations
• Our [Homemade Coconut Whipped Cream] as an alternative topping

For a stunning dessert table, arrange these cupcakes on a tiered stand with fresh tropical fruits and edible flowers as decorations. The vibrant colors create an eye-catching display perfect for bridal showers, baby showers, or summer gatherings.

Nutritional Information for Strawberry Mango Cupcakes

Per cupcake with frosting:

• Calories: 325 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 145mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 35g

These Strawberry Mango Cupcakes can be made more health-conscious by:

• Using reduced-fat cream cheese in the frosting
• Substituting half the sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia
• Replacing half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour

Storage & Leftovers

Strawberry Mango Cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results:

• Let refrigerated cupcakes sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving
• Store unfrosted cupcakes at room temperature for up to 2 days
• Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers

To reheat frozen cupcakes, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before frosting. The frosting can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days – just allow it to soften at room temperature and re-whip before using.

FAQs for Strawberry Mango Cupcakes

Can I freeze Strawberry Mango Cupcakes?

Yes, you can freeze Strawberry Mango Cupcakes! For best results, freeze unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving. The frosting can also be frozen separately in a freezer bag for up to 1 month.

Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh for Strawberry Mango Cupcakes?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries and mangoes work well in this recipe. Thaw the fruit completely and drain any excess liquid before pureeing. You may need to cook the purees slightly longer to achieve the same consistency as with fresh fruit.

What can I substitute for buttermilk in Strawberry Mango Cupcakes?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by adding 2 teaspoons of white vinegar or lemon juice to ⅔ cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. Alternatively, plain yogurt thinned with a little milk works well too.

Can I make these Strawberry Mango Cupcakes dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute, use a plant-based milk + acid for the buttermilk, and substitute vegan cream cheese and butter alternatives for the frosting. The tropical flavors work particularly well with coconut-based dairy alternatives.

Related Recipes

If you love these Tropical Strawberry Mango Swirl Cupcakes, try our other fruit-forward desserts:

• [Coconut Pineapple Layer Cake with Rum Glaze]
• [Easy Passion Fruit Mousse with Mango Coulis]
• [Strawberry Lime Cheesecake Bars]
• [Tropical Fruit Trifle with Coconut Cream]
• [Mini Pavlovas with Summer Berries]

Ready to Bring the Tropics to Your Kitchen?

Now you know how to make the best Strawberry Mango Cupcakes at home! These delightful treats bring together the perfect combination of sweet strawberries and tropical mango in a soft, moist cupcake that’s sure to impress. The beautiful swirl pattern not only looks stunning but ensures you get both flavors in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving something sweet with a tropical twist, these cupcakes are the perfect choice.

We’d love to hear how your Strawberry Mango Cupcakes turn out! Did you try any variations? Share your experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to tag us on social media with your beautiful creations!

Happy baking!

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