
Discover these delightful tropical cupcakes that blend fresh strawberries and ripe mangoes. The light, fluffy cake carries both fruit flavors perfectly, finished with a smooth, creamy frosting that ties it all together.
Years of recipe testing show that ingredient temperature and mixing technique are critical for achieving the ideal cupcake consistency.
Key Ingredients
- Cupcake Base:
- All-Purpose Flour: Measured properly
- Fine Sugar: Regular or caster
- Unsalted Butter: Softened
- Fresh Eggs: At room temp
- Whole Milk: Not cold
- Greek Yogurt: Full-fat preferred
- Real Vanilla: Pure extract only
- Baking Powder: Check freshness
- Sea Salt: Fine grade
- Food Coloring: For strawberry/mango tints
Step-by-Step Method
- 1. Initial Setup:
- Set oven to 350°F. Place liners in muffin tin. Combine sifted flour, baking powder, salt. Cream softened butter with sugar until fluffy, about 4 minutes. Beat in eggs individually.
- 2. Mix Batters:
- Combine wet and dry ingredients alternately. Split batter evenly. Add fruit flavorings and colors separately.
- 3. Fill Cups:
- Alternate spoonfuls of each batter into liners to 2/3 full. Swirl gently with skewer. Avoid overswirling.
- 4. Baking Time:
- Bake 18-20 minutes until done. Test with toothpick and gentle touch. Rest 5 minutes before cooling on rack.
- 5. Prepare Frosting:
- Whip butter until light. Add sugar gradually with cream until smooth. Split and flavor as desired. Frost only cooled cupcakes.

Storage Guidelines
Plain cupcakes keep 2 days at room temperature in sealed container. Frosted ones last 5 days refrigerated. Let warm before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh mango pieces
- Halved strawberries
- Coconut shavings
- Fresh lime
- Decorative flowers
- Crystallized fruit

Recipe Variations
Try these creative twists:
- Coconut frosting
- Passion fruit center
- Fresh lime zest
- Touch of rum flavor
- Pineapple essence
- Melted white chocolate

These tropical treats showcase bakery-quality results at home. Success comes from proper temperatures and careful technique. They're perfect for any occasion needing a touch of tropical flair.
Recipe Notes
Baking requires precision and patience. Focus on each step carefully, especially temperature and mixing. The end result will be professional-looking cupcakes with exceptional taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Could I use natural colors instead of gels?
- Of course! But the shades might look softer, and some powders might slightly alter the texture.
- → What's the trick to getting a good swirl?
- Dollop the batters evenly in the tin, then lightly drag a toothpick through to create that lovely marbled look.
- → Can I bake these ahead of time?
- Sure can! Keep the unfrosted cupcakes in a tightly sealed container, and they’ll be good for a day.
- → Why use superfine sugar?
- It dissolves more easily when creaming, giving you a smoother, velvety texture.
- → Can I use real fruit instead of flavor extracts?
- Fresh fruit adds too much moisture and could ruin the batter. Stick with flavorings for the best results!