Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup
- Unsalted butter (softened): ½ cup (1 stick)
- Large eggs: 2
- Baking powder: 1 ½ teaspoons
- Whole milk: ½ cup
- Mango puree (sweetened): ½ cup
- Freeze-dried strawberry powder: 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the whole milk, mixing until just combined and a smooth batter forms.
- Step 3: Divide the completed batter equally into two separate bowls. Into the first bowl, fold in the mango puree. Into the second bowl, fold in the freeze-dried strawberry powder until the color is uniformly pink.
- Step 4: Create the "sunset" effect by layering the batters: Drop 1 tablespoon of the mango batter into each cupcake liner first, followed by 1 tablespoon of the strawberry batter placed directly on top. Do not mix them. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 5: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, top with your preferred frosting (mango or strawberry buttercream recommended) and garnish immediately.
Notes
- Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, but refrigerate immediately if using dairy-based frosting.
- If the cupcakes have been refrigerated, allow them to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to ensure the cake crumb is perfectly soft and moist.
- For the ultimate tropical pairing, serve these layered beauties alongside a light vanilla bean ice cream or a glass of chilled sparkling rosé pomegranate juice.
- Ensure your mango puree is thick, not watery, and use precisely one tablespoon per layer; this prevents the batters from blending and preserves the beautiful 'sunset' definition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American