Name: Tropical Mango Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 27 min
Total time: 52 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cardamom (from green cardamoms); 1 ½ cups canned mango puree (preferably Alphonso); 1/3 cup canola oil; 2/3 cup white sugar; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 8 tablespoons vegan butter (e.g., Earth Balance); 8 tablespoons vegetable shortening; 2 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar); 1/4 cup canned mango puree; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Get ready to brighten up your dessert table with these cheerful, flavor-packed Tropical Mango Cupcakes Recipe. Bursting with the sweet and slightly tangy essence of ripe Alphonso mangoes and complemented by fragrant cardamom, these cupcakes offer a soft, moist crumb that melts in your mouth. The luscious mango buttercream frosting, rich and velvety, ties the whole experience together beautifully, making every bite feel like a mini-vacation to a tropical paradise. This recipe is perfect for anyone wanting a delightful twist on classic cupcakes that celebrates exotic flavors in the tastiest way possible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows fifteen small glass bowls arranged in three horizontal rows on a wooden surface. The top row from left to right contains green cardamom pods, a bowl of fine white powder, a bowl of slightly coarser white powder, a bowl of very fine white powder, and a bright orange liquid with a smooth surface. The middle row has a small bowl of white granules, a bowl of white powdered sugar, a light yellow powder, a bowl of fine white granulated sugar, and pale beige granules. The bottom row includes a bowl of white powder, a bowl of black and white mixed seeds or spices, a bowl with several thick yellow cubes, another bowl of white powder, and finally a bright orange powder. The bowls are all transparent glass, showing the textures clearly, and are placed on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient you add plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and vibrant color in these Tropical Mango Cupcakes Recipe. From the fluffiness imparted by baking powder to the smooth richness of vegan butter, these simple essentials come together to craft cupcakes that look as delightful as they taste.

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives our cupcakes structure and that tender crumb we all love.
2 tsp baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise and stay light and airy.
½ tsp baking soda: Boosts the rise and balances the acidity from the mango puree.
½ tsp salt: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
1 tsp ground cardamom: Adds a warm, aromatic spice that pairs beautifully with mango.
1 ½ cups canned mango puree (preferably Alphonso): Delivers intense tropical sweetness and moisture for a tender crumb.
⅓ cup canola oil: Keeps the cupcakes moist without interfering with their delicate flavor.
⅔ cup white sugar: Sweetens just enough for balance without overwhelming the mango’s natural flavor.
1 tsp pure vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that lifts the other ingredients.
8 tablespoons vegan butter (e.g., Earth Balance): Provides a smooth, creamy base for the frosting.
8 tablespoons vegetable shortening: Adds stability and a light texture to the buttercream.
2 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar): Sweetens and thickens the frosting for that perfect spreadable consistency.
¼ cup canned mango puree: Infuses the frosting with fresh mango flavor and a hint of color.
1 tsp pure vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and depth of the frosting.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Tropical Mango Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

Start by combining the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cardamom in a large mixing bowl. Make sure to sift these together carefully; this will help distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly, resulting in perfectly shaped cupcakes with a consistent flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend together the mango puree, canola oil, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture looks smooth and homogeneous. This step brings in the juicy sweetness of mango and the richness of the oil, which keeps the cupcakes luscious and moist.

Step 3: Combine and Fill Muffin Pan

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overworking the batter and ending up with tough cupcakes. Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners and evenly divide the batter among 12 cups. Smooth the tops to ensure even baking and a beautiful finish.

Step 4: Bake and Prepare Frosting

Bake the cupcakes at 350°F (175°C) for about 27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. While they bake, whip the vegan butter and vegetable shortening in a mixing bowl until fluffy. Then gradually add mango puree, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and bursting with mango goodness.

Step 5: Frost the Cupcakes

Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting. Once cool, generously frost the cupcakes with the mango buttercream, decorating them as you like. Your Tropical Mango Cupcakes Recipe is now ready to wow everyone!

How to Serve Tropical Mango Cupcakes Recipe

A gray metal muffin tray holds 15 evenly baked cupcakes in white paper liners. Each cupcake is smooth and dome-shaped with a soft golden-yellow color. The muffins are neatly arranged in three rows of five, with a clean and simple look. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a little extra flair can make these cupcakes feel even more special. Try topping them with small cubes of fresh mango, a light sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, or even edible flower petals to enhance their tropical vibe and add texture.

Side Dishes

Serve these cupcakes alongside a cool, refreshing fruit salad or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. If you’re hosting a party, a chilled mango lassi or lightly spiced chai tea can balance sweetness with a touch of warmth.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, assemble mini tropical cupcake towers or place cupcakes in clear glass jars for a picnic-ready dessert. You can also pipe mango buttercream into beautiful rosettes using a star tip for an elegant presentation that will impress any guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Tropical Mango Cupcakes Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For best freshness, store them in the fridge if your kitchen is warm, but allow them to come to room temperature before eating for optimal softness.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag or container. They can last up to two months this way. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting. Frozen frosted cupcakes can also be stored, but be aware the frosting texture may slightly change.

Reheating

If you want that freshly baked feel, warm cupcakes gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to maintain moisture. If refrigerated, let them sit at room temperature first before warming to help the mango buttercream soften pleasantly.

FAQs

Can I use fresh mango instead of canned mango puree?

Absolutely! Fresh mango can be pureed to substitute canned mango, but make sure to blend it until very smooth for the best texture in your cupcakes and frosting. It’s a great way to bring even more vibrant mango flavor when mangoes are in season.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

Yes, this Tropical Mango Cupcakes Recipe uses vegan butter and vegetable shortening for the frosting, and there are no eggs or dairy in the cupcake batter, making it a perfect option for vegan dessert lovers.

What if I don’t have cardamom? Can I skip it?

While cardamom adds a unique warmth that complements mango beautifully, you can skip it or substitute with a pinch of cinnamon for a different but still delicious twist. The cupcakes will still be delightful without it.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1, but results may vary slightly in texture. Look for blends that contain xanthan gum or add a bit to help with structure.

How thick should the mango buttercream frosting be?

The frosting should be thick enough to hold its shape but soft enough to spread easily. If it’s too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar; if it’s too stiff, add a teaspoon of mango puree or a little plant-based milk to loosen it up gently.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Tropical Mango Cupcakes Recipe a chance to brighten your baking adventures. Its bright flavors and easy preparation make it a standout recipe to share with friends and family, perfect for bringing a touch of sunshine to any day. Once you try these cupcakes, they’ll become a beloved favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Tropical Mango Cupcakes Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need