If you’ve ever sipped a Miami Vice cocktail poolside and wished you could bottle that tropical magic into dessert form—this is for you. These Miami Vice Cupcakes are everything you love about summer: fruity, fun, and a little bit flirty. Swirled with luscious coconut and strawberry frosting and topped with festive tropical garnishes, they’re the dessert equivalent of a beach vacation. And trust me—the taste? Pure sunshine!

Miami Vice Cupcakes deliver the frozen drink experience, just sweeter and with sprinkles. I’m so excited to walk you through these party-perfect cupcakes! But before we dive in, don’t forget to subscribe to my email list to get this recipe straight to your inbox (plus plenty more fruity and fabulous ideas for every season).

What Are Miami Vice Cupcakes?

These cupcakes are inspired by the famous frozen cocktail that’s half strawberry daiquiri, half piña colada—aka the Miami Vice. The base is a super moist vanilla-coconut cake (with an optional splash of coconut rum for the grown-ups), and the frosting is a two-toned swirl: creamy coconut buttercream and strawberry-purée-infused frosting piped together for that iconic look.

They’re:

Eye-catching and colorful
Packed with tropical flavor
Perfect for summer parties, beach-themed birthdays, or just a sunny afternoon at home

Reasons to Love This Recipe

There’s no way around it—these cupcakes are anything but boring!! Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, planning a bachelorette bash, or just want to treat yourself, these will wow your crowd and your taste buds.

Two frostings, one cupcake = double the fun.
They look bakery-level fancy, but are secretly simple to make.
Totally customizable for boozy or kid-friendly versions.
The smell when they bake? Heaven.

What Do Miami Vice Cupcakes Taste Like?

Bite into one of these cupcakes and you’ll first notice the soft, tender crumb of the vanilla cake, infused with creamy coconut flavor. Then that dreamy swirl of frosting hits: one side smooth and buttery with hints of tropical coconut, the other fresh and fruity with bright strawberry flavor. It’s like biting into a cocktail—without the hangover.

Healthier Than You’d Think (But Still Indulgent)

Now, I wouldn’t call these a health food (hello, buttercream!), but compared to many store-bought cupcakes, they offer some lighter swaps:

Coconut milk adds healthy fats and natural flavor.
Strawberry purée brings in natural sweetness and color.
You can skip the rum for an alcohol-free version.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cupcakes:

1 box white or vanilla cake mix
3 large eggs
⅓ cup vegetable oil
⅓ cup coconut milk
⅓ cup water
Optional: 1 tbsp coconut rum (for a little extra island flair!)

For the Coconut Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2–3 cups powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp coconut milk
1 tsp coconut extract

For the Strawberry Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2–3 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup strawberry purée or syrup
½ tsp vanilla or strawberry extract
Pink food coloring (optional—but fun!)

Optional Toppings:

Pineapple wedges
Fresh strawberries
Toasted coconut
Mini cocktail umbrellas (yes, please!)

Tools You’ll Need

Electric mixer or stand mixer
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Cupcake pan + 12 liners
Piping bags and a large swirl tip (like Wilton 1M or 2D)
Spatula
Toothpick (for doneness testing)

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!

No coconut milk? Use regular milk + ½ tsp coconut extract.
Vegan version? Use a vegan cake mix, plant-based milk, and vegan butter.
Strawberry variation: Add a spoonful of strawberry jam to the center before baking for a hidden fruity surprise!
Extra boozy: Brush baked cupcakes with a bit of rum before frosting.

How to Make Miami Vice Cupcakes

1. Preheat and Prep

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your cupcake tin with liners—go tropical with bright colors if you can!

2. Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, coconut milk, water, and coconut rum (if using). Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened.

3. Fill and Bake

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners—fill about ⅔ full. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool completely.

4. Make the Frostings

Coconut Buttercream:

Beat butter until light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes). Slowly add powdered sugar, then the coconut milk and extract. Whip until creamy. Add more sugar or milk to get the texture just right.

Strawberry Frosting:

Beat butter until smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and strawberry purée. Add extract and food coloring if desired. Beat until light and fluffy.

5. Swirl and Decorate

Fit a piping bag with a large swirl tip. Fill one side with coconut frosting and the other side with strawberry frosting. Practice a swirl or two on parchment paper—then pipe onto your cupcakes for that gorgeous pink-and-white Miami Vice look!

Top with garnishes like pineapple wedges, fresh strawberries, toasted coconut, or the cutest cocktail umbrellas you can find.

What to Serve with Miami Vice Cupcakes

Tropical fruit salad with mango, pineapple, and kiwi
Sparkling coconut water or fruity mocktails
Mini piña coladas for the 21+ crowd
Shrimp skewers or pulled pork sliders for a full-on tropical menu!

Tips for Making Perfect Cupcakes

Use room temperature ingredients for the smoothest batter and frosting.
Don’t overmix the batter—just until everything is incorporated.
Let cupcakes cool fully before frosting or you’ll get a melty mess.
Chill the frosting for 5–10 minutes if it’s too soft to pipe.
If you’re making them ahead, frost the day of for the freshest look!

How to Store These Cupcakes

Room temperature: In a sealed container for up to 2 days.
Fridge: Store up to 4–5 days, but bring to room temp before serving.
Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Frost after thawing!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use homemade cake batter instead of a box mix?

Absolutely! Use your favorite vanilla or coconut cupcake recipe—just aim for about 12 cupcakes’ worth of batter.

Can I make the frostings ahead of time?

Yes! You can make both frostings a day in advance. Store in the fridge and bring to room temperature before piping.

Can I make this recipe without food coloring?

Yes, totally optional! The pink food coloring just enhances the strawberry swirl, but it’s still delicious without it.

Are these cupcakes safe for kids?

Skip the coconut rum and they’re 100% kid-approved!

Why You’ll Love Making These

There’s something magical about transforming a classic cocktail into a dessert. These cupcakes are fun, festive, and deceptively easy to pull together. Whether it’s a birthday, beach bash, or just a craving for sunshine on a plate, Miami Vice Cupcakes deliver every time.

I truly hope you make these and love them as much as I do. Let them be the centerpiece of your next party—or a Tuesday night treat because… why not?

More Tropical Dessert Recipes You’ll Love

Peach Coconut Bars – gooey, fruity, and freezer-friendly
Strawberry Daiquiri Cake – all the island flavor in one pan
Pineapple Upside Down Mini Cakes – retro but make it cute
Coconut Lime Sugar Cookies – zingy, chewy, and perfect with a margarita!

Share Your Bake!

If you try these Miami Vice Cupcakes, I definitely want to see your tropical masterpiece! Tag me on Pinterest or leave a review in the comments below.