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Margarita Cupcakes Recipe

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4.4 from 79 reviews

  • Author: Ava
  • Total Time: 38-40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 standard cupcakes or approximately 30 mini cupcakes

Description

Deliciously soft and moist Margarita Cupcakes featuring a sweet lime cupcake base topped with fluffy tequila lime frosting. These cupcakes capture the zesty freshness of classic margaritas with lime zest, juice, and optional tequila for an adult twist, perfect for parties and special occasions.

Ingredients

Cupcake Batter

  • 1 and 1/2 cups (188g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature preferred
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
  • Zest and fresh juice of 3 medium limes
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons tequila (for brushing after baking)

Tequila Lime Frosting

  • 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 4 cups (480g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 3-4 tablespoons (45-60ml) tequila
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Lime flavoring (such as lime extract or lime juice concentrate)
  • Pinch of salt, to taste
  • Optional: lime slices, lime zest, and/or coarse sugar for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 12-count muffin pan with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
  3. Cream butter and sugar: Using a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the butter on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Add the granulated sugar and beat on high speed for 2 minutes to create a light, fluffy mixture. Scrape down the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
  4. Add eggs and vanilla: With the mixer running on low speed, add eggs one at a time, incorporating each fully before adding the next. Then add the vanilla extract and beat on medium-high speed until combined. Scrape the bowl again if needed.
  5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Continuing on low speed, slowly add the dry flour mixture alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Once combined, increase the speed to high and beat in the lime zest and fresh lime juice, mixing just until incorporated to avoid overmixing.
  6. Fill cupcake liners and bake: Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about 1/2 to 2/3 full to prevent overflow. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. For mini cupcakes (about 30), bake for 11-13 minutes at the same temperature.
  7. Brush with tequila (optional): While the cupcakes are still warm, lightly brush the tops with tequila to infuse an extra layer of margarita flavor. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
  8. Prepare frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter on high speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed initially and then increasing to high speed until fully incorporated and smooth.
  9. Add flavor to frosting: Beat in the tequila, vanilla extract, lime flavoring, and a pinch of salt on high speed. Taste and adjust seasoning or flavoring as desired to achieve your perfect margarita frosting.
  10. Frost cupcakes and garnish: Frost the cooled cupcakes using a piping bag fitted with a Wilton 1M or #12 round tip for a professional look. Garnish with lime slices, lime zest, or coarse sugar as preferred.

Notes

  • Use fresh lime juice and zest for the best authentic margarita flavor.
  • The tequila in the batter and frosting is optional but adds a great adult twist.
  • Lime flavoring can be substituted with lime extract or concentrate if fresh limes are unavailable.
  • Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best cake texture.
  • Frosting consistency can be adjusted by adding more confectioners’ sugar for stiffer frosting or a small amount of milk for creamier texture.
  • Mini cupcakes require shorter baking time; watch closely to avoid overbaking.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
  • Category: Cupcakes
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://quickandsweetrecipes.com/margarita-cupcakes-recipe/