Description
Zesty margarita cupcakes dance with tangy lime and tequila, bringing Mexican cocktail magic to dessert lovers. Sharp citrus notes and smooth frosting create a playful celebration of classic cocktail flavors in each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcake Base:
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons (7.5 ml) baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lime zest (from about 2 limes)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) tequila
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk
Frosting and Garnish:
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) tequila
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) lime zest
- Pinch of salt
- Lime wedges or zest
- Coarse sea salt or sugar (for rimming)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking workspace by heating the oven to a precise 350F (175C) and arranging cupcake liners in a standard muffin tin.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring a smooth, lump-free dry ingredient base.
- Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a pale, airy consistency with a silky texture.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, then gently fold in the vibrant lime zest, tangy lime juice, spirited tequila, and aromatic vanilla extract.
- Carefully blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk and mixing gently to maintain the batter’s delicate structure.
- Distribute the cupcake batter evenly across the prepared liners, creating uniform portions for consistent baking.
- Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick emerges clean when inserted into the center of a cupcake.
- Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack, ensuring the delicate crumb sets properly before applying the tequila lime frosting.
Notes
- Save time by zesting lime before juicing, ensuring maximum flavor extraction.
- Replace tequila with extra lime juice for a non-alcoholic version that still maintains vibrant citrus notes.
- Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and buttermilk to create smoother, more evenly textured cupcakes.
- Room temperature butter blends more easily and creates a fluffier cake texture, so let butter sit out 30 minutes before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Cocktails
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 94 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 51 mg