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Margarita Cupcakes with Tequila Lime Frosting

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American, Mexican-Inspired

Description

These Margarita Cupcakes are soft, zesty, and infused with lime and a hint of tequila, just like your favorite margarita! Topped with a creamy tequila lime buttercream frosting and a sprinkle of sea salt, they’re a fun and festive treat.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cupcakes:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest (from about 2 limes)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons tequila
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk

For the Tequila Lime Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons tequila
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • Pinch of salt

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Lime wedges or zest
  • Coarse sea salt or sugar (for rimming)

Instructions

Make the Cupcakes:

  1. Preheat & Prep:

    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

    • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cream Butter & Sugar:

    • In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
  4. Add Eggs & Flavoring:

    • Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in lime zest, lime juice, tequila, and vanilla extract.
  5. Combine Wet & Dry:

    • Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
  6. Bake:

    • Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
    • Let cool completely before frosting.

Make the Tequila Lime Frosting:

  1. Beat the Butter:

    • In a bowl, beat butter until creamy.
  2. Add Powdered Sugar & Tequila:

    • Gradually mix in powdered sugar, tequila, lime juice, lime zest, and a pinch of salt, beating until fluffy.
  3. Frost the Cupcakes:

    • Pipe or spread frosting over cooled cupcakes.

Garnish & Serve:

  1. For a classic margarita look:
  • Lightly sprinkle the edges with coarse salt or sugar.
  • Garnish with lime wedges or extra zest.
  1. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Want an extra boozy kick? Brush the tops of the warm cupcakes with a little tequila before frosting.
  • Make it kid-friendly: Omit tequila and replace it with more lime juice or milk.
  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temp for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days.