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:
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Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
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Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Cream Butter & Sugar:
- In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
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Add Eggs & Flavoring:
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in lime zest, lime juice, tequila, and vanilla extract.
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Combine Wet & Dry:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
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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:
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Beat the Butter:
- In a bowl, beat butter until creamy.
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Add Powdered Sugar & Tequila:
- Gradually mix in powdered sugar, tequila, lime juice, lime zest, and a pinch of salt, beating until fluffy.
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Frost the Cupcakes:
- Pipe or spread frosting over cooled cupcakes.
Garnish & Serve:
- For a classic margarita look:
- Lightly sprinkle the edges with coarse salt or sugar.
- Garnish with lime wedges or extra zest.
- 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.