Description
These Margarita Cupcakes are light, citrusy, and infused with fresh lime juice and a touch of tequila. They’re topped with a creamy tequila-lime buttercream and a sprinkle of sea salt for a fun twist on the classic cocktail!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- 2 tbsp tequila (optional, or replace with milk)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
For the Tequila Lime Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp tequila (or replace with milk for a non-alcoholic version)
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For Garnish (Optional):
- Extra lime zest or lime slices
- A sprinkle of coarse sea salt
- A drizzle of tequila (for an extra kick!)
Instructions
Make the Cupcakes
- Preheat Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter & Sugar – In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add Eggs & Flavorings – Mix in eggs, one at a time. Stir in lime juice, lime zest, tequila, and vanilla.
- Alternate Dry & Wet – Add the dry ingredients in two parts, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
- Bake – Divide batter evenly into liners, filling about 2/3 full. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool – Let cool completely before frosting.
2. Make the Tequila Lime Frosting
- Beat Butter – In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy.
- Add Sugar & Liquid – Gradually mix in powdered sugar, followed by tequila, lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
3. Frost & Garnish
- Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes.
- Garnish with lime zest, a small lime slice, and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Notes
- Want more tequila flavor? Brush warm cupcakes with a mix of tequila and lime juice before frosting!
- For a non-alcoholic version, replace tequila with milk or more lime juice.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.