If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s bursting with tropical vibes and a fun kick, this Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine the sweet juiciness of ripe strawberries and mangoes blended perfectly with zesty lime and a splash of tequila baked into moist, fluffy cupcakes topped with a light, fruity frosting. These cupcakes bring all the vibrant flavors of a margarita to your party platter or afternoon treat, making every bite a lively celebration you’ll want to share with friends again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to these delightful Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes Recipe is in the simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one works harmoniously to deliver that perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and texture that makes these cupcakes stand out from your everyday bake.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that creates the perfect tender crumb.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps your cupcakes rise to fluffy perfection.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the batter.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens while contributing to the light texture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together smoothly and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth that compliments the fruit beautifully.
- 1/4 cup mango purée (fresh or frozen/thawed): Infuses tropical sweetness and natural moisture.
- 1/4 cup milk: Ensures moist, tender cupcakes without being heavy.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Adds the essential citrus tang that brightens every bite.
- 1 tablespoon tequila (optional): Offers a subtle margarita twist that adults will love.
- 1 teaspoon lime zest: Packs a flavorful punch and a lovely fresh aroma.
- For the frosting: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 cup strawberry purée, 1 teaspoon lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Optional garnishes: Strawberry slices, lime zest, or coarse sugar to make them look as amazing as they taste.
How to Make Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This simple step helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt through the flour, setting the base for cupcakes that rise beautifully and have a consistent crumb.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration step is crucial—it helps create that delightful cupcake texture that melts in your mouth. Taking your time here makes all the difference!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings
One at a time, add the eggs to the creamed butter and sugar, beating thoroughly after each addition to keep the batter smooth. Then stir in the vanilla extract, mango purée, lime juice, lime zest, and tequila, if you’re including it. These ingredients bring the fresh, tangy tropical flair and that unmistakable margarita vibe.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and milk to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together. Avoid overmixing here—this protects the delicate crumb and keeps your cupcakes light and fluffy.
Step 5: Bake Your Cupcakes
Divide the batter evenly into a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them rest in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely—your patience will pay off!
Step 6: Make the Strawberry-Lime Frosting
Beat the softened butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in smooth strawberry purée, lime juice, and a tiny pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Beat the frosting until it’s fluffy and light—perfect for spreading or piping onto cool cupcakes. Adjust powdered sugar if you want a firmer texture for elegant piping.
Step 7: Frost and Garnish
Once the cupcakes are thoroughly cooled, frost them generously with your strawberry-lime frosting. Add your chosen garnishes such as fresh strawberry slices, a sprinkle of lime zest, or a dusting of coarse sugar for that extra sparkle and flair that makes these cupcakes irresistible.
How to Serve Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
Top your cupcakes with thin slices of fresh strawberry and a little lime zest for a fresh, colorful finishing touch. A sprinkle of coarse sugar adds a sparkling crunch that’s both pretty and delicious. These garnishes not only elevate the look but also enhance the fruity, zesty flavors.
Side Dishes
Serve these cupcakes alongside light, refreshing sides like citrus fruit salads, a cold cucumber-mint cooler, or even salty tortilla chips with guacamole to create a full-on festive spread. Their tropical notes pair best with dishes that balance sweet and savory vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or fun get-togethers, present the cupcakes in margarita glasses or on colorful platters surrounded by fresh fruit slices and lime wedges. You can even rim the cupcake liners with colored sugar to mimic the classic margarita glass salt rim for that extra playful touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your frosted Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes Recipe leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bringing them to room temperature before serving helps bring out their full flavor and soft texture again.
Freezing
If you want to make these in advance, freeze unfrosted cupcakes in a single layer on a baking sheet then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before frosting, or freeze frosted cupcakes in a sealed container with layers of wax paper in between to protect the frosting.
Reheating
Warm refrigerated or thawed cupcakes for 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave for a just-baked feel that makes the mango and strawberry flavors sing. Be cautious not to overheat to avoid melting the frosting.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without tequila?
Absolutely! Simply omit the tequila to make a mocktail version that retains all the fruity brightness without the alcohol, perfect for kids or those avoiding alcohol.
How do I make the mango and strawberry purée?
Blend fresh or frozen fruit until smooth. For a silky frosting, strain the strawberry purée through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds. Both add natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Can I substitute other citrus for lime?
Lime is ideal here for its sharp, tangy profile, but you can experiment with lemon or even orange zest and juice for a different citrus twist. Just keep in mind this will alter the classic margarita vibe.
How long do these cupcakes stay fresh at room temperature?
Because of the fresh fruit purées and frosting, it’s best to keep them refrigerated and enjoy within 2 to 3 days for optimal texture and flavor.
Is it necessary to cool the cupcakes completely before frosting?
Yes, frosting warm cupcakes will cause the frosting to melt and slide off. Cooling completely ensures a neat presentation and preserves the fluffy texture of the frosting.
Final Thoughts
Sharing the Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes Recipe feels like handing you a golden ticket to tropical delight. From the first bite bursting with juicy mango and strawberry notes to the playful citrus finish and that subtle tequila touch, these cupcakes are perfect for any occasion where you want to wow guests or treat yourself. Don’t hesitate—bake up a batch and let these charming cupcakes bring sunshine and smiles to your kitchen!
Print
Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes are a tropical-inspired dessert perfect for summer gatherings. Moist cupcakes infused with mango purée, lime juice, and a hint of tequila combine with a refreshing strawberry-lime frosting to create a fun and flavorful treat.
Ingredients
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 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mango purée (fresh or frozen/thawed)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon tequila (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
For the strawberry-lime frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup strawberry purée (strained for a smooth texture)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Pinch of salt
- Strawberry slices, lime zest, or coarse sugar for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners to ensure easy removal and even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set the mixture aside for use later.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the batter.
- Add eggs and flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract, mango purée, lime juice, lime zest, and tequila if using, blending all ingredients thoroughly.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and milk to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined after each addition to avoid overmixing which could toughen the cupcakes.
- Fill cupcake liners and bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18–20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cupcakes: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the frosting: Beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in the strawberry purée, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Beat the frosting until it becomes light and fluffy.
- Frost and garnish: Apply the prepared frosting generously onto the cooled cupcakes. Garnish with lime zest, strawberry slices, or a sprinkle of coarse sugar if desired for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- Make the mango and strawberry purées by blending fresh or frozen fruit until smooth for the best natural flavor.
- If you prefer a firmer frosting texture, add additional powdered sugar gradually until achieving your desired consistency.
- For a mocktail-friendly version, simply omit the tequila from the cupcake batter without affecting the overall deliciousness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Tropical-Inspired
