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If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping dessert that bursts with vibrant citrus and just the right hint of fun, the Margarita Cupcakes with Lime Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need. These cupcakes perfectly capture the lively spirit of a classic margarita, blending zesty lime, smooth tequila, and a creamy lime frosting into one irresistible bite. Light and fluffy with a delightful tang, each cupcake feels like a tiny fiesta on your plate, guaranteed to bring a smile and maybe even inspire a little happy dance in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Margarita Cupcakes with Lime Frosting Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that work together beautifully—each one enhancing the final flavor, texture, and look of these cupcakes. From creamy butter to tangy lime zest, every element is essential for creating that perfectly balanced, festive treat.
- 170g unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and tender crumb to the cupcakes.
- 350g sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps with the texture.
- 3 tablespoons lime gelatin powder: Adds a subtle lime flavor boost and vibrant color.
- 3 large eggs, room temperature: Bind ingredients together and add moisture.
- 342g cake flour: Ensures a light, delicate crumb perfect for cupcakes.
- 8g baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise beautifully.
- 3g baking soda: Works with acidity to tenderize and lift the batter.
- 3g salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 296g buttermilk: Adds moisture and tang, keeping cupcakes tender.
- 57g fresh lime juice: Delivers fresh citrus brightness that wakes up the taste buds.
- 68g vegetable oil (e.g., canola oil): Keeps the cupcakes moist and soft.
- Zest of 2 limes: Adds fragrant citrus oils for a lovely lime aroma and taste in the batter.
- 226g unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Gives the lime frosting a creamy, luscious texture.
- 453g full-fat cream cheese, softened: Brings tangy richness that complements the lime perfectly.
- Zest of 1 lime (for frosting): Infuses the frosting with fresh citrus character.
- 690g to 747g powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to dreamy perfection.
- 3g salt (for frosting): Balances the sweetness and enhances lime flavor.
- 2 tablespoons tequila: Adds authentic margarita spirit and a subtle kick to the frosting.
How to Make Margarita Cupcakes with Lime Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Liners
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, line your cupcake pans with paper liners so your cupcakes don’t stick and come out perfectly shaped every time. This simple preparation sets you up for baking success!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Next, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This quick step ensures your leavening agents are evenly distributed, which is key for cupcakes that rise uniformly and have a lovely texture.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, vegetable oil, fresh lime juice, and lime zest. This mixture is loaded with tangy, moist goodness that will make your cupcakes tender and bursting with zesty lime flavor.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a stand mixer, beat the softened butter at medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar and lime gelatin powder, then beat for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is crucial—it incorporates air to create a lovely cupcake crumb.
Step 5: Add the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition until fully combined. This slow incorporation helps the batter stay smooth and prevents it from curdling, resulting in cupcakes that are tender and cohesive.
Step 6: Alternate Dry and Wet Additions
With the mixer on low, slowly alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined—over-mixing can toughen cupcakes, so a light touch here keeps them soft and airy.
Step 7: Bake the Cupcakes
Scoop approximately 60ml (¼ cup) of batter into each cupcake liner and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool completely on a wire rack—cool cupcakes are key before adding frosting.
Step 8: Prepare the Lime Frosting
Beat the softened butter until smooth, then gradually add the softened cream cheese in chunks, mixing until fully blended. Stir in tequila and lime zest for that authentic margarita flavor, then slowly mix in powdered sugar until the frosting is silky and smooth. For best results, chill the frosting briefly before piping onto cupcakes.
How to Serve Margarita Cupcakes with Lime Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To finish your cupcakes with flair, consider topping them with a thin slice of lime, a sprinkle of coarse sugar, or even a tiny salted rim effect with flaky sea salt on the frosting edge. These garnishes not only add visual appeal but also enhance that margarita vibe in every bite.
Side Dishes
Serve these cupcakes alongside fresh fruit platters or a simple bowl of mixed berries. The natural sweetness and tartness of fruit complement the tangy lime and rich cream cheese frosting, creating a balanced dessert experience that’s fresh and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Pop these cupcakes into colorful margarita glasses or display them on a festive tiered stand with cocktail umbrellas for an extra party feel. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle edible glitter or zest extra lime on top to make your presentation truly pop and impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh and the cupcakes moist. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, perfect if you want to savor a few over time.
Freezing
You can freeze these cupcakes unfrosted by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight before frosting. Frosted cupcakes do not freeze well due to the cream cheese frosting texture.
Reheating
If you prefer slightly warm cupcakes, take them out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid reheating in the microwave with frosting on, as this can cause it to melt and lose texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular lime juice instead of fresh lime juice in this Margarita Cupcakes with Lime Frosting Recipe?
While fresh lime juice offers the brightest and most vibrant flavor, you can use bottled lime juice in a pinch. Just be aware that it may slightly affect the freshness and aroma of your cupcakes, so fresh is best whenever possible.
Is it necessary to use lime gelatin powder?
The lime gelatin powder adds subtle flavor and a lovely hint of green color that makes the cupcakes truly stand out. If you can’t find it, you could omit it, but the cupcakes may be less vibrant and slightly less lime-forward.
What’s the best way to incorporate tequila into the frosting?
Add the tequila after the cream cheese has been whipped with the butter for a smooth, even flavor throughout. Two tablespoons strikes a perfect balance, adding character without overpowering the cupcake.
Can I make these cupcakes vegan or dairy-free?
These cupcakes rely on butter, buttermilk, and cream cheese for their signature texture and flavor, so making a vegan or dairy-free version would require significant substitutions. Experimenting with plant-based alternatives might be possible, but the texture and taste will differ noticeably.
How should I store frosted cupcakes if I’m taking them to a party?
Keep frosted cupcakes in a cooler or insulated container when transporting to keep the cream cheese frosting stable and fresh. Avoid leaving them out in warm weather to prevent melting.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about baking and sharing the Margarita Cupcakes with Lime Frosting Recipe—it’s like inviting a little celebration into your everyday. The bright lime, the gentle kick of tequila, and that rich cream cheese frosting come together to make cupcakes that are both comforting and exciting. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe soon and discover how a cupcake can turn an ordinary day into an extraordinary treat.
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Margarita Cupcakes with Lime Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Margarita Cupcakes with Lime Frosting are a vibrant and tangy twist on classic cupcakes, infused with lime gelatin and a hint of tequila, delivering a refreshing citrus flavor perfect for any celebration. Moist and fluffy with zesty lime notes in both the cake and creamy frosting, they are sure to delight lime lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 170g unsalted butter, softened
- 350g sugar
- 3 tablespoons lime gelatin powder
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 342g cake flour
- 8g baking powder
- 3g baking soda
- 3g salt
- 296g buttermilk
- 57g fresh lime juice
- 68g vegetable oil (e.g., canola oil)
- Zest of 2 limes
Lime Frosting
- 226g unsalted butter, softened
- 453g full-fat cream cheese, softened
- Zest of 1 lime
- 690g to 747g powdered sugar
- 3g salt
- 2 tablespoons tequila
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line cupcake pans with paper liners to ensure easy removal and clean presentation.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for 30 seconds. Set aside to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix buttermilk, vegetable oil, fresh lime juice, and lime zest. Set aside to keep flavors fresh.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer at medium speed, beat the 170g softened butter until smooth. Gradually add sugar and lime gelatin powder, and continue mixing for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help create a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating on low speed after each addition to fully incorporate and avoid curdling.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: With the mixer on low, alternately add the flour mixture and the buttermilk mixture to the batter, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to prevent over-mixing and a dense texture.
- Fill Cupcake Liners and Bake: Scoop approximately 60ml (¼ cup) of batter into each liner. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Lime Frosting: Beat 226g softened butter in a mixer bowl until smooth. Gradually add chunks of softened cream cheese, mixing until fully blended. Stir in tequila and lime zest for flavor. Slowly add powdered sugar and salt, mixing until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Chill before piping for best results.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature to achieve the best texture.
- Lime gelatin powder adds a unique zesty flavor; do not substitute with plain gelatin.
- Adjust powdered sugar in the frosting to your desired sweetness and consistency.
- Chilling the frosting makes it easier to pipe decorative designs on the cupcakes.
- Store frosted cupcakes in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
