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
Scale
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
