If you’re looking for a show-stopping sweet treat that brings the spirit of summer and a touch of fiesta to every bite, look no further than these Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes. Imagine ultra-soft cupcakes bursting with fresh strawberries and juicy mango, kissed by zesty lime, and topped with a dreamy strawberry-mango-lime buttercream (spiked with tequila if you’re up for a celebration!). Whether it’s a summer cookout, birthday party, or “just because,” these cupcakes are pure sunshine and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes irresistible? It’s all about the careful balance of simple, vibrant ingredients. Each component brings its own pop of sweetness, texture, or fresh tang, creating a batch of cupcakes you’ll want to bake again and again.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy yet tender base, creating beautifully soft cupcakes every time.
- Baking powder: Gives your cupcakes that perfect lift and a light, airy crumb.
- Salt: Enhances every other flavor and keeps things from getting too sweet.
- Unsalted butter (softened): The secret to a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture both in the cake and the luscious frosting.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes just enough without overpowering the fruit.
- Eggs: Bring structure and moisture, so each bite is rich and satisfying.
- Sour cream: Adds a lovely tang and keeps these cupcakes ultra-moist.
- Milk: Lightens the batter for that perfect cupcake crumb.
- Fresh lime juice: Delivers zingy citrus flavor, just like your favorite margarita.
- Lime zest: Intensifies the lime flavor and brightens up the whole cupcake.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with subtle warmth.
- Diced fresh strawberries: Bursts of sweet, tart fruit in each mouthful.
- Diced fresh mango: A tropical pop of color and juicy flavor.
- Frosting unsalted butter (softened): Creamy, dreamy, and ready to carry all those fresh fruit flavors.
- Powdered sugar: Creates a silky, stable buttercream frosting.
- Strawberry puree: Real fruit gives the frosting its gorgeous pink hue and natural berry flavor.
- Mango puree: Sweetens and colors the frosting with a golden touch of the tropics.
- Lime juice (for frosting): Keeps the buttercream tangy and vibrant.
- Tequila (optional): Adds an authentic grown-up margarita twist (or skip it for family-friendly fun!).
- Pinch of salt (for frosting): Brings all the sweet, tart, and fruity flavors into balance.
How to Make Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners—they make cleanup a breeze and keep your Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes looking party-perfect, every time.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This simple step ensures your leavening is well-distributed so your cupcakes rise evenly and have that signature soft, fluffy crumb.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl (or stand mixer), beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light, pale, and oh-so-fluffy—about two to three minutes. This creates air in the mixture, giving the finished cupcakes incredible lift and texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Now, beat in the sour cream, milk, lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract. This delightful blend brings the margarita flair into your cupcakes and adds moisture with every bite.
Step 5: Combine and Fold in Fruit
Gradually add your whisked dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low until just combined (don’t overmix—tender cupcakes are the goal!). Gently fold in the diced strawberries and mango, dispersing fruity surprises throughout your batter.
Step 6: Fill and Bake
Divide the batter evenly between your cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack—trust me, the wait is worth it when you’re frosting later!
Step 7: Make the Strawberry Mango Margarita Frosting
In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter until super creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar until smooth. Add the strawberry puree, mango puree, lime juice, a pinch of salt, and tequila if you want to evoke those margarita vibes. Beat the frosting until light and fluffy—don’t be shy! The more you whip it, the creamier it gets.
Step 8: Frost and Decorate
Spoon or pipe the glorious buttercream generously onto your cooled cupcakes. For the finishing touch, garnish each one with a fresh slice of strawberry, mango, or a jaunty lime wedge. Now, your Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes are officially irresistible!
How to Serve Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes
Garnishes
For a dazzling finish, top each cupcake with a vibrant fruit slice—strawberry, mango, or lime all bring fresh color and a playful nod to their tropical roots. Tiny drink umbrellas or a sprinkle of lime zest make these cupcakes look like the life of the party.
Side Dishes
Pair your Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes with a fruit salad, light sorbet, or an ice-cold berry-lime spritzer to amplify those sunny, festive flavors. They also shine as a dessert centerpiece at any summer barbecue alongside grilled pineapple or coconut rice pudding.
Creative Ways to Present
Display your cupcakes on a tiered cake stand for a dramatic effect or line them up in bright wrappers for a picnic or pool party. For grown-up gatherings, serve each cupcake in a margarita glass with a rim of colored sugar—guaranteed to spark joy and conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or up to five days in the fridge. Their flavor deepens after the first day, letting the fruity, zesty notes meld beautifully.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cupcakes (well-wrapped in plastic, then foil) for up to two months. The frosting can be frozen separately in an airtight container. Thaw both at room temperature, then frost when you’re ready to serve for ultimate freshness.
Reheating
If your cupcakes have been chilled or frozen, let them return to room temperature before serving. For that fresh-baked softness, zap them (unfrosted) in the microwave for about 8–10 seconds, or until just warmed through.
FAQs
Can I make the frosting without tequila?
Absolutely! For delicious non-alcoholic Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes, skip the tequila and instead splash in a bit more lime juice or a trickle of lime soda. The flavor still pops, and everyone can enjoy them.
How do I make strawberry and mango purees?
Blend fresh or thawed strawberries and mango in a blender or food processor until completely smooth. If you want extra-silky frosting, strain the puree to remove seeds or fibrous bits.
What’s the best way to dice fruit for the cupcakes?
Dice strawberries and mango into small, uniform pieces so they bake evenly and distribute sweet bursts throughout each cupcake. Pat them dry with a paper towel to avoid soggy spots in your cake.
Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?
Yes! Just thaw frozen fruit completely, drain off any extra liquid, and pat dry before using in both the batter and purees. This little trick ensures the cupcakes keep their perfect, airy texture.
How do I get a vibrant marble effect in the frosting?
To create a swirled look, add dollops of strawberry and mango puree to your prepared buttercream, then gently swirl with a spatula or pipe with a multicolor bag—a fun visual twist for your Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes!
Final Thoughts
Whether for a sunny celebration or a midweek mood-booster, these Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes deliver the ultimate in fruity, festive flavors. Invite your friends, mix up a batch, and discover just how much joy a playful cupcake can bring—trust me, you’ll find yourself baking these beauties all summer long!
Print
Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the tropical flavors of summer with these delightful Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes. A perfect blend of sweet strawberries, juicy mangoes, zesty lime, and a hint of tequila in the frosting, these cupcakes are a refreshing treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup diced fresh strawberries
- ½ cup diced fresh mango
Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strawberry puree
- 1 tablespoon mango puree
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1–2 teaspoons tequila (optional)
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another. Combine both mixtures and fold in the fruit.
- Bake the cupcakes: Divide the batter into liners and bake for 18–20 minutes until done. Cool completely.
- Make the frosting: Cream the butter, add sugar, fruit purees, lime juice, and tequila. Beat until fluffy.
- Decorate: Pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes and garnish as desired.
Notes
- Make the fruit purees by blending fresh or thawed fruit until smooth.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the tequila and add a splash of lime soda or extra juice.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
