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
Scale
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
