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Margarita Cupcakes
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5 from 2 votes

Margarita Cupcakes

With a light and fluffy Tequila Lime buttercream, these Margarita Cupcakes are a great way to enjoy this popular drink in dessert form.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time22 minutes
Passive time30 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Author: Francine Lizotte
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Fusion, Mexican
Keyword Baking, Cupcakes, Easy Recipe, Low Sodium, Party Food, Picnic, Potluck, Snacks

Ingredients

DOUGH

  • 1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp. ground Himalayan sea salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature tips & tricks
  • 2 tbsp. lime zest
  • 2 large free-range eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice tips & tricks
  • 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp. Tequila
  • 1 tbsp. agave nectar

TEQUILA LIME BUTTERCREAM

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted or more to taste tips & tricks
  • 3 tbsp. Tequila
  • 1 tbsp. Cointreau
  • 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp. pure lime extract
  • 1/8 tsp. ground Himalayan sea salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 tbsp. green sanding sugar, or as needed

Directions

DOUGH

  • Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners and set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, add flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; whisk and set aside.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, add sugar, butter and lime zest. Cream the ingredients for 3 minutes on medium speed using the paddle attachment.
  • Add one egg at a time, mixing well between each addition.
  • Add ½ dry ingredients, ½ milk and ½ lime juice; process on low speed before increasing to medium speed. Repeat with the remaining flour, milk and lime juice, cleaning the sides of the bowl.
  • Add vanilla extract and process until just blended.
  • Fill the prepared liners to 2/3rds full and gently tap the pan to dislodge any trapped air bubbles.
  • Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 24 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean with just a few crumbs.
  • While baking, combine Tequila and agave nectar; stir well and set aside
  • When done, remove the cupcakes from the heat and brush on with tequila-agave simple syrup. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

TEQUILA LIME BUTTERCREAM

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream butter on medium-high speed for 2 minutes using the paddle attachment.
  • Add confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed at first and increase to high before adding the next cup.
  • Add Tequila, Cointreau, vanilla extract, lime extract, and salt. Process the mixture on low speed, until nicely combined; taste and adjust if necessary.
  • Frost the cooled cupcakes using a 1M tip, 1B or 2D and garnish with lime slices, lime zest or sanding sugar.