Description
Delight in these Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes, a tropical twist on classic cupcakes infused with fresh mango and strawberry purées, lime juice, and a hint of tequila. Topped with a luscious lime cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes bring the vibrant flavors of a margarita to a sweet treat perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cupcakes:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup fresh mango purée
- ¼ cup strawberry purée
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon tequila (optional)
- ¼ cup milk
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon strawberry or mango purée
- Zest of 1 lime
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, ensuring even distribution of leavening agents.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cupcake crumb.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Incorporate eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract, fresh mango purée, strawberry purée, lime juice, and optional tequila for a unique flavor profile.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Fill Cupcake Liners and Bake: Evenly distribute the batter among the prepared cupcake liners. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cupcakes: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in lime juice, chosen fruit purée, lime zest, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost Cupcakes: Use a piping bag or spatula to frost the cooled cupcakes, adding an attractive finish and enhancing flavor.
Notes
- Garnish cupcakes with lime wedges, coarse sugar, or small slices of strawberry and mango for an appealing presentation.
- To make a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the tequila from the recipe without compromising flavor.
- If fresh mango or strawberry purée is unavailable, substitute with mango nectar or store-bought purée for convenience.
