Margarita Cupcakes with Tequila Lime Frosting

Margarita Cupcakes with Tequila Lime Frosting

Hey there, friend! If you’re looking for a dessert that’s equal parts fun and fabulous, you’ve come to the right place.

These Margarita Cupcakes with Tequila Lime Frosting are a fiesta in every bite—think zesty lime, a hint of tequila, and a fluffy, moist cupcake that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.

Perfect for parties, taco Tuesdays, or just because you deserve a little treat, these cupcakes are as easy to make as they are delicious.

So grab your apron, and let’s get baking!

How to Make It

Note: This is an overview. See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

Step 1: Prep the Cupcake Batter
Start by whisking together your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add eggs, lime zest, and a splash of tequila. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 2: Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter into lined cupcake tins, filling each about two-thirds full. Pop them in the oven and bake until they’re golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool completely before frosting—trust me, patience is key here!

Step 3: Whip Up the Frosting
While the cupcakes cool, make the frosting. Beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, lime juice, and a touch of tequila. Whip it until it’s light and fluffy, like a cloud of citrusy goodness.

Step 4: Frost and Garnish
Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes. For a finishing touch, sprinkle with lime zest and a tiny pinch of coarse salt. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and just a little salty—just like a margarita!

Pro Tips

• Use fresh lime juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
• If you’re not a fan of tequila, you can substitute it with lime juice or even orange juice for a kid-friendly version.
• Don’t overmix the batter—it keeps the cupcakes tender and fluffy.
• For a boozy twist, brush the baked cupcakes with a little tequila before frosting.

Storage

• Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
• You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.

Print Recipe

Margarita Cupcakes with Tequila Lime Frosting

Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: Mexican & Tex-Mex Courses: Desserts

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 30 mins Total Time 1 hr 10 mins

Servings: 12 Calories: 280

Best Season: Summer, Spring

Dietary:

Vegetarian

Description

These Margarita Cupcakes are a fun twist on the classic cocktail, featuring moist lime-infused cupcakes topped with a tangy tequila lime frosting. Perfect for celebrations or just because!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¹⁄₂ tsp baking powder
• ¹⁄₄ tsp salt
• ¹⁄₂ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp tequila
• 1 tbsp lime zest
• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh lime juice
• ¹⁄₂ cup buttermilk

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp tequila
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp lime zest
• Coarse salt and lime zest, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in tequila, lime zest, and lime juice.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk, and mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
6. Bake for 16-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely.
7. For the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, tequila, lime juice, and zest. Whip until fluffy.
8. Frost cooled cupcakes and garnish with lime zest and a pinch of coarse salt.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 12

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 280kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 12g19%

Total Carbohydrate 40g14%

Dietary Fiber 0.5g2%

Sugars 32g

Protein 2g4%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• For a non-alcoholic version, omit the tequila and use extra lime juice.
• Buttermilk substitute: Mix ½ cup milk with ½ tbsp vinegar or lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes.
• Frosting too thick? Add a splash of milk or lime juice to reach your desired consistency.

These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. Always check your ingredient labels for precise nutrition details.

Keywords: Margarita cupcakes, tequila lime frosting, easy dessert, party cupcakes, boozy cupcakes