Name: Margarita Cupcakes with Lime Frosting
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1 tsp vanilla extract; Zest of 1–2 limes; 2–3 tbsp lime juice (fresh); Optional: 1–2 tbsp tequila for flavor; ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 ½–2 cups confectioners’ (powdered) sugar; 1–2 tbsp lime juice (and/or lime flavoring); Optional: 1 tsp tequila or lime‑flavoured liqueur; A pinch of salt; Lime zest slices or a small wedge; Coarse sugar

Description

These Margarita Cupcakes with Lime Frosting bring the zesty flavor of a classic margarita into a tender cupcake — bright lime, buttery cake, and a sweet‑tangy frosting make them festive, fun, and perfect for celebrations or a special treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cupcakes:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1–2 limes
2–3 tbsp lime juice (fresh)
Optional: 1–2 tbsp tequila for flavor

For the Lime Frosting:

½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½–2 cups confectioners’ (powdered) sugar
1–2 tbsp lime juice (and/or lime flavoring)
Optional: 1 tsp tequila or lime‑flavoured liqueur
A pinch of salt

Optional Garnish:

Lime zest slices or a small wedge
Coarse sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (≈ 175 °C) and line a 12‑cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

3. Cream Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract, lime zest, lime juice, and tequila (if using). Mix until combined.

4. Combine

Add dry ingredients in portions, mixing until just incorporated. Avoid over‑mixing.

5. Fill Liners & Bake

Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners (fill ½–⅔ full). Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.

6. Make Frosting

Beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, lime juice, tequila (if using), and a pinch of salt. Beat until light and fluffy.

7. Frost & Garnish

Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Garnish with lime zest, small wedges, or coarse sugar if desired.

8. Serve

Arrange on a platter and serve at room temperature.

Notes

Use fresh lime zest and juice for the brightest citrus flavor.
Ensure cupcakes are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
Alcohol makes these adult-only cupcakes.

Avoid over‑mixing after adding dry ingredients to maintain light texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 220 kcal
Sugar: 18g
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 3g