Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, I decided to bake up a cocktail-inspired treat for a housewarming party last weekend. They were a huge hit and a great accompaniment to a fresh, frozen margarita.
The best part is the base for this recipe is white cake mix, making it pretty easy to execute. Also, the lime buttercream icing is to-die-for. Be sure to have extra mix & tequila on hand to fully enjoy all the flavors! =)
Margarita Cupcakes
Ingredients:
- 1 box white cake mix (I used Pillsbury Moist Supreme Classic White)
- 1 cup margarita Mix (I used Jose Cuervo), room temperature
- 1/4 tequila (I used Jose Cuervo), room temperature
- 3 egg whites @ room temperature
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- zest of 3 small limes or 2 medium limes
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Prepare 2 muffin tins with cupcake papers (recipe yields 24 small cupcakes)
- In a glass or small bowl, mix together the margarita mix and tequila. Make sure both are at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing with the rest of the ingredients.
- In medium bowl (preferably with a pouring spout) whisk together the margarita mixture, 3 egg whites (also at room temperature for the same reason) and vegetable oil.
- In large bowl or standing mixer, place the white cake mix and lime zest. Slowly incorporate the wet ingredients either with a hand mixer or standing mixer.
- Beat mixture about 2-3 minutes. The batter will have a thick, tacky consistency.
- Distribute the mixture evenly among the 24 cupcakes. I recommend using a soup spoon to do so as pouring this thick batter might be a challenge.
- Check that oven temp! If it's 350, you're good to go. Bake the cupcakes for 8 minutes, then rotate the pans to ensure even baking.
- Bake at 350 an additional 8-10 minutes. Bake times can vary. They're done when you can pull out a clean toothpick from the center of a cupcake. To avoid over-baking, watch them carefully.
- Remove from oven. Let sit in the tins for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Once completely cooled (1-2 hrs), ice with Lime Buttercream Frosting (see below).
Lime Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients:
- 3 cups sifted confectioner's sugar (be sure to measure it after sifting!)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, room temp
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) UN-salted butter, room temp
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, room temp
- green food coloring
- a few pinches granulated sugar
Directions:
- Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer, cream the two sticks of butter together.
- Add fresh lime juice.
- Slowly incorporate the sifted confectioner's sugar.
- Mix until the icing is smooth.
- Add green food coloring to your liking until you achieve a "lime" hue.
- Ice the cupcakes using a star tip or plain, old butter knife.
- Sprinkle granulated sugar on top of freshly iced cupcakes for a "salted rim" look. The sugar will also give them a nice sparkle.
For more great ideas, be sure to check out our Cinco de Mayo Party Ideas.
Want to share your own tips & recipes? We'd love to hear them. Share Your Ideas at Celebrations.com.
Tags: buttercream, cinco de mayo, cocktails, cupcake decorating, cupcakes, easy cupcakes, frosting, gourmet dessert, margaritas, Party food, Recipes