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Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes

Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes

Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes combine the tangy freshness of ripe strawberries and mangoes with the zesty, boozy notes of margarita flavors in a moist, tender cupcake. Perfect for celebrations, summer gatherings, or any festive occasion, this recipe offers a tropical twist on classic cupcakes with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and a luscious margarita-inspired frosting. Easy to make and customizable, these cupcakes bring a refreshing balance of sweetness, tartness, and citrus brightness that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Fruit Puree

  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, washed, hulled and chopped
  • 1 cup ripe mango, peeled and diced

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest (about 1 lime)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 tablespoons tequila (omit or replace with extra lime or orange juice for alcohol-free version)

Frosting

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 to 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon tequila (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons mango or strawberry puree (for extra flavor)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fruit Puree: Wash, hull, and chop fresh strawberries. Peel and dice the ripe mango. Blend strawberries and mango separately into smooth purees to ensure vibrant color and deep fruit flavor in the cupcakes.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour), sugar, baking powder, and salt evenly to distribute the leavening agents and guarantee a consistent rise.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the softened butter and eggs until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract, lime zest, lime juice, tequila, and both fruit purees until well incorporated.
  4. Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently to preserve air bubbles. Mix just until combined to keep cupcakes tender and airy.
  5. Bake the Cupcakes: Line cupcake pans with liners and evenly distribute the batter among them. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
  6. Prepare the Margarita-Inspired Frosting: Whip softened butter with powdered sugar, then add a splash of tequila, lime juice, and mango or strawberry puree. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Spread or pipe the frosting onto cooled cupcakes.

Notes

  • Use ripe strawberries and mangoes for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense cupcakes; mix until ingredients are just combined.
  • Bring eggs and butter to room temperature before starting for better texture and rise.
  • If frosting feels too soft, chill briefly in the refrigerator to get clean, firm swirls.
  • Check cupcakes around 18 minutes to prevent overbaking and maintain moistness.
  • Alcohol-free option: omit tequila and substitute with extra lime or orange juice.
  • Gluten-Free option: use gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Variation: add pineapple or coconut flakes to batter for tropical twist; add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder in frosting for a spicy contrast.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry mango cupcakes, margarita cupcakes, tropical cupcakes, fruit cupcakes, summer dessert, festive cupcakes, party dessert