Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes
Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes are vibrant, tropical-flavored cupcakes combining fresh strawberries, ripe mangoes, and a spirited margarita twist with tequila and lime. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, these moist and flavorful cupcakes feature a refreshing cream cheese or buttercream frosting with a zesty flair and festive garnishes.
- Author: James
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour)
Fruits
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- 1 cup ripe mango, finely chopped
- Optional garnishes: strawberry slices, mango chunks, lime wedges
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking blend with xanthan gum for gluten-free)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or plant-based butter for vegan)
- 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 3 tablespoons tequila blanco (or fresh orange juice/lime soda for non-alcoholic)
Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese or buttercream frosting (dairy-free alternatives for vegan)
- Powdered sugar to taste
- A splash of fresh lime juice for zest
- Prepare Your Fruit Mix: Finely chop the fresh strawberries and mangoes, then set aside. This will add juicy bursts of flavor baked into the cupcakes.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, creating a tender and sweet base for the cupcakes.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, then mix in vanilla extract, fresh lime juice, and tequila until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Incorporate Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined to prevent tough cupcakes.
- Fold in Fruit: Carefully fold the chopped strawberries and mangoes into the batter, ensuring even distribution without crushing the fruit.
- Bake: Spoon the batter into lined cupcake tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Prepare Frosting: While the cupcakes cool, whip together the cream cheese or buttercream frosting with powdered sugar and a splash of lime juice to create a refreshing finish.
- Frost and Garnish: Once cupcakes are completely cooled, frost generously and garnish with a small slice of strawberry, a mango chunk, or a lime wedge for visual appeal and extra flavor.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and even baking.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes soft and tender.
- Choose ripe, juicy strawberries and mangoes for best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Measure liquids precisely to maintain the proper batter consistency and flavor balance.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding of frosting.
- For non-alcoholic versions, substitute tequila with fresh orange juice or lime soda.
- For vegan adaptations, use plant-based butter, flax eggs, and dairy-free frosting alternatives.
- Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne for a spicy twist.
- Mix in diced pineapple or passion fruit for extra tropical flavor.
- For gluten-free cupcakes, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend containing xanthan gum.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: strawberry mango cupcakes, margarita cupcakes, tropical cupcakes, boozy cupcakes, party dessert, fruity cupcakes, tequila cupcakes, lime cupcakes