Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes offer a delightful fusion of tropical flavors, vibrant colors, and a hint of tequila, making them a festive treat for any celebration. These cupcakes are perfect for summer parties or any time you want to bring a bit of the tropics into your dessert menu.
Ingredients:
Cupcakes:
- 3 1/2 cups plain all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups caster superfine sugar
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp fine salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups full-cream whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- 4 drops pink food gel + 3 drops red food gel
- 1 tsp strawberry flavoring
- 4 drops yellow food gel
- 1 tsp mango flavoring
- 2 tsp tequila (optional)
Frosting:
- 1 batch American buttercream or Swiss meringue buttercream
- 5 drops pink food gel + 3 drops red food gel (for strawberry flavor)
- 1 tsp strawberry flavoring
- 5 drops yellow food gel (for mango flavor)
- 1 tsp mango flavoring
Decorations:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 10 limes, cut into 40 wedges
- 10 strawberries, halved
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Set oven to 275°F (140°C) fan-forced or 320°F (160°C) conventional. Line cupcake tins with liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add Butter: Mix in softened butter until sandy texture.
- Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, milk, oil, yogurt, tequila, and vanilla. Mix until combined.
- Divide Batter: Split into two bowls. Mix one with pink and red gel and strawberry flavor; the other with yellow gel and mango flavor.
- Bake: Pipe into liners, starting with yellow batter, then pink. Bake for 40-50 mins.
- Frosting Prep: Prepare frosting in two batches with respective colors and flavors.
- Decorate: Rim cupcakes with sugar, frost, and add lime wedges and strawberry halves.
Prep Time: 1 hr 15 mins
Cook Time: 40-50 mins
Total Time: About 2 hrs 5 mins
Yield: 24 cupcakes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Fusion
Diet: Vegetarian
Tips:
- Add fresh fruit to the cupcakes right before serving to maintain vibrant colors and freshness.
- Customize the boozy flavor by adjusting the amount of tequila in the batter to suit your taste.
FAQs:
Can I make these cupcakes alcohol-free? Absolutely! You can omit the tequila for a kid-friendly version that still captures the tropical flavors.
How do I store these cupcakes? Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate if decorated with fresh fruit.
Can I use box cake mix instead of making the batter from scratch? Yes, you can use a white cake mix as the base. Simply add the food coloring and flavorings to customize it to the strawberry and mango themes.
Conclusion: Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes are a playful and delicious way to celebrate any special occasion. With their bright flavors and festive appearance, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit at your next party. Whether served at a summer barbecue or a cheerful gathering, they provide a delightful taste of the tropics that is sure to please any crowd.