These are cupcakes. Some kind of wonderful cupcakes!
Vanilla cupcakes infused with lime and tequila and topped with a tequila lime buttercream frosting and garnished with the zest of lime.
Listen… can you hear it? Jimmy Buffett singing Margaritaville somewhere in the distance… That is the flavor I taste in this cupcake!
When you think of summer – sitting on a patio – do you think of a large pitcher of margaritas? Sipping them slowly and enjoying the warmth of the summer sun? I can see exactly where I would be relaxing, sipping on a salt-rimmed glass, enjoying some music, maybe some chips and salsa to go along with it. But a margarita cupcake? You bet!
Oh, these are so delicious! Summertime just got better! AND with the 4th of July right around the corner, these would fit nicely on the table to celebrate our Independence Day… just as they helped celebrate Cinco de Mayo! I was offered a version of this gluten-free margarita cupcake while scrapbooking with my dear group of “croppers” on Cinco de Mayo this year and knew I would have to make some to share with all of you. Here is my take on that cupcake!
A delicious vanilla cake is whipped up with lime juice and lime zest, and of course… tequila. I used Patron Silver in this recipe. I think it was a perfect choice. AND… if you do not want to buy a whole bottle of tequila, 2-3 little shooters will be enough for this recipe. The cupcakes are baked to perfection, and then brushed with more tequila for even more margarita flavor. The perfect blend… a prevalent lime/tequila taste throughout! The buttercream frosting also has a hint of the tequila and lime, and it is also buttery, creamy and absolutely delicious!
Make them with or without gluten – just make them so that you can enjoy every single bite!
You can make these tasty cupcakes with or without gluten – but if you make them gluten-free, just make sure the flour includes xanthan gum. I did go the gluten-free version for this cupcake and I was so happy the way they turned out. A celebration in my mouth! Whatever it is you are serving up for the holiday – if it is summer, it is time for some tequila. Tequila cupcakes that is!
Enjoy!
Teri
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour (gluten-free for gluten-free)
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs, at room temperature
- lime zest and lime juice from 2 limes
- 2 Tbsp tequila (I use patron silver)
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk or rice milk
- 1 to 2 Tbsp tequila
- 4 Tbsp butter softened
- 4 c powdered sugar sifted
- 2 Tbsp lime juice fresh
- 2 Tbsp tequila
- pinch of coarse salt
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
- Line a standard muffin tin with paper liners; set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the butter and sugar together until pale, light, and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
- Reduce the mixer speed to medium and add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Scrape the sides of the bowl and add the lime zest, lime juice, vanilla extract, and tequila.
- Mix until combined.
- Reduce the mixer speed low and add the dry ingredients alternating with the milk in two batches. Mix only until just incorporated.
- Divide the batter between the muffin cups.
- Bake, until the cupcakes are light golden brown and toothpick comes out clean, about 25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking.
- Allow cupcakes to cool for 5 to 10 minutes, and then remove to a cooling rack.
- Brush the tops of the cupcakes with the 1 to 2 tablespoons of tequila.
- Set the cupcakes aside to cool completely before frosting them.
- Whip the butter on medium-high speed of an electric mixer using the whisk attachment for 5 minutes.
- Reduce the speed to medium-low, and gradually add the powdered sugar.
- Add the lime juice, tequila, and salt, and beat on medium-high speed until incorporated and fluffy. If the frosting appears a bit too soft, add some additional sugar, one spoonful at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Frost cupcakes and garnish, if desired, with lime zest, an additional sprinkling of salt and a lime wedge