Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes!
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
1 box vanilla or white cake mix (or your favorite homemade vanilla cupcake recipe)
¾ cup pureed mango (fresh or frozen, thawed)
½ cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen, thawed)
⅓ cup tequila (optional, for an authentic margarita flavor)
1 tablespoon lime zest
2 tablespoons lime juice
3 large eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
For the Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons tequila (optional)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
2-3 drops yellow and red food coloring (optional, for a mango-strawberry swirl effect)
Strawberry slices, lime wedges, or mango chunks (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Step 2: Make the Cupcake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, mango puree, strawberry puree, tequila (if using), lime zest, lime juice, eggs, and vegetable oil.
Beat the mixture with a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full.
Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes
Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy.
Mix in the tequila (if using), lime juice, and lime zest until well combined.
For a fun swirl effect, divide the frosting into two bowls. Add a few drops of red food coloring to one bowl and yellow food coloring to the other, then lightly swirl them together before frosting the cupcakes.
Step 5: Frost the Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them using a piping bag or simply spread the frosting with a spatula.
Garnish each cupcake with a slice of strawberry, lime wedge, or mango chunk for a festive touch.
Step 6: Serve
Enjoy your tropical Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes with a bright, zesty flavor that brings a taste of summer to any occasion!