Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes

These Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes bring the refreshing flavors of a summer cocktail into a delightful dessert. With layers of strawberry and mango-flavored cupcakes, topped with tequila-infused buttercream, these festive cupcakes are perfect for any celebration. Complete with a sugared rim, lime wedge, and strawberry garnish, they’ll be the star of your next gathering.

Ingredients

Cupcakes:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups caster 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 milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pink and red food gel (for strawberry flavor)
• 1 tsp strawberry flavoring
• Yellow food gel (for mango flavor)
• 1 tsp mango flavoring
• 2 tsp tequila (optional)

Frosting:

• 1 batch American or Swiss Meringue Buttercream
• Food gels: Pink and red for strawberry; yellow for mango
• Flavorings: Strawberry and mango

Decorations:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 10 limes, cut into 40 wedges
• 10 strawberries, halved

Instructions

Prep and Bake:

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 275°F (140°C) for fan-forced or 320°F (160°C) for conventional. Line two cupcake tins with liners.

1. Mix Dry Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture becomes crumbly.

1. Mix Wet Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), tequila (if using), and vanilla extract until smooth.

1. Divide and Color Batter:

• Divide the wet ingredients into two equal portions. In one portion, add pink and red food gels along with the strawberry flavoring. In the other, add yellow food gel and mango flavoring.

1. Fill Liners:

• Pipe alternating layers of strawberry and mango-flavored batter into the prepared cupcake liners.

1. Bake:

• Bake the cupcakes for 40–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Frosting and Decoration:

7. Prepare Frosting:

• Prepare your chosen buttercream frosting. Divide the frosting into two portions: one for strawberry flavor (tint with pink and red food gels) and the other for mango flavor (tint with yellow food gel).

7. Sugar Rim:

• Dip the rims of the cooled cupcakes lightly in water, then roll them in granulated sugar to mimic the sugared rim of a margarita glass.

7. Pipe Frosting:

• Pipe alternating swirls of strawberry and mango-flavored frosting on each cupcake.

7. Decorate:
   • Garnish each cupcake with a lime wedge and a strawberry half to complete the margarita look.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Enjoy these vibrant, cocktail-inspired cupcakes that are perfect for summer celebrations or any time you want to bring a little sunshine to the table.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips:

• Best Served Fresh: These Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh, ideally on the day they are baked. The vibrant flavors of the strawberry and mango combined with the tequila-infused buttercream make them a delightful treat.
• Pairing: Serve these cupcakes at your next summer gathering, barbecue, or Cinco de Mayo celebration. They pair wonderfully with a classic margarita or a refreshing glass of lemonade for a non-alcoholic option.
• Presentation: For an added touch, consider serving the cupcakes with mini cocktail umbrellas or a sprinkle of coarse sugar on the plate to enhance the margarita theme.

Storage Tips:

• Room Temperature: Store these cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain the texture and flavor of the cupcakes.
• Refrigeration: If you need to store them longer, keep the cupcakes in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. However, bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
• Freezing: The unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.

Variations

• Non-Alcoholic Version: Skip the tequila in both the cupcake batter and the frosting for a kid-friendly or alcohol-free version. You can enhance the flavor with a splash of extra vanilla or citrus juice.
• Coconut Twist: Add a tropical twist by incorporating coconut extract into the frosting and sprinkling shredded coconut over the top of the cupcakes.
• Margarita Glaze: Instead of buttercream, try topping these cupcakes with a lime-infused glaze made from powdered sugar, lime juice, and a touch of tequila for a more intense margarita flavor.
• Berry Medley: Swap out the strawberry flavoring for raspberry or blueberry to create a different fruity margarita experience.

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes in advance?

Yes, you can prepare these cupcakes a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and frost them just before serving to maintain their freshness and presentation.

Is the tequila necessary for this recipe?

The tequila is optional and can be omitted if you prefer an alcohol-free version. The cupcakes will still be delicious without it, although the tequila adds a subtle depth of flavor reminiscent of a margarita.

Can I use other fruit flavors instead of strawberry and mango?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different fruit flavorings like raspberry, blueberry, or even pineapple to customize these cupcakes to your taste.

How do I get a perfect swirl in the frosting?

To achieve a perfect swirl, use a piping bag with a large star tip. Fill one side of the bag with the strawberry-flavored frosting and the other side with the mango-flavored frosting. As you pipe, the two flavors will create a beautiful, dual-colored swirl.

Can I substitute the buttercream with another type of frosting?

Yes, you can use any frosting you prefer. A cream cheese frosting or whipped cream frosting would also work well with these cupcakes. Just be sure to adjust the flavorings accordingly to match the strawberry and mango theme.

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