Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes

These Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes are like summer in dessert form! Bright, fruity, and bursting with tropical flavor, they combine the sweetness of ripe mangoes and strawberries with a citrusy lime twist for the perfect party treat. Topped with a luscious lime buttercream and a sprinkle of salt or sugar, they’re a fun and festive dessert everyone will love—no alcohol needed!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fruity & Fresh – Real mango and strawberry puree bring juicy, tropical flavors to every bite.
• Fun Party Vibe – Inspired by the classic margarita, minus the alcohol.
• Perfect Texture – Soft, fluffy cupcakes with a smooth, zesty buttercream.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Bake the cupcakes in advance and frost before serving.
• Kid-Friendly – All the flavor, none of the alcohol.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup milk
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp lime zest
• ½ cup pureed fresh mango (or use thawed frozen mango)
• ½ cup diced fresh strawberries

For the Lime Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp lime zest
• Pinch of salt
• 1-2 tbsp milk, as needed for consistency

Optional Garnish:

• Coarse sugar or sea salt for sprinkling
• Lime wedges or zest curls
• Sliced strawberries or mango chunks

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Cupcake pan
• Cupcake liners
• Citrus zester
• Piping bag and tip (optional, for frosting)
• Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract, lime juice, and lime zest.
6. Stir in the mango puree until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix!
8. Gently fold in the diced strawberries.

Step 6: Fill and Bake
9. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners (about ¾ full).
10. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Lime Buttercream
12. In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
13. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time.
14. Mix in the lime juice, lime zest, and a pinch of salt.
15. If needed, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.

Step 8: Frost the Cupcakes
16. Once cupcakes are completely cool, frost them using a piping bag or a spatula.
17. Garnish with coarse sugar or sea salt, a small lime wedge, or a piece of strawberry or mango.

Tips for Perfect Cupcakes

• Use Fresh Fruit – Fresh mango and strawberries give the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overmix – This keeps the cupcakes light and fluffy.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting – Warm cupcakes will melt the buttercream.
• Pipe or Spread – Use a piping tip for a polished look or keep it rustic with a simple swirl.
• Taste & Adjust – You can add more lime juice or zest to the buttercream for an extra citrusy punch.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Chilled – These cupcakes taste amazing when lightly chilled on a hot day.
• With Fruit Salad – Pair them with a tropical fruit salad for a colorful dessert platter.
• Party-Perfect – Add mini drink umbrellas or tropical decorations for a fun party vibe.
• Mocktail Pairing – Serve with a mango lime mocktail or strawberry spritzer for a fun twist.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:

• Room Temperature: Keep unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate: Frosted cupcakes can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.

Freezing:

• Cupcakes: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Wrap individually and store in a freezer bag.
• Frosting: Lime buttercream can also be frozen separately in an airtight container.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen fruit?
Yes! Just thaw and drain it well before pureeing or dicing to avoid extra moisture.

2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s meant for baking cupcakes or cakes.

3. Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is best for flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.

4. What if I don’t have mango puree?
You can blend canned peaches or pineapple for a similar tropical twist.

5. Can I make mini cupcakes?
Absolutely! Reduce baking time to 10–12 minutes and check for doneness.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes are a vibrant, fruity treat that bring sunshine to any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, celebrating a birthday, or just want something sweet and refreshing, these cupcakes deliver flavor and fun in every bite. With their zesty lime buttercream and fruity base, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—minus the alcohol, but full of festive flair.

Try these out for your next gathering and let me know how they turn out! Don’t forget to tag your photos and share the love online. Happy baking!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 120mg

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