Description
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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Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 ½ tsp baking powder
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¼ tsp salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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¼ cup milk
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¼ cup fresh lime juice
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1 tbsp lime zest
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½ cup pureed fresh mango (or use thawed frozen mango)
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½ cup diced fresh strawberries
For the Lime Buttercream Frosting:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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3 cups powdered sugar
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2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
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1 tsp lime zest
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Pinch of salt
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1–2 tbsp milk, as needed for consistency
Optional Garnish:
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Coarse sugar or sea salt for sprinkling
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Lime wedges or zest curls
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Sliced strawberries or mango chunks
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American