Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes Recipe

Sunny Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes Recipe

Summer heat calls for a delightful strawberry mango margarita cupcake that blends tropical flavors with a playful cocktail twist.

Sweet berries and juicy mangoes dance together in a spirited dessert.

Zesty lime and tequila notes add a sparkling kick to each bite.

Creamy frosting tops these whimsical treats with a delicate swirl of brightness.

Soft cake layers capture the essence of a refreshing summer cocktail.

Unexpected ingredients create a dessert that surprises and delights.

You’ll want to share these magical cupcakes at your next gathering.

Savor every vibrant, boozy crumb of this festive confection.

Cupcakes With A Tropical Twist

  • Boost Flavor Complexity: Enjoy a sophisticated flavor profile with unique strawberry and mango combinations that elevate traditional cupcake recipes.
  • Create Stunning Presentation: Impress guests with visually striking cupcakes featuring alternating colored batters and frostings that resemble a beautiful margarita-inspired design.
  • Celebrate Versatile Occasion: Perfect for summer parties, bridal showers, cocktail-themed events, or adult gatherings where guests appreciate gourmet dessert experiences.
  • Customize Adult Twist: Incorporate optional tequila for a playful cocktail-inspired treat that adds excitement and unexpected depth to traditional cupcake recipes.

Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcake Ingredients

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A classic baking staple that provides structure to the cupcake.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
  • Baking Powder: Ensures the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cupcake.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture to the cupcake.
  • Milk: Provides richness and helps create a smooth batter.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cupcakes moist and tender.
  • Yogurt: Adds tanginess and helps create a soft texture.
  • Tequila: Optional ingredient that adds a subtle alcoholic flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides depth and warmth to the cupcake flavor.
Flavor and Color Ingredients:
  • Strawberry Food Gel, Mango Food Gel: Creates vibrant colors for the cupcake.
  • Strawberry Flavoring, Mango Flavoring: Intensifies the fruit flavors in the cupcake.
  • Lime Wedge, Strawberry Half: Fresh garnishes that complete the margarita theme.
  • Granulated Sugar: Used for coating the cupcake edges to mimic a margarita glass rim.

How To Whip Up Margarita Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Tins

Warm up your oven to 275F for fan-forced or 320F for conventional ovens.

Arrange cupcake liners in two baking tins, creating a cozy space for your delightful treats.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Toss in softened butter and blend until the mixture looks like crumbly sand.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, oil, yogurt, tequila, and vanilla extract until they’re smoothly combined and singing together.

Step 4: Color and Flavor Batter

Divide the batter into two exciting portions:
  • Pink/Red Food Gel
  • Strawberry Flavoring
  • Yellow Food Gel
  • Mango Flavoring

Mix each portion with its corresponding color and flavor.

Step 5: Layer Cupcake Batter

Pipe alternating layers of strawberry and mango batters into the cupcake liners, creating a colorful marbled effect.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the tins into the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Let cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 7: Whip Up Frosting

Prepare buttercream and split into two vibrant portions:
  • Pink/Red Food Gel
  • Strawberry Flavoring
  • Yellow Food Gel
  • Mango Flavoring

Step 8: Create Margarita Glass Effect

Gently dip cooled cupcakes in water, then roll edges in granulated sugar to mimic a margarita glass rim.

Step 9: Frost with Flair

Pipe swirls of strawberry and mango frosting onto cupcakes, creating a beautiful two-tone effect.

Step 10: Add Final Touches

Crown each cupcake with a lime wedge and a fresh strawberry half for a stunning presentation.

Margarita Cupcake Pro Tips

  • Replace tequila with extra milk or orange juice for kid-friendly or non-alcoholic versions without losing flavor complexity.
  • Use gel food coloring for vibrant, intense colors that won't thin out your batter or frosting consistency.
  • Use a piping bag or spoon to create clean, distinct strawberry and mango color layers for a professional-looking cupcake.
  • Add yogurt to keep cupcakes tender and prevent dryness, ensuring a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Refrigerate buttercream briefly before piping to achieve crisp, clean swirl designs that hold their shape.

Ways To Mix Up These Cupcakes

  • Vegan Tropical Delight: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of dairy milk, swap butter for vegan margarine, and use plant-based yogurt to create a dairy-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Fiesta: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the texture remains light and fluffy while maintaining the fruity flavor profile.
  • Non-Alcoholic Mocktail Cupcakes: Remove tequila completely and replace with additional milk or fruit juice to keep the moisture and enhance the tropical fruit essence.
  • Lighter Summer Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt, reduce sugar slightly, and incorporate fresh pureed strawberries and mangoes for a more natural fruit flavor and lower-calorie option.

Serving Strawberry Mango Cupcakes

  • Party Perfect Presentation: Arrange cupcakes on a bright white serving platter with scattered fresh strawberries and lime wedges for a vibrant display.
  • Cocktail Hour Companion: Serve alongside small shot glasses of margarita mix or tequila for guests to enjoy a playful pairing with their dessert.
  • Summer Celebration Styling: Create a festive tablescape with colorful Mexican-inspired napkins, tropical flowers, and mini sombreros as whimsical decorative accents.
  • Poolside Dessert Delight: Pack these cupcakes in a chilled cooler for a refreshing treat during outdoor summer gatherings or beach parties.

Cupcake Storage Solutions

  • Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods to preserve their delicate fruity flavors.
  • Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before frosting.
  • If serving within 1-2 days, store covered at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas that might cause frosting to melt.
  • Gently warm refrigerated cupcakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Let cool for a few minutes before serving to maintain texture and prevent soggy frosting.

FAQs

  • Can I make these cupcakes without alcohol?

Yes, simply omit the tequila or replace it with additional milk or vanilla extract. The recipe will still taste delicious and maintain its fruity flavor.

  • How do I know if my cupcakes are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cupcakes are done. The total baking time is around 40-50 minutes.

  • Is it necessary to use food gel colors?

While food gel colors provide vibrant results, you can use liquid food coloring. Just add a few drops gradually to achieve your desired color intensity in both batter and frosting.

  • Can I use frozen fruits instead of flavoring?

For best results, use flavor extracts. Frozen fruits might add extra moisture and potentially alter the cupcake’s texture and consistency.

Print
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Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes Recipe

Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes Recipe


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4.7 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Summer sizzles with these strawberry mango margarita cupcakes, blending tropical cocktail flavors into a delightful dessert. Zesty citrus, sweet fruit, and smooth tequila create a playful treat you’ll crave at every celebration.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 cups caster sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups full cream milk
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Flavor and Enhancing Ingredients:

  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon strawberry flavoring
  • 1 teaspoon mango flavoring
  • 2 teaspoons tequila (optional)
  • Pink and red food gel (for strawberry flavor)
  • Yellow food gel (for mango flavor)

Decoration and Frosting Ingredients:

  • 1 batch American or Swiss Meringue Buttercream
  • Pink/red food gel (for strawberry frosting)
  • Strawberry flavoring (for frosting)
  • Yellow food gel (for mango frosting)
  • Mango flavoring (for frosting)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (for decoration)
  • 10 limes (cut into 40 wedges for decoration)
  • 10 strawberries (halved for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Calibrate the oven to 275F (140C) for fan-forced or 320F (160C) for conventional ovens. Arrange cupcake liners in two baking trays.
  2. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl. Incorporate softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. In a separate vessel, thoroughly blend eggs, milk, oil, yogurt, tequila, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogeneous.
  4. Separate the batter into two equal portions. Infuse one section with pink/red food gel and strawberry flavoring, and the other with yellow food gel and mango flavoring.
  5. Create layered patterns by alternating strawberry and mango batters within the cupcake liners, ensuring even distribution.
  6. Transfer the trays to the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. Verify doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
  7. Prepare buttercream frosting and divide into two segments. Tint one portion with pink/red gel and strawberry flavoring, the other with yellow gel and mango flavoring.
  8. Briefly immerse cooled cupcakes in water, then roll edges in granulated sugar to mimic a margarita glass rim.
  9. Artfully pipe alternating swirls of strawberry and mango frosting onto each cupcake, creating a visually appealing design.
  10. Embellish each cupcake with a delicate lime wedge and a fresh strawberry half for a final flourish.

Notes

  • Adjust your oven settings carefully to ensure even baking, as fan-forced and conventional ovens heat differently.
  • Use high-quality extracts sparingly to prevent overwhelming the delicate fruit notes in the cupcakes.
  • Chill buttercream briefly before piping to maintain crisp, defined swirls and prevent melting.
  • Replace tequila with extra vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version that keeps the recipe family-friendly.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 195
  • Sugar: 13 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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