Margarita Cupcakes

I have really been in the cupcake making mood lately.

I realized that for as long as I've had my blog I have only been making the traditional chocolate and yellow cake cupcakes.

So I went a little crazy over the last few weeks and now YOU get to benefit from what I'm calling my Cupcakepalooza!

I've had so much fun coming up with different flavors to make that I'm not sure when this will end!   Just sayin'

Each time I make a new flavor they are immediately propelled into top spot as my "new favorite" flavor, lol.

These were a definite favorite not because of the tequila in them, but for the lime.  I have this little obsession with lime and creating all things lime flavored.

Just ask my family.  I'm probably the only one in the house that loves lime.  Ha! More for me :)

Here's what you need:

1 - 15.25 oz. box vanilla cake mix
zest of 3 small limes (not key limes, just regular)
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
3 oz. tequila, can be omitted if desired but use water or milk in it's place
1/3 cup oil
1 recipe No Fail Buttercream Frosting
1 lime for zesting over the top of the frosting
pinch of Kosher salt

Preheat oven to 325 degrees for dark colored cupcake pans and 350 degrees for light silver pans.

Line pans with cupcake liners and set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer place all ingredients and beat on medium for 2-3 minutes until completely combined, light and fluffy.  Just one more reason I love box cake mix ~ toss it all in one bowl and away you go :)

 

Fill each cupcake liner 2/3 full, or 3/4 if you like them with a domed top like mine.

 

(pictures are of a different batter because I was too quick while making these and forgot to take them)

Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Remove to a cooling rack and cool completely.

I use my No Fail Buttercream Frosting recipe and place it in a 16" disposable piping bag with a large star tip.

You can frost the cupcakes however you would like to.  I like the star tip so that's what I used.

I zested a lime over the cupcakes to add just a touch of color and flavor.  I also added a touch of kosher salt sprinkled very lightly over the top to give them a bit of the salty sweet flavor.  They were not "salty" but you know it's there.  This has to be done while the frosting is still "wet" or it will just roll right off the cupcake.

Serves - 24 regular cupcakes

Enjoy!

Here's the handy printable - Margarita Cupcakes