What’s Cinco De Mayo without a little (or a lot) of Tequila!? And of course, dessert is most definitely not a place to skimp on the margarita happiness that is May 5th.

Leading up to the holiday, I knew I wanted to make a fun dinner and dessert. No joke, I spent hours looking for a recipe for a fun Mexican/tequila/margarita themed dessert and finally landed on these Margarita Cupcakes. Two of my favorite things in one? Sold. (P.S. these are NOT cupcakes for the kids)

The original recipe calls for homemade cupcake batter, and frosting but I really just didn’t have time for that. So I improvised, and they still turned out great! I used boxed vanilla cake mix and vanilla frosting, which based on my baking history, probably tasted better than if I had tried to make the batter by hand. I continue to put off baking from scratch… knowing that it turns into a failure most of the time, but I’ll get there eventually!

The cupcakes were delicious, and continued to get eaten through the holiday weekend (my Birthday is May 6th). I woke up on my Birthday wanting a cupcake for breakfast.. but then realized with all the Tequila infused in them, perhaps I wait until say… at least 11am?

Check out the recipe below, and next Mexican Food night, try it out! You won’t regret it.

MARGARITA CUPCAKES

INGREDIENTS:

1. 1 Box Vanilla Cake Batter
2. 1 Can Vanilla Frosting
3. 3 Limes
4. Your favorite SILVER Tequila
5. Pinch of Coarse Salt

PREPARATION:

MAKE CUPCAKE:

1. Preheat oven according to box directions
2. Make batter, following directions on cake mix box
3. Zest 1.5 limes and add to batter
4. Add the juice of those limes
5. Add 2tbs of Tequila
6. Mix all ingredients into batter until fully combined
7. Separate batter between muffin cups and bake according to directions on box.
8. When finished baking, allow cupcakes to cool for 5-10 minutes, and then remove to cooling rack
9. Using  a toothpick or fork, poke holes in the top of each cupcake
10. Using 1-2tbs of Tequila, brush the tops of each cupcake.
11. Set cupcakes aside to cool completely before frosting them

MAKE FROSTING:

1. Transfer frosting from the container into a separate mixing bowl
2. Add 1tbs fresh squeezed lime juice
3. Add 2tbs Tequila
4. Mix together using hand mixer, or whichever kitchen tool works best for you.
5. Once all ingredients are combined and you have a fluffy looking frosting, add to the top of each cupcake
6. Feel free to add lime garnish as well as a pinch of coarse salt to the top of each cupcake!