Margarita Cupcakes...best eaten on the patio with friends!

A couple of weeks ago I sent out a tweet on Twitter about making some margarita cupcakes for a baby shower that I catered and was asked to post the recipe on my blog by my dear friend The Treat Girl. (I totally just figured out how to do that link thing all by myself! This blog thing is getting easier and easier! Any way...) So this is for you Pam, enjoy!!

Margarita Cupcakes

• 1 box white cake mix


• 8 oz. margarita mix


• 2 oz. tequila


• 1 oz. Grand Marnier


• 3 egg whites


• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil


• 1 Tbsp grated lime zest
  

Lime Buttercream Frosting

• 8 Tbsp butter, softened


• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened


• 2 Tbsp lime juice (aprox. 2 fresh limes)
  
• 1 Tbsp margarita mix


• 1 tsp grated lime zest


• 5 cups powdered sugar


• fresh limes for garnish
  

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 and prepare muffin pans


2. Combine margarita mix, tequila, and Grand Marnier in a large glass and stir well.


3. In a large bowl (I use my Kitchen-Aid), combine cake mix, egg whites, lime zest, vegetable oil, and margarita mixture from step one. Stir together, then beat with an electric mixer on low to medium speed for aprox. 2-3 minutes.


4. Spoon the batter into prepared muffin pans. Fill each cup/liner about 2/3 full. ( I personally, use the Saucy Method with an ice cream scoop!)


5. Bake at recommended temperature on cake mix box (usually 325-350) for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. (For my oven it only takes 18 minutes.)
   

Frosting

1. In a large bowl, combine butter, cream cheese, lime juice, margarita mix, and lime zest. Beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.


2. Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time and continue beating until smooth. If icing is too thin you can add more powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time.


3. Spread icing generously on each cupcake or use a pastry bag to frost. Garnish with lime wedges.


4. Now, go sit on a patio some where with some girlfriends and enjoy these cupcakes, cause everyone knows that is the best way to enjoy a margarita!!