Margarita Cupcakes (DF)

For the FULL recipe with step-by-step photo instructions and printable recipe card, visit:    www.inspirationapron.com

...and if you LOVE lime desserts, you'll also want to check out my easy Key Lime Icebox Tart recipe HERE.

Ingredients for cupcakes:

• 16.5oz Duncan Hines Perfectly Moist Lemon Supreme cake mix
• 3oz package Lime Jell-O mix
• 1/2 tsp margarita or flake salt
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup Nellie and Joe’s Famous Key Lime Juice
• 1/3 cup canned coconut milk (full fat)

For Lime Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup plant butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp Nellie and Joe’s Famous Key Lime Juice (optionally, you can also use milk and 1 tsp vanilla extract if you would rather have a vanilla flavored buttercream)

Optional garnishes: Fresh lime wedges, margarita salt, green sugar and paper straws.

Preheat oven to 350℉ / 176℃ and line cupcake pan with paper liners or spray with non-stick cooking spray. (Personally, I think using the bright green liners add a fun touch!)

In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, Jell-O mix and salt.

Next, add eggs, oil, lime juice and milk and mix on medium speed for two minutes.

Fill cupcake liners with batter, a little over half full (about 1/4 cup of batter) and bake for 17-20 minutes or until wooden toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

After removing from oven, let cupcakes cool 5 minutes in pan, then transfer cupcakes to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.

How to make lime buttercream frosting:

Cream plant butter with electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

Add sugar, a little at a time, mixing on medium speed after each addition until all in incorporated (frosting will be thick.) Add lime juice and mix until smooth.

Transfer frosting to a large icing bag and use a Wilton 1M tip for a pretty swirl effect. Starting from outside, use a circular motion and end in the middle.

If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of green sugar and margarita salt, then add fresh lime wedges.

For an extra fun touch, I cut paper straws in half and pushed into center to resemble a drink.

These Margarita Cupcakes have a beautiful shade of green and would be fun to serve at any party or celebration and delicious with a margarita cocktail or mocktail.