Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes

If you love tropical cocktails and sweet treats, these Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes are the perfect fusion of both. They’re fruity, colorful, and bring a festive vibe to any occasion—whether it’s a summer party, Cinco de Mayo celebration, or just a fun weekend bake. With a vibrant swirl of strawberry and mango flavors, sugar-rimmed tops, and garnishes of fresh fruit, these cupcakes are as stunning as they are delicious.

I first made these cupcakes for a summer barbecue, and they became the star of the dessert table. The playful cocktail-inspired design paired with the tang of strawberry and mango had everyone coming back for seconds. They’ve since become one of my favorite “crowd-pleaser” recipes when I want to impress without needing a complicated technique.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tropical Flavors: Sweet strawberry and juicy mango come together for a refreshing cupcake twist.
Cocktail-Inspired Fun: With a sugar “rim” and lime garnish, they look just like margaritas in cupcake form.
Beginner-Friendly: No advanced decorating skills needed—just simple swirls and vibrant colors.
Perfect for Celebrations: Great for parties, birthdays, or themed gatherings.

Ingredients

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¼ cups sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon fine salt
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 large eggs
1 ½ cups whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons tequila (optional)
Pink and red gel food coloring (for strawberry batter and frosting)
1 teaspoon strawberry flavoring
Yellow gel food coloring (for mango batter and frosting)
1 teaspoon mango flavoring
1 cup granulated sugar (for decoration)
10 limes, cut into wedges
10 strawberries, cut in half

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 140°C (fan oven) or 160°C (conventional oven). Line a muffin tray with cupcake liners.
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly.
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, oil, yogurt, tequila (if using), and vanilla extract.
Combine wet and dry ingredients. Divide the batter into two equal portions.
To one half, add red/pink coloring and strawberry flavoring. To the other, add yellow coloring and mango flavoring.
Fill each cupcake liner with alternating layers of both batters until two-thirds full.
Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before decorating.
Prepare the frosting, dividing it into two bowls. Tint one with red/pink coloring and strawberry flavoring, and the other with yellow coloring and mango flavoring.
Lightly moisten the tops of cooled cupcakes and roll them in granulated sugar to mimic a margarita rim.
Decorate with alternating swirls of strawberry and mango frosting. Garnish with a lime wedge and half a strawberry on each cupcake.

Tips for Success

For Extra Margarita Flavor: Brush the cupcakes with a mix of lime juice and tequila before rolling in sugar.
No Food Coloring? The flavorings alone will give a subtle tint, but coloring helps create that vibrant tropical look.
Make Ahead: Bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store unfrosted. Decorate just before serving.

Storage

Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Mango Margarita Cupcakes are more than just a dessert—they’re a fun, festive experience. The bold colors, tropical flavors, and playful presentation make them a perfect treat for any gathering. Whether you keep them alcohol-free or add a splash of tequila, they’re guaranteed to wow your guests and brighten your dessert table.