Description
This Margarita Cake is a delightful, citrus-infused dessert inspired by the classic margarita cocktail. It features layers of moist lime and tequila-flavored cake, sandwiched and topped with a creamy lime buttercream frosting, and decorated with fresh lime slices and zest. Perfect for celebrations or a refreshing twist on traditional cake flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups sugar
- 4 large egg whites
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup lime juice
- 1/2 cup tequila
- 2 tablespoons lime zest
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shortening
- 12 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated lime zest
- 6 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Decorations
- Lime slices for decorating
- Lime zest for decorating
- Sugar sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease three 9-inch cake pans thoroughly with baking spray. Set aside while you prepare the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt to ensure they are well combined and free of lumps.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which typically takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites and vanilla extract until just combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with the whole milk to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed just until incorporated. Then gently fold in the lime juice, tequila, and lime zest until evenly blended.
- Divide Batter: Evenly divide the prepared batter among the three greased cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake Cakes: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool fully.
- Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and shortening until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud, then add the grated lime zest and fresh lime juice. Continue beating on medium speed until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Assemble and Decorate: Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a generous layer of lime buttercream frosting between each cake layer. Cover the entire exterior with the remaining frosting. Decorate the top and sides of the cake with lime slices, additional lime zest, and sugar sprinkles for a festive finish.
Notes
- Ensure cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- For a more pronounced tequila flavor, brush the cake layers lightly with additional tequila before frosting.
- Use fresh lime juice and zest for the best citrus flavor.
- You can substitute vegetable shortening with additional butter if preferred.
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
