Margarita cake is perfect for fans of the classic cocktail who want to enjoy it in dessert form. This five-star cake features frozen margarita mix blended into the batter, resulting in an incredibly moist and flavorful treat. The bundt is topped with a thick lime glaze, capturing a margarita’s refreshing essence without the booze. For those craving that extra kick, a slice pairs perfectly with a shot of tequila. Explore more cocktail-inspired desserts here.
Ingredients for Making Margarita Cake
- Lemon cake mix: This recipe’s base, lemon cake mix, provides a bright and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the lime elements of the cake. Using a boxed mix simplifies prep.
- Instant lemon pudding mix: This cake is another great recipe that starts with pudding. Instant lemon pudding mix enhances the lemony flavor of the cake and adds moisture, resulting in a soft and tender crumb that stays fresh longer.
- Margarita mix: Frozen nonalcoholic margarita mix brings the signature margarita flavor to the cake, infusing it with a zesty lime taste that’s both refreshing and unique. This replaces the liquid component in the typical cake recipe.
- Eggs: Eggs provide structure and stability to the cake, helping it rise and maintain its shape. Ensure they’re at room temperature before mixing for the best consistency.
- Butter: Softened butter adds a rich, creamy flavor to the cake and helps create a tender and moist texture.
- Limes: The juice’s intense citrus flavor balances the cake’s sweetness, while the zest adds a concentrated lime flavor and aromatic oils.
- Confectioners’ sugar: Powdered sugar is mixed with even more lime juice to create a glossy glaze that tops off the cake.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the batter
In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, margarita mix, eggs, butter, lime juice and zest. Beat it at low speed for 30 seconds, then medium speed for two minutes.
Step 2: Bake the cake
Transfer the batter to a greased and floured 10-inch fluted bundt pan. Bake it at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Editor’s Tip: Ensure your bundt pan is well-greased and floured to prevent the cake from sticking.
Step 3: Prepare the glaze
Meanwhile, combine the glaze ingredients and whisk until smooth. Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.
Margarita Cake Recipe Variations
- Tequila-lime glaze: Add a tablespoon of tequila to the glaze for an adult twist.
- Make a coconut margarita cake: Play up the tropical flavors by adding 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the batter.
- Bake a strawberry margarita cake: Spike the cake with crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a fruity margarita variation.
- Whip up margarita cupcakes: Pour the batter into lined muffin tins or make this margarita cupcakes recipe instead.
How to Store Margarita Cake
Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerated for up to a week. Wrap the cooled, unglazed cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to freeze. Freeze it for up to three months. Thaw it at room temperature before glazing and serving.
Can you make margarita cake ahead of time?
You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Prepare and apply the glaze the day you’re serving it.
Margarita Cake Recipe Tips
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lime juice is preferred for its vibrant flavor and natural acidity. It enhances the overall taste of the cake. You can certainly use bottled lime juice in a bind but you’ll also miss the brightness that lime zest brings to the cake.
Can I make this cake without a bundt pan?
There are ways to bake a bundt cake without a bundt pan. You can convert this recipe to fit a 13×9-inch pan or DIY a makeshift bundt pan.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.
