Margarita Birthday Cake

This citrusy layer cake is flavored with lime zest and the frosting is made with tequila, cheers!

A few weeks ago, my friend’s husband threw her a fabulous 30th birthday party.  There were chefs cooking Mexican food, plenty of drinks to go around, do-it-yourself ice cream sandwiches and finally this margarita cake.  For my friend that loves all things Mexican food and all margaritas, I couldn’t think of a better birthday cake to finish off the event.  These cake layers are light and citrusy, flavored with a bit of lime zest, and the frosting has just the right amount of tequila to satisfy any margarita lover.

I didn’t get a photo of the inside of the cake since I didn’t want to slice it ahead of time, but everyone who had a slice loved it.  This is such a fun celebration cake during the summer.  I’ll definitely be making it again.

Margarita Birthday Cake

 

Save Print

This citrusy layer cake is flavored with lime zest and the frosting is made with tequila, cheers!

Author: Lauren Lilling

Recipe type: Dessert

Makes: 1 2-layer 9-inch cake; serves 12

Ingredients

Margarita Cake Layers

• 240 milliliters (1 cup) milk, at room temperature separated (skim, low fat or whole will work)
• 120g (~4 large) egg whites, at room temperature
• 50g (~1 large) whole egg, at room temperature
• 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) pure vanilla extract
• 300g (~1-1/2 cups) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons lime zest (~2 limes)
• 350g  (~3 cups) cake flour, sifted
• 9½g (1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon) baking powder
• 5g (3/4 teaspoon) salt
• 85g (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
• 85g (6 tablespoons) vegetable shortening

Margarita Frosting

• 312g ( 2¾ sticks) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
• 113g regular or light cream cheese
• 400g (~2½ cups) powdered sugar
• 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) tequila
• 1 tablespoon lime zest (~lime)
• 1g (1/4 teaspoon) salt

Instructions

Margarita Cake Layers

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
2. Grease and flour two  9-inch round pans and line bottoms with parchment paper
3. In a medium bowl whisk together the egg whites, whole egg, ¼ cup of milk and vanilla; set aside
4. In the large bowl of an electric mixer use your fingers to rub the lime zest into the granulated sugar, this will help to release the flavor from the zest; then, with the paddle attachment, combine the sugar / lime zest, sifted flour, baking powder and salt together on low speed for just 30 seconds
5. Add the butter and shortening; mix on low speed for 30 seconds; add remaining milk and mix again on low speed until just moistened, about 30 seconds
6. Increase mixer to medium speed and beat for 1½ minutes
7. Scrape the sides of the bowl add the egg/milk mixture in 3 separate batches; beat on medium speed for 20 seconds after each addition; do not overmix
8. Divide the batter into prepared baking pans; bake for 29-32 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from center of each layer
9. Set cake layers aside to cool for 10 minutes then carefully remove each layer from pans; run a knife around the edge of each layer for easier removal
10. Once cake layers are completely cooled, use a serrated knife to carefully cut each layer in half horizontally, creating 4 cake layers; set aside and make buttercreams

Margarita Frosting

1. Beat butter and cream cheese in the bowl of an electric mixer on high speed or until light and creamy
2. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar and mix on low speed for one minute; add additional cup and mix on low for one minute again; add remaining sugar, tequila, lime zest and salt
3. Mix on low speed for one minute and then scrape the sides of the bowl; beat on high speed for several minutes or until buttercream is light and fluffy

Notes

Adapted from this vanilla bean cake
Cake best served within 24 hours; store leftovers tightly covered with seran wrap to avoid drying up to three days

Wordpress Recipe Plugin by EasyRecipe

3.3.3077

Make something from the blog? Be sure to share it on Instagram with the tag #KeepItSweetDesserts.