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This Strawberry Margarita Cake is absolutely amazing. Tasting like a sweet combination of strawberries and lime, with a burst of tequila, this delicious layer cake is going to make you happy. Moist and tender, this lime and strawberry cake is absolutely amazing.
We love making margarita cake recipes and you will also want to check out our Blackberry Margarita Sheet Cake, Margarita Cake!
Strawberry Margarita Cake
If you are looking for a cake that is perfect for Taco Tuesday or Cinco de Mayo, this Strawberry Margarita Cake is the best. With all the best flavors of a margarita, this cake has strawberry and lime flavors, not to mention tequila. Pair this cake with Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos, Dorito Taco Salad, or Easy Taco Ring with Crescent Rolls for the best dinner ever.
Ingredients You Will Need
(full amounts in Recipe Box below)
- White Cake Mix – using cake mix instead of making the cake from scratch saves time. We also give you a “from scratch” recipe below.
- Egg Whites – These eggs do not need to be room temperature.
- Canola Oil – the canola oil can be changed to vegetable oil without affecting the cake.
- Lime Juice and Zest – You will need both lime zest and lime juice for this recipe.
- Unsalted butter- I always recommend using unsalted butter because it lets you control the amount of salt in the recipe.
- Triple Sec- Another flavoring with a kick.
- Powdered sugar- Powdered sugar is the type of sugar that works best with frosting
- Strawberry puree- You might be able to find strawberry puree on its own or you can make some by putting fresh or frozen strawberries in the food processor.
- Sugar sprinkles- These are part of the decorating.
- Fresh strawberries and lime slices.
How to Make a Strawberry Margarita Cake (easy version)
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray your three 9″ round cake pans with baking spray, set aside
- Using a standing mixer, beat together until combined the cake mix, egg
whites, water, and canola oil until combined - Whisk in the lime juice, and lime zest
- Divide the batter evenly between the three cake pans
- Bake in the oven for 25-28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean
- Allow to cool completely
The EASY boxed cake version does NOT have tequila included. However, the “from scratch cake” does have tequila included. Alcohol added to cake batter cooks out when baked. You will get the kick of alcohol from the frosting which is used for both versions.
Decorate the Cake
- Use a cake leveler, remove the domes from the cakes.
- Place the first cake layer on the cake board and smooth 1 cup of frosting over the cake.
- Place the 2nd layer on top and repeat.
- Add the 3rd layer on top and frost the entire cake.
- Use the piping bag to pipe frosting on the top of the cake.
- Place slices of lime and strawberries on the cake.
- Add lime zest over the top of the cake.
- Place into the fridge for an hour to allow the frosting to harden up a bit and then cut it into slices to serve.
Is This Safe for Kids to Eat?
This recipe has tequila in the cake frosting so I would say no. You can always leave out the alcohol, but that changes the unique flavor of this delicious margarita cake.
Does Margarita Cake Have to be Refrigerated?
Since this cake has fresh fruit in it and on top, I like to store it in the refrigerator. If the cake will be eaten, fully, with no leftovers in a few hours of serving, it can be left out. However, I would recommend storing any leftovers in the refrigerator.
From Scratch Recipe
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 egg whites
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/2 cup tequila
- 3 tbsp lime zest
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line three 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper in the bottom and grease the sides with butter.
- Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a medium sized bowl. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg whites and vanilla and beat on medium speed until well combined.
- Spoon in about a third of the flour mixture to the batter and beat on medium speed until combined.
- Pour in the milk and beat until combined.
- Add another third of the flour mixture to the batter and beat on medium speed until combined.
- Pour in the lime juice, tequila and lime zest and beat on until combined.
- Add the remaining dry ingredients and beat until combined and smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cakes comes out clean. The tops might be a little browned and that’s okay.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes, then remove to a cooling rack to cool completely.
More Delicious Layer Cake Recipes
- Mint Chocolate Chip Layer Cake
- Layered Cherry Coke Cake
- Bailey’s Irish Cream Layer Cake
- Layered Cannoli Cake Recipe
- Patriotic Layered Cake
Strawberry Margarita Cake
This Strawberry Margarita Cake is absolutely amazing. Tasting like a sweet combination of strawberries and lime, with a burst of tequila, this delicious layer cake is going to make you happy. Moist and tender, this lime and strawberry cake is absolutely amazing.
Servings: 12
Ingredients
White Cake
- 2 boxes white cake mix
- 8 large Egg whites
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup canola oil
- 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lime juice
- 3 large limes zested
Strawberry Lime Frosting
- 1 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 tablespoons tequila
- 2 tablespoons triple sec
- 4 tablespoons strawberry puree prepared
- 9 cups confectioners sugar sifted
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
Instructions
Cake Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray your three (9 inch) round cake pans with cooking spray, set aside.
- Using a standing mixer, beat together the cake mix, egg whites, water, and canola oil until combined.
- Whisk in the lime juice, and lime zest until incorporated.
- Divide the batter evenly between the three prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the oven for 25-28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely.
Strawberry Tequila Lime Frosting
- Using a standing mixer, combine all ingredients into the mixer and beat until combined, smooth and stiff with peaks.
- Scoop 1 Cup of frosting into the piping bag and set aside
Decorating directions
- Using the cake leveler, remove the domes from the cakes to level them out
- Place one cake round onto the cake board
- Scoop 1 Cup of frosting onto the cake and smooth evenly
- Place the second cake round onto the top of the frosting
- Scoop 1 Cup of frosting onto the second cake layer and smooth evenly
- Place the last cake round onto the top of the frosting
- Using the remaining frosting, frost entire cake
- Pipe dollops of frosting onto the top of the cake
- Place Lime and strawberry slices onto the frosting
- Zest a lime all over the top of the cake
- Place into the fridge for an hour to allow the frosting to harden up a bit
- Cut into slices and enjoy!
Last Step:
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Notes
From Scratch Recipe
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
-
1/4 tsp baking soda
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 egg whites
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/2 cup tequila
- 3 tbsp lime zest
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper in the bottom and grease the sides with butter.
- Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a medium sized bowl. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg whites and vanilla and beat on medium speed until well combined.
- Spoon in about a third of the flour mixture to the batter and beat on medium speed until combined.
- Pour in the milk and beat until combined.
- Add another third of the flour mixture to the batter and beat on medium speed until combined.
- Pour in the lime juice, tequila and lime zest and beat on until combined.
- Add the remaining dry ingredients and beat until combined and smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cakes comes out clean. The tops might be a little browned and that’s okay.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes, then remove to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
Calories: 989kcal | Carbohydrates: 164g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 642mg | Potassium: 136mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 126g | Vitamin A: 723IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 207mg | Iron: 2mg
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44 comments on “Strawberry Margarita Cake with Tequila Frosting”
Hi, quick question: under “Equipment” it says 3 – 9″ cake pans, but under “Instructions” it says 3 – 8″ cake pans. Which one is the correct size for the bake time? I made this cake 3 months ago (can’t remember which pan size I used) and my friends are still raving about it; I have been asked to make it again! Thank you for this recipe!
I made the ‘from scratch’ version for the Super Bowl party I attended.. it was wiped out! One of the best cakes I’ve ever made.
How many ounces is your typical white cake mix that you use? I am making this gluten free and attempting to use a cake mix, but I believe the amount of ounces is bigger. Thank you!!
I love this site, Thank you.
This is my 2nd time making this beauty. I loooove to bake & do it often. With no children of my own, my younger co-workers just loved this cake. Thus my 2nd time.
I appreciate the burst of flavors that are defining as soon as you taste it.
Both cakes were made with alcohol . Wouldn’t think of trying it any other way.
Not yet, at least ☺
I made this for my fiancé’s birthday last year… can you say, “Nailed it!” Everyone loved it and it was truly one of those, “…YOU did THAT?!” moments, lol. The other guys hated me and called me a ‘suck up’ but, they still ate it, lol. Preparation is everything – I had no utensils, baking pans, ingredients… too two weeks of prep! And almost a whole day to make it (it had to be right the first time, and it was!). Every effort was worth it, so glad I stumbled across the recipe, thank you! Just wish I could upload a picture!
Hi Mel, So glad everyone liked it!
This sounds amazing! I was curious if this recipe would also be good for cupcakes? If I wanted a “normal” amount of cakes, do you think it would hurt the to half the recipe to have less cupcakes? Thank you. can’t wait to try this for my birthday.
This cake is absolutely delicious. Although I did change a few things to add my own touch to it.
Getting ready to make this for my Mom’s Birthday. Does it really call for 9 cups of powedered sugar??
yes…that is correct.
I creamed the butter until it was super fluffy and then added the liquids and whipped again. Then I added the sugar 1 cup at a time and only ended up using 5 cups.
It turned out great, and was a big hit! Thanks!
So glad you loved it Nancy!
Made the cake this past weekend using the box mix. The cake was supersoft so it literally started falling apart and collapsing. The frosting turned out perfect. The cake tastes great but literally just falls apart. Maybe it was the type of cake mix?
How can you make this same from scratch recipe with out the liquor? The Cake is Very Delicious and I want to keep the cake but with the liquor for a kids cake.
This recipe was amazing and a huge hit!! I will advise, however, to wait and put the strawberries on immediately prior to serving as they dripped down my cake. But tasted AMAZING
We made this cake on a cabin camping trip and used disposable, foil pans and a handmixer and it worked out fine. THIS IS THE ABSOLUTE BEST CAKE I HAVE EVER EATEN and the rest of my family concurred. Definitely, let the cake cool all the way— I didn’t and the layers started sliding around when I got to the third level. LOL. I had to put kebab sticks in the cake so it wouldn’t slide anymore. However, after a little while in the refrigerator, and nobody cares if the cake is perfect, it was devoured with much excitement! The frosting firmed up in the refrigerator and what little cake that was left the next day, we let sit out to get room temp before we finished it off and it was perfect again. THANK YOU
P.S. I also made your kitchen sink cookies and they are amazing.
If you are using a cake mix, you can substitute the line juice and tequila for the water. I make a non-alcoholic version using margarita mixer in the cake and lime juice in the frosting.