Margarita cake is the perfect cake to eat for a beautiful celebration or for a weekly pick-me-up. It is a fun cake to make and it tastes moist and delicious!
The inspiration...
I was watching way too many baking tv-shows lately and I was inspired to make this cake from watching all that cake making. I don't often make cakes because I love cookies and brownies more but I thought I would try a different cake. I have watched so many different Netflix series of bake-offs and cake competitions. My favorite still is the Great British Baking Show. I can watch that show all day. In my current rotation of baking shows, I am watching Christina Tosi's show Bake Squad. It is light and fun to watch. Those elaborate desserts they make on the show make me want to bake all day!
This margarita cake is filled with citrus flavor. It is a great cake to make for a celebration because you can drink your margaritas and eat this margarita cake. I like this cake because it is not a typical layered cake that requires many layers and tons of icing to make. It is a one-layer cake that is dynamic and filled with flavor.
What makes this Margarita Cake so special?
This cake is inspired by Margarita's but with a sweet twist. You get the zesty kick from the lime in the cake and in the buttercream. The tequila soak brings in that strong bold alcohol flavor. Then topped with a sweet tangy lime buttercream to wrap up this beautiful cake. It is what I imagine my margarita will take like in cake form. I love playing around with different elements to bring together a beautiful sweet treat. This was fun to create and there are many different variations you can try out to play with the flavors. If you are looking for a stronger tequila flavor you can add tequila into the batter or even add more tequila into the soak. Alternatively, you can leave the tequila out of the cake completely, and then this will be a tasty citrusy cake. It is delicious no matter how you slice it.
A few baking tips:
The tequila soak - it seems like a lot of tequila but trusts me you need it to add the flavor to the cake. I poke holes into my cake so tequila mixture can soak it into the cake. Let this rest for a little bit so the flavor gets infused into the cake.
Sugar & lime zest topping - you can use regular sugar for this topping or turbinado sugar to add more texture. I was heavy on the lime zest because I really want to bring out the lime flavor on top.
Storage - this cake will last 4-5 days in an air-tight container in the fridge. It tastes even better the next day when all the flavors soak in together.
Lime buttercream frosting - this buttercream is light in sweetness and creamy from the white chocolate. You can substitute any type of frosting on top. I found that a lighter frosting pairs nicely with this cake.
Margarita Cake
Serving size: 16 large slices
Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Source: Adapted from displaced housewife
Cake:
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon lime zest
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
2 teaspoons orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/3 cup whole milk
Margarita Soak:
2 tablespoons tequila
1 tablespoon orange juice
3 teaspoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon honey
Swiss Lime Buttercream:
1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
6 ounces white chocolate melted
1 teaspoon lime juice
Lime sugar topping:
1/3 cup sugar
2 limes, zested
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8x8 baking dish or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Mix in the sour cream, oil, lime zest, lime juice, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
Step 3: Add in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Pour in the milk until the batter is smooth. I alternate between the wet and dry ingredients, adding half of each at a time until everything is mixed in completely. Pour batter into the baking dish and bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and the center is not jiggly.
Step 4: Make the margarita soak by mixing the tequila, orange juice, lime juice, and honey together.
Step 5: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Poke a few holes with a fork or knife and brush the cake with the margarita soak. Let the cake sit for 15 minutes so the cake can marinade with the tequila flavor.
Step 6: While the cake is cooling, make the swiss lime frosting. In a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip the butter and the powdered sugar and mix on low until smooth, about 2 more minutes. Add in the cooled melted white chocolate running the mixer on low. Then, add in the lime juice and mix until combined.
Step 7: Make the lime sugar topping by mixing together the lime zest and sugar. You can blend the sugar and zest in a blender if you want the sugar super fine.
Step 8: When the cake is completely cooled, flip the cake onto a rack or plate. Spread the buttercream on top of the cake and smooth out with an offset spatula. Sprinkle with lime sugar. Slice the cake and enjoy!
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