Margarita Cake with Tequila-lime Frosting

Background: A wonderfully moist lime cake with a tequila margarita frosting. Serve this scrumptious cake to top off any Mexican-themed meal or social gathering, like Ashlee’s Taco Ring. You can easily replace the tequila with more milk for a non-alcoholic version.

For Cake

• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, PLUS 1/4 cup for altitude
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 egg whites
• 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cup frozen margarita mix, thawed (I used 10 oz. can Bacardi brand non-alcoholic frozen concentrated mixer)
• 1/4 cup water or lime juice (I used Nellie and Joe’s Key Lime Juice)
• 2 tablespoons lime zest

For the Tequila Lime Buttercream Icing

• 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted, softened
• 10-12 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon popcorn salt (melts into buttercream easier than regular salt)
• 4 tablespoons lime juice (approx. 2 small limes)
• 3 tablespoons tequila
• 2 teaspoons milk

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 3 (three) 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper in the bottom and grease the sides.
2. Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a medium sized bowl. Set aside
3. Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl on medium-high speed (about 2-3 minutes) until light and fluffy
4. Add egg whites and vanilla. Beat on medium until well combined. Note: Scrape side of bowl as needed, to make sure all is combined well.
5. Add about 1/3 of flour mixture to batter and beat on medium speed until incorporated.
6. Add in about 1/3 of thawed margarita mix and beat on medium until incorporated.
7. Add another 1/3 of flour mixture to batter and beat on medium until incorporated
8. Add the remaining 2/3 thawed margarita mix AND 1/4 water and beat until incorporated
9. Add remaining dry ingredients and beat on medium until well combined and smooth.
10. Divide batter evenly between the cake pans and spread evenly.
11. BAKE cakes for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Do not be concerned if tops are a little browned.
12. Remove cakes from oven and allow to cook for 2 minutes, then remove to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Instructions for the Tequila Lime Buttercream Icing

1. Mix softened butter until smooth
2. Slowly add powdered sugar and salt. Mix on medium-low until combined
3. Slowly add tequila, lime juice and milk. Mix on medium-low until combined.
4. Mix on MEDIUM for 3 minutes, adding a bit more liquid if too thick; or adding more powdered sugar if too thin.
5. Reduce speed to low and mix 3 more minutes or until the buttercream is creamy and smooth.