My nonalcoholic margarita cake has all the refreshing citrusy flavors of a margarita in a moist, tender, simple-to-make cake. It starts with easy-to-find ingredients and creates a beautiful cake in less than an hour!
Because there’s no alcohol in this recipe, it’s completely family-friendly!!!
What I Love About This Margarita Cake Recipe
This is one of those cakes that I make year-round. It’s perfect for all spring and summer events but also a recipe I reach for when I want to chase away the winter blues with a burst of fresh flavor. It’s perfect for Cinco de Mayo, potlucks, picnics, and family barbecues.
I love that it starts with a cake mix. It makes the cake incredibly moist, dense, and tender (seriously, how the heck do they do that with cake mixes?). The margarita mix, which does not contain alcohol, adds intense citrus flavor.
Then of course we add fresh lime zest and juice. We are talking BIG FLAVOR here! And, to top it off, we bake it in a bundt cake pan so it pops out instantly pretty.
If you love citrus cakes, my rum pineapple upside down cake is one you won’t want to miss! My hummingbird cake is a fruity southern classic that is an absolute show stopper! If you’re looking for an all scratch citrus cake, my lemon pound cake is sure to please.
Let’s bake this!
Margarita Cake Recipe Notes
- Frozen Mix: Despite what the name margarita cake recipe might imply, this cake has no alcohol. The margarita flavor comes from using those frozen margarita mixes. Just remember you need to thaw the mix before adding.
- Pudding:Â The secret to making this cake so mouthwateringly moist is pudding! Adding pudding mix to cake is a long-held tradition in the baking world. Similar to the margarita mixes, you can shake up the flavors by grabbing other varieties of pudding. I use lemon pudding in this recipe, but let your imagination soar! If you can’t find the lemon pudding mix at your local market, try Amazon.
- Cake Mix: Double down on MOIST with a cake mix that also has pudding mix in it. Again, you can swap out the flavors according to your tastes, but I use lemon to keep with the citrus theme.
- Limes:Â Hate juicing limes? You’re in luck! There are plenty of secrets and tips to ease this annoying task. One way to get the most juice out of your squeeze is to roll the lime on the counter before you cut it! This “wakes up” all the juice inside and ensures you get every delicious dropout.
- Bundt Pan: This is the bundt pan I used and I love it. It’s deeply detailed and it creates lots of little indentations to catch the yummy glaze. Remember, bundt pans come in different sizes. This pan is a 10 cup. When the cake bakes, it rises right up to the tippy top, but I’ve never had any problems with it overflowing.
How Long Can You Keep This In The Fridge?
You can store it for up to a week.
Can You Freeze This Margarita Cake?
Yes! This margarita cake recipe freezes beautifully, with or without the glaze. Obviously, the glaze will be a bit better if you hold off and apply it after you’ve thawed the cake, but you can also freeze it on. Store your cake in the freezer in a sealed container for up to six months.
To thaw, let it sit in the fridge overnight. That’s it! No reheating needed.
Make Ahead Tips
Since this cake whips together so stunningly fast, there really is no make-ahead trick I can give you. This cake does store wonderfully though, so if you need to make it ahead of time, just chill it until you’re ready to serve.
Serving Recommendations
There’s only one way to eat a margarita cake — with margaritas, of course! Pair this cake with my pineapple margarita recipe for a delicious, refreshing tropical dessert. It’s also great with a cup of hot tea or coffee!
Recipe Variations
What variations can we get out of this margarita cake recipe? Plenty!
- Use the lemon glaze. Swap the glaze from lime to lemon by using the same glaze I use in my lemon buttermilk cake.
- Top with flaked coconut. Sprinkle some shredded or flaked coconut over the glaze like in my coconut pound cake.
- Add strawberries. Swap the flavor profile for something akin to strawberry cake and turn it into a strawberry margarita cake!
More Bundt and Pound Cake Recipes
Looking for more bundt cake recipes that’ll please crowds and make mouths water? Check these out!
- Pumpkin Bundt Cake
- Red Velvet Bundt Cake
- Peach Pound Cake
- Strawberry Pound Cake
- Kentucky Butter Cake
Margarita Cake
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 (10 ounces) can frozen nonalcoholic margarita mix, thawed
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 boxed lemon cake
- 1 (3.4 ounce) box instant lemon pudding
Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
Garnish (optional)
- lime peel
Instructions
Make Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 10 cup bundt pan; set aside.
- In a mixing bowl add all of the cake ingredients.
- Using an electric mixer, set on low, beat until ingredients are combined. Turn mixer to medium and continue to beat for 4 minutes. Pour into a prepared pan.
- Bake in preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a cake plate and cool completely.
Make Glaze:
- Combine confectioners sugar with lime juice and whisk until smooth. Drizzle over cake. Garnish as desired with lime peel.
Rose Leavitt says
I wanted to know if I can use regular bottled non alcoholic margarita mix. I have looked all over town and cannot find frozen non-alcoholic margarita mix in a frozen can.
Kathleen says
Hi Rose. I don’t think that will work. You can also use a can of frozen Limeade or generic version of it.
Susan Vaughn says
i want to know if you can use different flavors?
Kathleen says
Hey Susan, are you asking about the frozen drink mix? If so, of course you can.
NATALIA says
This cake looks deliciously soft and moist. I have to try it, I’m a fan of citrus cakes!
Kathleen says
We both are. 🙂 Thank you, Natalia!
Kate says
Many thanks for sharing this recipe. This is something that my family will definitely like. Next time we celebrate it will be on the menu.
Kathleen says
Yay! Thank you so much, Kate 🙂
Allyssa says
Thanks a lot for this margarita cake! This is my new favorite! will make it again for sure!
Kathleen says
Thank you so much, Allyssa!
Moop Brown says
This cake looks perfect for parties and different types of get togethers. What a great summer dessert as well!
Kathleen says
Thank you so much! 🙂
Jen says
This cake is such a fun concept and I really enjoyed making it! I will definitely make it again when I have family and friends over 🙂
Kathleen says
Yay, thank you so much, Jen! 🙂
Silvia says
This margarita cake was a revelation. I have never thought about using margarita mix, but it works. It also look so beautiful.
Kathleen says
Thank you sooo much, Silvia! 🙂
Veronika says
This is such a fun cake! I love the flavors and going to try it sometime soon 😉
Kathleen says
Thanks, Veronika! 🙂
Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says
Oh what a moist and scrumptious cake! This is perfect for warmer weather when sitting outside and enjoying a warm summer evening. Definitely adding this to my dessert list!
Kathleen says
I’m imagining it now! Thank you, Lori! 🙂
Elaine says
I love cakes and I love margarita.. but I have never tried combining the two. The result seems absolutely stunning (the color, too)!
Kathleen says
So am I! Thank you, Elaine 🙂
Adriana Lopez says
May is my birthday month, and I will celebrate with your margarita cake. It looks fantastic and so easy to prepare. I cannot wait to enjoy a slice.
Kathleen says
Advance happy birthday, Adriana!! 🙂
Cooking with Carbs says
I make a lot of cakes, but I’ve yet to make a Margarita cake. After reading this recipe I’m convinced! I’ll be making it this week. I’ll definitely be going for the glaze as well. Your drink suggestion is also much appreciated!
Kathleen says
Thank you so much, Anneke! Yes, make the glaze. Enjoy baking! 🙂
Leslie says
I’m so impressed with this Margarita Cake Recipe! Great texture and super love that it’s family-friendly!
Kathleen says
Thank you, Leslie! 🙂
Eva says
What a beautiful cake. Bundt cakes with drizzled icing on top always make me happy. The citrusy flavour just elevates the whole picture. Can’t stop at one slice!
Kathleen says
Hi, Eva! Thank you so much! I agree with you, one slice is not enough. 🙂
Newbie In The Kitchen says
I absolutely love margaritas and I absolutely love cake! So what better way than to have both in one go. Your cake looks soft and moist. The addition of lemon pudding mix in the ingredients sounds good. Nice easy to follow instructions for a tasty looking cake
Kathleen says
Thank you so much! We both love margaritas and cake 🙂
Marta says
I love margaritas, so I had to try. Every bite delivered all my favorite tastes from the drink. Thanks for sharing.
Kathleen says
Thank you so much, Marta! Glad you like it 🙂
B brown says
Wonder if you could use another mix like Malibu or other?
Kathleen says
Are you talking about Malibu rum?
Debbie McFadden says
WHAT MAKES THE CAKE RED ON TOP?
Kathleen says
Hi Debbie. It bakes up a deep golden. Not sure which ingredients are responsible. The batter is a soft yellow.