Strawberry Daiquiri Cupcakes (Semi-Homemade)

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons lime zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons light rum
• 1 (18 1/4 ounce) box strawberry cake mix
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup applesauce
• 3 eggs
• 1 (8 ounce) container strawberry Cool Whip (or your favorite frosting)
• 6 fresh strawberries, with caps quartered (optional)
• lime zest, for garnishment (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   In a 2 cup glass measuring cup, combine lime peel and juice with rum; add water to bring liquid up to 1 1/4 cups.

2. 2

   Beat cake mix, lime/rum/water mixture, apple sauce and eggs in large bowl on low speed for 30 seconds, then on medium speed for 2 minutes.

3. 3

   Line 24 muffin cups with paper baking cups.

4. 4

   Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling about 2/3 full.

5. 5

   Bake in 350 degree oven 15-17 minutes (until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean).

6. 6

   Remove cupcakes from pans immediately, place on wire racks and cool completely.

7. 7

   Pipe/spread cool whip or frosting on top of cupcakes.

8. 8

   Garnish each with a quarter of a strawberry and a little grated lime peel.