If you’re ready to infuse your dessert table with a burst of tropical sunshine, look no further than this Key Lime Cupcakes Recipe. Sweet, tangy, and impossibly light, these cupcakes deliver the citrusy zing of real key limes, mellowed by a plush cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re planning a summer party or just want to brighten up an ordinary afternoon, these cupcakes capture that refreshing Florida-vacation feeling in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of classic baking ingredients, plus a few key limes, come together to create something truly special. Each component is carefully chosen for optimal flavor, lift, and that irresistible bakery-style texture.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the soft but sturdy base for tender cupcakes.
- Baking powder: Essential for a fluffy rise without any heaviness.
- Salt: Balances the sweet and enhances all the citrus notes.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Brings rich flavor and a moist crumb, blending smoothly into the batter.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes while helping the tops caramelize just enough.
- Large eggs: Bind the batter and contribute to that beautiful golden color.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all other flavors and adds warm, comforting depth.
- Key lime juice: The star ingredient, providing bright, pure citrus tang throughout both cupcake and frosting.
- Key lime zest: Intensifies that aromatic lime fragrance for a truly tropical touch.
- Whole milk: Keeps the crumb extra moist; don’t substitute for skim.
- Powdered sugar: Delivers smooth sweetness without any grit in the frosting.
- Cream cheese (softened): Adds tang and creamy texture for the perfect counterpoint to the sweet cake.
- Butter (additional, softened): Blends with the cream cheese for ultra-smooth frosting that holds its shape.
- Additional key lime juice (for frosting): Brightens the whole cupcake with just the right amount of tartness.
- Additional vanilla extract (for frosting): Rounds out the tanginess and gives the frosting an unforgettable flavor.
- Lime zest (for garnish): Adds a fresh, eye-catching sparkle on top—don’t skip this final touch!
How to Make Key Lime Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by heating your oven to 350℉ (175℃) and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with your favorite cupcake papers. This will ensure clean, easy removal later and helps your cupcakes bake up beautifully even.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This quick step ensures the leavening and seasoning are distributed evenly for perfect cupcakes in every bite.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This introduces air and lays the foundation for a soft, tender crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavors
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then mix in the vanilla extract, key lime juice, and zest. This is where your batter starts to smell irresistible—a bright citrus aroma that hints at the tropical treat to come!
Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk
Now, add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk and starting and ending with the flour mixture. Stir gently, just until everything is combined, to keep the batter light and airy.
Step 6: Divide and Bake
Spoon the batter evenly into your liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in your preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, then let the cupcakes cool completely on a rack.
Step 7: Prepare the Creamy Key Lime Frosting
Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until ultra-smooth. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, followed by that extra punch of key lime juice and vanilla extract. Continue to mix until your frosting is light, fluffy, and temptingly tangy.
Step 8: Frost and Garnish
Once the cupcakes are cool, generously frost each one—either with a spatula or piping bag. Sprinkle a touch of lime zest over each for a burst of color that lets everyone know a treat awaits.
How to Serve Key Lime Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touch on this Key Lime Cupcakes Recipe is a sprinkle of fresh lime zest. For an extra wow factor, add delicate slices of candied lime or a light dusting of powdered sugar. A little zest goes a long way, infusing that last bite with lively citrus aroma and adding beautiful, natural color.
Side Dishes
While these cupcakes are stars on their own, they pair fantastically with bowls of fresh berries, tropical fruit salad, or even a scoop of coconut ice cream. For a grown-up twist, serve with a refreshing glass of sparkling limeade or mojito alongside. The flavors all play so well together, you’ll feel transported to the Florida Keys in no time.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make these cupcakes party-ready, consider displaying them on a colorful tiered dessert stand with lots of fresh limes scattered around. Mini cupcake versions are adorable for baby showers or brunch, and you can even tuck a dot of homemade key lime curd inside each one if you’re feeling extra fancy. However you serve them, this Key Lime Cupcakes Recipe is bound to be the centerpiece of any dessert spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, keep your Key Lime Cupcakes Recipe covered in the refrigerator. They’ll stay moist and fresh for up to three days, but the lime flavors intensify after a night in the fridge, making your leftovers (if any!) even more delicious.
Freezing
If you want to save cupcakes for a later date, freeze the unfrosted cakes in an airtight container for up to two months. You can also freeze the frosting separately—just bring both to room temperature, beat the frosting briefly, and you’ll be ready for an anytime tropical treat.
Reheating
For that just-baked taste, allow chilled or frozen cupcakes to come to room temperature before serving. If you absolutely must warm them, a few seconds in the microwave (without frosting) will freshen them up, but be careful not to melt the precious frosting.
FAQs
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Absolutely! While key limes are a bit more aromatic and less acidic, regular Persian limes work perfectly in this Key Lime Cupcakes Recipe if that’s what you have on hand.
How do I make the cupcakes extra moist?
Be sure not to overmix your batter, and stick with whole milk for the richest crumb. Also, covering the cupcakes tightly as they cool helps lock in moisture.
Is it possible to make the cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a reliable cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in this Key Lime Cupcakes Recipe. Just keep an eye on baking time, as gluten-free versions may bake slightly faster.
Can I fill these cupcakes with lime curd?
Go for it! Just core out a small portion from the center of each cupcake after baking and cooling, then spoon in a dollop of lime curd before frosting—each bite will have a sweet-tart surprise.
Do I have to refrigerate the frosted cupcakes?
Since the frosting contains cream cheese, it’s best to store your frosted Key Lime Cupcakes Recipe in the refrigerator. Just let them sit at room temp for about 20 minutes before serving for the most satisfying texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re sharing with friends or treating yourself to a citrusy pick-me-up, this Key Lime Cupcakes Recipe is sure to add a little zest and a lot of joy to any occasion. Don’t wait for a celebration to give them a try—one batch, and you’ll want to bake these sunny little cakes again and again!
Print
Key Lime Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the zesty flavor of these Key Lime Cupcakes with a creamy lime frosting. A perfect blend of tangy citrus and sweet goodness in every bite!
Ingredients
Cupcake:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons key lime juice
- 1 teaspoon key lime zest
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons key lime juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lime zest for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners.
- Prepare Cupcake Batter: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat butter and sugar, add eggs one at a time, mix in vanilla, key lime juice, zest. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk. Fill cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes.
- Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter, add powdered sugar, key lime juice, and vanilla. Frost cooled cupcakes and garnish with lime zest.
Notes
- For an extra citrusy kick, fill cupcakes with lime curd before frosting.
- Store covered cupcakes in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
