Description
These Key Lime Cupcakes are a delightful citrus treat featuring moist, tangy cupcakes made with fresh key lime zest and juice, filled and frosted with a creamy lime-flavored cream cheese frosting. Perfect for dessert lovers seeking a refreshing and zesty flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp key lime zest
- ¼ cup key lime juice
- ½ cup buttermilk
For the Creamy Lime Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp key lime juice
- 1 tbsp key lime zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to ensure the cupcakes bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture, which helps create a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, beating well after each to incorporate fully and maintain the batter’s consistency.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in the vanilla extract, key lime zest, and key lime juice to infuse the batter with citrus flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and keep the cupcakes light.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon the batter into the lined muffin tin cups, filling each about three-quarters full to allow space for rising.
- Bake: Bake the cupcakes for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove and let cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, providing a rich base for the frosting.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Flavor Frosting: Stir in key lime juice, zest, and vanilla extract until the frosting is well combined and vibrantly flavored.
- Core Cupcakes: Cut a small hole in the center of each cooled cupcake to create space for the creamy filling.
- Fill Cupcakes: Fill each cupcake center with the lime frosting using a piping bag or spoon for an added burst of flavor inside.
- Frost Tops: Frost the tops of the cupcakes with the remaining lime frosting, covering the surface evenly.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with additional lime zest or a small wedge of key lime for a pretty, citrusy finish.
Notes
- Use fresh key lime juice and zest for the best authentic flavor.
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for smooth frosting.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes tender and light.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting.
- Allow cupcakes to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
