Zesty Key Lime Cupcakes Recipe

These Key Lime Cupcakes are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, perfect for any occasion. Bursting with tangy lime flavor and topped with a light cream cheese frosting, they are sure to impress your guests.

This recipe is straightforward and ideal for anyone looking to create a refreshing dessert. With the combination of zesty lime and sweet frosting, these cupcakes make a wonderful addition to your dessert recipe collection.

Refreshing Key Lime Cupcakes

These cupcakes feature a moist lime-infused cake topped with a creamy frosting that balances the tartness of the key lime. The recipe yields about 12 cupcakes and takes approximately 1 hour from start to finish.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup fresh key lime juice
Zest of 2 key limes
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon fresh key lime juice
Zest of 1 key lime for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Lime: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the buttermilk, key lime juice, and zest.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until fluffy. Stir in the key lime juice.
Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are cool, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting and garnish with lime zest.