Key Lime Cupcakes

These fluffy Key Lime Cupcakes are packed with tangy key lime flavor! They’re perfectly balanced with a delicious cream cheese frosting, making them the ultimate citrus treat.

Key Lime Cupcake Recipe

This recipe captures the classic key lime pie flavor in cupcake form perfectly! I really enjoy citrus curd, especially lime, and these cupcakes balance the tanginess of lime without it. That’s quite impressive!

The cupcakes are soft and moist, and the frosting is deliciously creamy. Together, they make a perfect combination.

If you’re a key lime pie fan, you’ll definitely love these cupcakes. They require some effort but can be ready to enjoy in just 45 minutes. My kids love helping in the kitchen, and I was unsure if they’d like

these key lime cupcakes. After tasting the frosting, though, I’m confident they’re hooked!

Why You’ll Love These Key Lime Cupcakes

• Bursting with key lime flavor: Both the cupcake batter and the frosting are made with key lime zest and juice to enhance the flavor.
• Homemade recipe: These moist cupcakes are made entirely from scratch.
• Perfect for parties: These key lime cupcakes are a crowd favorite, making them an easy choice for any get-together or party.

Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need

Here are all the ingredients required to make delicious key lime pie cupcakes!

For the Key Lime Cupcakes

• Butter: Use unsalted butter, softened to room temperature.
• Sugar: Sugar in the recipe consists of a blend of white granulated sugar and brown sugar.
• Key limes: Both key lime juice and zest are used for maximum flavor. Lime extract is optional.
• Eggs
• Baking powder and baking soda
• Salt: Enhances the other flavors.
• Flour: All-purpose flour, or your preferred gluten-free blend.

For the Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

• Butter: Use unsalted butter, softened. Add a pinch of salt to the frosting.
• Cream cheese: Adds richness that pairs perfectly with the key lime flavor.
• Salt
• Key lime: Key lime zest and juice are both used in the frosting to enhance the citrusy flavor.
  Powdered sugar

Tips for Perfect Key Lime Cupcakes

• Don’t skip the salt: Adding salt balances the sweetness and tang without making the cupcakes taste salty.
• Check the butter: Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature. Cold butter will make the batter lumpy. Leave it on the counter for 30-60 minutes until it feels soft.
• Roll the key limes: If you’re having trouble getting juice from the limes, gently roll them on the counter. This will make squeezing them easier.

Storage Tip for Key Lime Cupcakes

• These key lime cupcakes will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If preparing ahead of time, wait to garnish them until just before serving. You can store them at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

 

Love cupcakes? Be sure to check out these other delicious cupcake recipes!

• Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes
• Red Velvet Cupcakes
• Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes

Key Lime Cupcakes

These fluffy Key Lime Cupcakes are packed with vibrant key lime flavor! The rich frosting strikes a perfect balance of key lime and cream cheese, creating the ultimate citrusy treat.

Prep: 30 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Servings: 18

Ingredients

Cupcakes

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp key lime extract optional
• 2 tbsp key lime juice
• 2 tsp key lime zest
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 3/4 cup flour

Frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 8 ounce cream cheese softened
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp key lime juice
• 1 tsp key lime zest
• 4 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Cupcakes

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare your muffin tin(s) with liners. Set aside.

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until well combined.

3. Add key lime extract (if using), key lime juice, lime zest, and eggs to the mixer bowl. Mix until thoroughly combined.

4. Add the remaining dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt) to the mixture. Mix until everything is well incorporated. Stop the mixer, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and mix again briefly.

5. Fill the cupcake liners with the batter, filling them about 2/3 full.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until the cupcakes are golden brown and the centers are set. Allow them to cool completely before decorating.

Frosting

1. Combine softened butter, cream cheese, key lime juice, salt, and zest in a mixing bowl. Cream together until smooth.

2. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently.

3. Once all the powdered sugar is added, increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for about a minute until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.

4. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.

5. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe a generous mound of frosting onto each cupcake.

6. Garnish with additional key lime zest and a slice of key lime.

These steps will help you create delicious Key Lime Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting!