Description
These Key Lime Cupcakes are a delightful treat featuring a moist, citrus-infused cake with the tart flavor of key lime, topped with a creamy, tangy key lime cream cheese frosting. Perfect for summer gatherings or any time you want a refreshing and zesty dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcake Batter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon key lime extract (optional)
- 2 tablespoons key lime juice
- 2 teaspoons key lime zest
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons key lime juice
- 1 teaspoon key lime zest
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line cupcake pans with paper liners to ready them for the batter.
- Make the cupcake batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in key lime extract (if using), key lime juice, and key lime zest. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda, then gradually add to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fill cupcake liners and bake: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 16 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until light and creamy. Add salt, key lime juice, and zest; mix well. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Frost the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread the key lime cream cheese frosting generously over each cupcake.
- Serve and enjoy: Optionally, garnish with additional lime zest or small lime slices. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy. For best flavor, bring cupcakes to room temperature before serving.
Notes
- If fresh key limes are unavailable, substitute with regular lime zest and juice for similar flavor.
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for smooth frosting.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes light and tender.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Allow refrigerated cupcakes to come to room temperature before serving for optimal taste.
