If you’re craving a zesty treat that bursts with sunshine in every bite, this Key Lime Cupcakes with Creamy Lime Frosting Recipe is here to brighten your day. These cupcakes boast a tender crumb infused with fresh key lime zest and juice, crowned with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that’s impossibly smooth. Perfect for summer gatherings, celebrations, or just a sweet pick-me-up, these cupcakes bring together the perfect balance of tart and sweet in a way that feels like a mini tropical vacation on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building the delicate flavor and texture of these cupcakes and their frosting. From the moisture of buttermilk to the zing of key lime zest, these simple staples come together to create something truly special.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives these cupcakes their soft structure.
- Baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise to a perfect fluffy height.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness and tenderness to both cupcakes and frosting.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just right without overpowering the lime.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to flavor.
- Key lime zest: Infuses an aromatic citrus punch essential to the cupcake’s character.
- Key lime juice: Brings that fresh, tangy zip in both the cupcake and frosting.
- Buttermilk: Creates a tender crumb with a hint of tanginess.
- Cream cheese: Gives the frosting its creamy, tangy richness.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect consistency.
How to Make Key Lime Cupcakes with Creamy Lime Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Cupcake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a muffin tin with cupcake liners to make cleanup a breeze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt—this dry mix will ensure your cupcakes rise beautifully and maintain a tender crumb.
Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is key for incorporating air into the batter, resulting in cupcakes that are delightfully soft.
Step 3: Adding Eggs and Flavors
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed before adding the next to keep the batter smooth and emulsified. Then stir in the vanilla extract, key lime zest, and key lime juice—the fresh lime components are what make this recipe sing with vibrant flavor.
Step 4: Combining Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
Alternate adding the dry mixture and buttermilk in portions to your wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your cupcakes tender and fluffy.
Step 5: Baking the Cupcakes
Fill each cupcake liner about three-quarters full with batter, giving enough room for the cupcakes to expand without overflowing. Bake in your preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before moving to the frosting.
Step 6: Making the Creamy Lime Frosting
Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar, whipping until fluffy. Finally, mix in the key lime juice, zest, and vanilla extract for that signature tangy, fresh frosting flavor.
Step 7: Filling and Frosting the Cupcakes
Cut a small hole in the center of each cooled cupcake and fill it with some of the creamy lime frosting, either by spoon or piping bag. Then generously frost the tops with the remaining frosting, creating a delightful burst of creamy lime in every bite.
How to Serve Key Lime Cupcakes with Creamy Lime Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnish can take your Key Lime Cupcakes with Creamy Lime Frosting Recipe to the next level. Consider delicate lime slices, a sprinkle of extra zest, or even a few toasted coconut flakes to add a tropical flair that complements the tangy flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
These cupcakes pair beautifully with a light, refreshing beverage such as iced green tea or sparkling water with a splash of lime. For a small bite alongside, fresh berries or a citrus fruit salad offer a natural sweetness that balances the tartness of the cupcakes.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your cupcakes the star of any dessert table by serving them in pretty wrappers and arranging them on a tiered stand. For parties, package individual cupcakes in clear boxes tied with bright green ribbons for a festive touch that highlights the lime theme.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Key Lime Cupcakes with Creamy Lime Frosting Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay moist and flavorful for up to 3 days, ensuring none of that zesty goodness goes to waste.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these cupcakes in advance, freeze them without the frosting first by wrapping each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost fresh for best results.
Reheating
Since these cupcakes are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, avoid reheating. However, if you prefer them slightly warmed, briefly heat a cupcake (without frosting) in the microwave for about 10 seconds and then add frosting fresh before serving.
FAQs
Can I use regular lime instead of key lime for this recipe?
Yes, regular lime can be used as a substitute if key limes aren’t available, though key limes tend to have a more intense, floral flavor that adds a special touch to these cupcakes.
How do I prevent the frosting from being too runny?
Make sure your cream cheese and butter are properly softened but not melted. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until you reach a fluffy, thick consistency. Chilling the frosting for a short time before frosting can also help it set.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
While this recipe relies heavily on dairy ingredients like butter and cream cheese, you can experiment with vegan substitutes such as plant-based cream cheese and butter alternatives, as well as flax eggs, to create a dairy-free vegan version.
Is it necessary to fill the cupcakes with frosting?
Filling the cupcakes with frosting adds an extra burst of creamy lime flavor inside, but if you prefer, you can skip this step and simply top the cupcakes with frosting. Both ways are delicious!
How long does this recipe take from start to finish?
The entire process, including baking and frosting, takes approximately 40 minutes, making it a great option for a quick yet impressive homemade dessert.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about biting into a cupcake that balances tart, sweet, and creamy flavors so beautifully. I hope you enjoy making and indulging in this Key Lime Cupcakes with Creamy Lime Frosting Recipe as much as I do. It’s a dessert that feels like a sunny day wrapped up in cake and frosting, ready to brighten any occasion or ordinary moment at home.
Print
Key Lime Cupcakes with Creamy Lime Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Key Lime Cupcakes are a delightful treat featuring moist, tangy cupcakes infused with fresh key lime zest and juice, filled and topped with a luscious creamy lime frosting. Perfect for any occasion, these cupcakes balance sweetness with refreshing citrus flavor for a delicious dessert.
Ingredients
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 Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to incorporate fully.
- Incorporate Flavors: Mix in the vanilla extract, key lime zest, and key lime juice to infuse the batter with citrus flavor.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full for perfect rising.
- Bake Cupcakes: Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove from oven and let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating continuously until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
- Add Lime Flavor: Stir in the key lime juice, key lime zest, and vanilla extract until the frosting is well combined and flavorful.
- Fill Cupcakes: Cut a small hole in the center of each cooled cupcake and fill with frosting using a piping bag or spoon to add a creamy surprise in every bite.
- Frost Cupcakes: Spread or pipe the remaining frosting over the tops of the cupcakes, decorating as desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately or chill briefly to set the frosting. Enjoy your tangy and sweet key lime cupcakes!
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh key lime juice and zest.
- Ensure the cupcakes are completely cooled before filling and frosting to prevent melting.
- You can substitute buttermilk with milk plus 1 tsp lemon juice as a DIY option.
- Adjust the amount of lime juice and zest according to your taste preference for tanginess.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days due to the cream cheese frosting.
