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
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 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.
