Name: Key Lime Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons key lime juice; 1 teaspoon key lime zest; ½ cup buttermilk; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons key lime juice; 1 teaspoon key lime zest; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; A pinch of salt; Green food coloring (optional)

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There’s something about key lime that just feels like sunshine in dessert form. It’s bright, tangy, and packed with a citrusy punch that wakes up your taste buds in the best way possible. And when you combine that with a soft, fluffy cupcake? Oh, trust me, it’s a total game-changer. These Key Lime Cupcakes are the perfect blend of sweet and tart, with a luscious, creamy frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re making them for a party, a special occasion, or just to treat yourself (because why not?), this recipe is going to be your new favorite.

Why You’ll Love Key Lime Cupcakes

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a weekend treat, or just because you love a good citrus dessert, these cupcakes are guaranteed to bring joy. Here’s why you’ll love them:

Versatile

Perfect for birthdays, summer parties, or even as a fun weekend baking project. They work for any occasion where a little extra sweetness is needed.

Budget-Friendly

No fancy or hard-to-find ingredients here! You probably already have most of what you need in your pantry.

Quick and Easy

No complicated steps, just straightforward baking that anyone can master. Even if you’re not an experienced baker, you’ll nail these.

Customizable

Add a little coconut for a tropical twist, or swap out the frosting for a whipped cream topping if you want a lighter option.

Crowd-Pleasing

A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. The balance of tangy and sweet makes them a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Key Lime Cupcakes

Here’s the magic of these cupcakes—they come together with simple, everyday ingredients that transform into something incredible. Let’s break it down:

Cupcakes

Flour: The base of any good cupcake, giving structure and softness. Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that perfect golden crust. Baking Powder: The secret to light, airy cupcakes with the right amount of rise. Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, making the lime shine even more. Butter: For richness, flavor, and a moist crumb. Eggs: Bind everything together and add that tender texture. Milk: Keeps the cupcakes soft and creamy. Key Lime Juice & Zest: The star of the show! Fresh key lime juice and zest give these cupcakes their signature tangy kick. Vanilla Extract: Balances out the citrus and adds warmth to the flavor.

Frosting

Cream Cheese: Creates the smooth, creamy base of the frosting. Butter: Adds richness and structure. Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting. Key Lime Juice & Zest: Infuses every bite with bright, fresh citrus flavor. Vanilla Extract: Ties everything together for a balanced taste.

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a cupcake tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures even distribution and prevents clumps.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This creates an airy texture in the cupcakes.

Add Eggs and Flavorings

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the key lime juice, zest, and vanilla extract. This step infuses the batter with that signature citrusy aroma.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternating between the dry ingredients and the milk, add them to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined—overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes.

Fill and Bake

Divide the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool Completely

Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Make the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the key lime juice, zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and fluffy.

Frost and Serve

Spread or pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes. Garnish with extra lime zest or a small lime wedge for a beautiful finishing touch.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 cupcakes Calories per serving: 280

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Key Lime Cupcakes

These cupcakes are perfect as they are, but you can take them to the next level by serving them with:

A dollop of whipped cream for an extra light and airy touch.
A sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for a pie-like experience.
A side of fresh berries for a fruity contrast.
A drizzle of white chocolate for an indulgent twist.

Additional Tips

Use fresh key limes for the best flavor. Bottled juice works, but nothing beats fresh zest and juice.
Don’t overmix the batter—a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can make the cupcakes dense.
Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before frosting. Warm cupcakes will cause the frosting to melt.
Chill the frosting for 10 minutes before piping for cleaner, sharper designs.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days for maximum freshness.

FAQ’s

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes? Yes! Key limes are more aromatic and slightly sweeter, but regular limes will still give great flavor.

How do I store these cupcakes? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving.

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time? Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day ahead and frost them before serving.

What’s the best way to zest limes? Use a microplane zester and avoid the bitter white pith underneath the green skin.

Can I freeze these cupcakes? Yes! Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.

Can I use bottled key lime juice? You can, but fresh juice will always give the best flavor.

Can I use this recipe to make a cake instead of cupcakes? Yes! Just pour the batter into a greased 9-inch cake pan and adjust baking time to 30-35 minutes.

What piping tip should I use for frosting? A star tip works great for a bakery-style look, but any tip will do.

How do I make them extra fluffy? Make sure your ingredients (especially eggs and butter) are at room temperature before mixing.

Can I add coconut to the batter? Yes! Shredded coconut adds great texture and a tropical twist.

Conclusion

These Key Lime Cupcakes are everything you want in a dessert—light, zesty, and topped with a creamy frosting that makes each bite pure bliss. Whether you’re making them for a party or just treating yourself, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. So grab your whisk, zest those limes, and get ready to enjoy some seriously delicious cupcakes!

Key Lime Cupcakes Recipe

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Author: Grace Sullivan
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Key Lime Cupcakes are light, fluffy, and bursting with tangy citrus flavor. Made with fresh key lime juice and zest, they are topped with a creamy lime frosting for the perfect balance of sweet and tart. A refreshing treat ideal for summer gatherings, birthdays, or any citrus lover!

Instructions

Make the Cupcakes:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream butter & sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla, key lime juice, and zest.
Combine ingredients: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.

Make the Frosting:

Beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
Add flavors: Mix in key lime juice, zest, vanilla, and salt. If desired, add a few drops of green food coloring.
Frost cupcakes: Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Garnish with extra lime zest or a lime slice if desired.