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!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons key lime juice
- 1 teaspoon key lime zest
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons key lime juice
- 1 teaspoon key lime zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Green food coloring (optional)
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.
Notes
- Substitute regular lime juice if key limes aren’t available.
- For extra flavor, brush baked cupcakes with key lime syrup before frosting.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: ~280 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg