Description
Key Lime Cupcakes are bright, tangy, and perfectly sweet with fresh lime flavor in every bite. These soft cupcakes are made with zesty key lime juice and topped with a creamy lime buttercream frosting, making them a refreshing dessert ideal for spring, summer, or tropical-themed gatherings.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp key lime juice
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- Lime Buttercream Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp key lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1–2 tbsp milk or cream
- Optional garnish: lime slices, zest, or crushed graham crackers
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in key lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients alternating with milk, mixing until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
- For frosting, beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, lime juice, zest, and milk, beating until smooth and fluffy.
- Frost the cooled cupcakes and garnish with lime slices, zest, or crushed graham crackers if desired.
Notes
For a stronger citrus flavor, add extra lime zest to the batter or frosting. If key limes are unavailable, regular limes work well too. A sprinkle of crushed graham crackers on top gives a delicious key lime pie-inspired touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: key lime cupcakes, lime cupcakes, citrus cupcakes, tropical dessert


