Description
Zesty and refreshing Key Lime Cupcakes with a light, moist texture and tangy lime flavor. Topped with creamy lime buttercream, these cupcakes are a tropical-inspired treat perfect for summer, parties, or any dessert lover looking for a citrusy twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- For the Cupcakes:
- 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
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup key lime juice (fresh if possible)
- 1 tbsp key lime zest
- 1/2 cup milk
- For the Key Lime Buttercream:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp key lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- Pinch of salt
- Optional garnish: thin lime slices or zest curls
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 175°C / 350°F and line a cupcake pan with liners.
- Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter & sugar: Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla, key lime juice, and zest.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing just until combined.
- Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake 18–20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before frosting.
- Make Key Lime Buttercream: Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, lime juice, lime zest, and salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes and garnish with lime slices or zest curls.
Notes
For a more intense lime flavor, add extra zest or brush cupcakes lightly with lime syrup after baking. Chill frosting if too soft before piping. Store cupcakes in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: key lime cupcakes, lime dessert, citrus cupcakes, tropical dessert