Key Lime Cupcakes

Bright, zesty, and irresistibly sweet, these Key Lime Cupcakes bring a tropical twist to your dessert table. Made with freshly squeezed key lime juice and vibrant key lime zest, each bite delivers a perfect balance of tangy citrus and buttery richness. The tender cupcakes are topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting infused with even more key lime flavor, creating a creamy, tangy finish that’s hard to resist. Ready in under 40 minutes, this easy recipe is ideal for spring and summer gatherings or whenever you crave a taste of the tropics. Garnished with a sprinkle of key lime zest, these cupcakes not only taste amazing but look like a dessert straight out of a beachside bakery. Perfect for citrus enthusiasts, party hosts, or anyone looking for a unique spin on traditional cupcakes!

Nutriscore Rating: 33/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:18 mins

Total Time:38 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 0.25 cups key lime juice
• 1 tablespoon key lime zest
• 0.5 cups whole milk
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1.5 tablespoons key lime juice (for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon key lime zest (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-count cupcake pan with paper liners.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Step 5

Mix in the key lime juice and key lime zest until well combined.

Step 6

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.

Step 7

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

Step 9

Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10

While the cupcakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.

Step 11

Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.

Step 12

Mix in the key lime juice until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Step 13

Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, frost them using a piping bag or an offset spatula.

Step 14

Garnish each cupcake with a sprinkle of key lime zest for a final touch.

Step 15

Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1518.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5567.1

Total Fat 286.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 175.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 1154.4mg	0%
Sodium 2816.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 726.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.4g	0%
Total Sugars 568.4g
Protein 52.0g	0%

Vitamin D 194.0IU	0%
Calcium 523.0mg	0%
Iron 11.7mg	0%
Potassium 893.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.3%

Protein: 3.7%

Carbs: 51.1%