Key Lime Cupcakes Filled with Creamy Lime Frosting

These Key Lime Cupcakes are bursting with bright, citrusy flavor and topped with a luscious lime-infused frosting. Light, zesty, and oh-so-refreshing, these cupcakes are perfect for spring gatherings, summer parties, or anytime you crave a taste of the tropics. With their tender crumb and creamy filling, they’re sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 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 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons key lime zest (or regular lime zest if key limes aren’t available)
• ¼ cup key lime juice (about 4–6 key limes, or use regular lime juice)
• ½ cup buttermilk

For the Creamy Lime Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter , softened
• 2 ½–3 cups powdered sugar , sifted
• 2 tablespoons key lime juice
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk (optional, for consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon key lime zest (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
2. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners or grease it lightly with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Make the Cupcake Batter

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour , baking powder , and salt . Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
3. Add the eggs , one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract , key lime zest , and key lime juice until fully incorporated.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk . Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined—do not overmix.
5. Fill each cupcake liner about ⅔ full with the batter.

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
2. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Lime Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar , one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Increase the speed and beat until light and fluffy.
3. Add the key lime juice , vanilla extract , and heavy cream or milk (if needed for consistency). Beat until smooth and spreadable. Adjust the powdered sugar or cream as needed to achieve your desired texture.

Step 5: Assemble the Cupcakes

1. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a small paring knife or cupcake corer to cut a small hole in the center of each cupcake, leaving a border around the edges.
2. Fill each hole with a dollop of the creamy lime frosting using a piping bag or small spoon.
3. Frost the tops of the cupcakes generously with the remaining frosting, using a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip for a decorative finish.
4. Garnish with key lime zest for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the cupcakes immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days . Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Tips for Success

• Key Limes vs. Regular Limes: Key limes have a more intense, tangy flavor, but regular limes work beautifully if key limes aren’t available.
• Zest First, Juice Second: Always zest your limes before juicing them—it’s much easier to zest a whole lime than a squeezed one!
• Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a little more heavy cream or milk, one teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
• Storage: Keep the frosted cupcakes refrigerated to prevent the frosting from melting, especially in warm weather.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Key Lime Cupcakes are a celebration of citrusy goodness, with their tender, moist crumb and vibrant lime flavor. The creamy lime frosting adds a tangy-sweet punch that perfectly complements the zesty cupcakes. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a refreshing treat, these cupcakes are sure to impress.

Indulge in these bright, tropical delights—they’re like sunshine in cupcake form!