Key Lime Cupcakes

Key Lime Cupcakes bring all the refreshing, zesty flavor of classic key lime pie into soft, fluffy cupcakes. These citrus-packed treats are perfect for summer parties, holidays, or whenever you need a light, tangy dessert that brightens the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with fresh key lime flavor
• Moist and tender cupcakes with a perfect crumb
• Cream cheese or buttercream frosting options
• Easy to prepare and decorate
• Great for parties, birthdays, or potlucks

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Sour cream or full-fat yogurt
• Fresh key lime juice
• Key lime zest
• Vanilla extract (optional)
• Milk (if needed for thinning batter)
• Frosting options:
  • Cream cheese frosting: cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, lime juice and zest
  • Buttercream frosting: butter, powdered sugar, lime juice and zest
• Optional: lime curd for filling
• Optional toppings: lime zest, graham cracker crumbs

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract (if using).
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Add milk if the batter is too thick.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
7. Bake for 16–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Frost with your choice of cream cheese or buttercream frosting once cooled. Garnish with lime zest or graham cracker crumbs if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Bake time: 16–20 minutes
• Cooling and frosting: 20 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 1 hour

Variations

• Fill with key lime curd for extra flavor
• Use a graham cracker crust base inside cupcake liners for a pie-like twist
• Substitute regular lime juice if key limes are unavailable
• Use gluten-free flour to accommodate dietary needs
• Make mini cupcakes for bite-sized treats

Storage/reheating

• Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
• Refrigerate frosted cupcakes for up to 4 days
• Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months; thaw and frost before serving
• Bring refrigerated cupcakes to room temperature before eating for best texture and flavor

FAQs

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Yes, regular limes work, though the flavor will be slightly different.

What’s the best frosting for key lime cupcakes?

Cream cheese frosting is the most popular, but buttercream also pairs well.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes—bake and store the cupcakes, then frost them the day you plan to serve.

How do I fill cupcakes with lime curd?

Use a small knife or cupcake corer to remove the center, then spoon in lime curd before frosting.

Can I use bottled lime juice?

Fresh juice is preferred, but bottled key lime juice can be used if fresh is unavailable.

How do I keep the cupcakes moist?

Don’t overbake, and use sour cream or full-fat yogurt in the batter.

What’s the best way to zest a lime?

Use a microplane to zest only the green part—avoid the bitter white pith.

Are these cupcakes freezer-friendly?

Yes, unfrosted cupcakes freeze well. Thaw and frost just before serving.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Should I refrigerate leftovers?

Yes, if frosted with cream cheese frosting, refrigerate them and let come to room temp before eating.

Conclusion

Key Lime Cupcakes are a sunny, citrusy treat that brings a tropical twist to any dessert table. Their bright lime flavor, soft texture, and creamy frosting make them an instant favorite. Whether you serve them at a party or enjoy them as a personal indulgence, these cupcakes deliver refreshing flavor in every bite.

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