Description
These Key Lime Cupcakes combine a moist, tangy lime-flavored cake with a creamy lime cream cheese frosting, creating a refreshing and delightful treat perfect for any occasion. The subtle zest and juice of fresh limes infuse vibrant citrus notes, balanced by the sweetness of confectioners’ sugar frosting and optional decorative sprinkles.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcake Batter
- 1 (15.25 ounce) package white cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 3 eggs
- â…“ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons lime zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 3 drops green food coloring (optional)
Lime Cream Cheese Frosting
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons lime zest
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons pearlized sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 24 muffin cups with paper liners or spray them with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Batter: In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, eggs, and vegetable oil. Use an electric mixer to blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well combined, which should take about 2 minutes.
- Add Lime and Color: Stir in the lime zest, fresh lime juice, and if desired, add 3 drops of green food coloring to give the batter a subtle green hue. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the lime and color.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake Cupcakes: Bake the cupcakes for approximately 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Make Frosting Base: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Flavorings to Frosting: Mix in the lime zest and vanilla extract until well combined to infuse the frosting with fresh citrus flavor.
- Incorporate Sugar: Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar, about ½ cup at a time, beating continuously until the frosting is smooth. Chill the frosting in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow it to thicken.
- Frost Cupcakes and Decorate: Once the cupcakes have cooled completely and the frosting has thickened, spread the frosting evenly over each cupcake. Optionally, sprinkle pearlized sprinkles on top for a decorative touch.
Notes
- If green food coloring is unavailable or undesired, you can omit it without affecting the flavor.
- Make sure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- Fresh lime zest is key for authentic flavor; avoid dried zest substitutes.
- The frosting can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated; just bring it back to room temperature before spreading.
- Sprinkles are optional but add an attractive finish for festive occasions.
