Name: Key Lime Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 43 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cup all purpose flour; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 ¼ teaspoon baking powder; ½ cup unsalted butter; 1 cup sugar; 1 egg; 1 egg white; 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 tablespoon lime zest; ¾ cup whole milk; ½ cup unsalted butter; 8 oz cream cheese; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 cups confectioners sugar; Milk, as needed to adjust consistency

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If you’re craving a bright, tangy treat that tastes like sunshine in every bite, you’re going to adore this Key Lime Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These cupcakes perfectly balance zesty lime flavor with a luscious, smooth cream cheese frosting, creating a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Whether you’re serving them at a summer barbecue, a festive gathering, or just because, these cupcakes bring a burst of flavor and a smile to everyone lucky enough to try them.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a cupcake with three layers visible: the bottom layer is light yellow and fluffy cake, surrounded by a turquoise cupcake liner that is peeled back; the middle layer is the same light yellow cake texture; the top layer is smooth white frosting swirled in a spiral pattern covering the entire cupcake top. In the background, a white rectangular plate holds more cupcakes with the same colors and frosting style. To the right, two lime halves sit on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking these delightful cupcakes, and you’ll be amazed how each simple component plays a crucial role in crafting their perfect flavor, texture, and color.

½ cup unsalted butter: For a tender, moist crumb with rich buttery flavor that makes each bite melt in your mouth.
8 oz cream cheese: Adds tangy creaminess that balances the lime’s tartness in the frosting beautifully.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps things from tasting flat.
2 teaspoons vanilla: Provides warmth and depth to both batter and frosting.
3 cups confectioners sugar: Sweetens the frosting perfectly for that classic cream cheese texture.
Milk (as needed): Adjusts frosting consistency for spreading or piping with ease.
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The structure behind your cupcakes, making them soft but sturdy.
¼ teaspoon salt: A pinch in the batter to boost flavor.
1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder: Helps your cupcakes rise beautifully, leaving them light and fluffy.
½ cup unsalted butter: Creamed with sugar to form the batter’s base, ensuring fluffiness.
1 cup sugar: Sweetness that keeps everything balanced.
1 egg & 1 egg white: Binds ingredients while adding richness without heaviness.
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Boosts flavor, complementing lime and butter notes.
2 tablespoons lime juice: The star ingredient, delivering that fresh, citrusy brightness.
1 tablespoon lime zest: Concentrated lime flavor that infuses every bite with aroma.
¾ cup whole milk: Ensures your batter is smooth and moist without being dense.

How to Make Key Lime Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a muffin tin with cupcake liners to make cleanup a breeze. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder – these dry ingredients are responsible for your cupcakes’ lovely rise and tender crumb.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, cream the ½ cup butter and sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is so important for incorporating air, which will give your cupcakes a wonderful light texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Mix in the egg and egg white until just combined, then add the vanilla extract, lime juice, and lime zest. The lime components bring that unmistakable fresh and zesty flavor that defines the recipe.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk

Reduce your mixer speed and slowly add the flour mixture alternately with the whole milk in three parts. This careful folding is the secret to keeping the batter smooth and velvety without overworking the gluten.

Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about halfway. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together the remaining butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Stir in the salt and vanilla extract, then gradually beat in the confectioners sugar starting with 2 ½ cups. Adjust the consistency by adding a teaspoon of milk if needed for spreading, or more sugar if you want a stiffer frosting perfect for piping.

How to Serve Key Lime Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

There are four cupcakes with bright teal liners arranged in a row on a long white plate placed on a wooden table. Each cupcake has a single layer of cake topped with a thick swirl of smooth white frosting that looks creamy and soft. In front of the plate, on the table, there is a lime cut in half showing its green interior. In the background, there is a small green basket filled with more limes. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a show-stopping presentation, try topping your cupcakes with a thin slice of lime or a sprinkle of extra lime zest. A few toasted coconut flakes also add a lovely texture and tropical vibe that pairs wonderfully with the tangy frosting.

Side Dishes

These cupcakes shine as a standalone treat, but pairing them with fresh berries or a scoop of mango sorbet can elevate your dessert spread to a refreshing summer delight. They also balance beautifully against a rich, creamy coffee or an herbal iced tea for a complete experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piping the cream cheese frosting using a star tip for an elegant swirl, or spread it with a spatula for a rustic, homemade look. For a party, consider serving them in mini cupcake liners for bite-sized enjoyment or arranging them on a tiered stand to really wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover Key Lime Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the cupcakes and frosting covered to prevent drying out and maintain that perfect moist texture.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and frost them fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you prefer your cupcakes slightly warmed, take them out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Avoid microwaving once frosted, as it can cause the cream cheese frosting to melt and lose its texture.

FAQs

Can I use lime juice concentrate instead of fresh lime juice?

While fresh lime juice offers the brightest and most natural flavor, lime juice concentrate can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust the quantity slightly, as concentrate is often more potent. Fresh zest is especially important for that essential citrus fragrance.

Is there a dairy-free version of the Key Lime Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?

You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter, cream cheese, and non-dairy milk. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might vary slightly, but the bright lime flavor will still shine through beautifully.

How can I make the cupcakes more moist?

Ensure not to overbake the cupcakes and avoid filling liners above halfway to allow proper rising. Adding the correct balance of milk keeps the batter smooth and moist, and the butter plays a key role in richness and tenderness.

Can I add other citrus flavors?

Absolutely! You can experiment with lemon or orange zest in place of or alongside the lime for a unique twist. Just remember to balance the acidity with the cream cheese frosting to keep the harmony of flavors.

What’s the best way to transport these cupcakes?

Use a cupcake carrier with secure lids or a flat container with a lid that prevents the cupcakes from shifting. Chill them before transport to help the frosting stay intact and fresh on arrival.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Key Lime Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe a try soon because it’s a perfect burst of citrusy joy wrapped in a moist, tender cupcake. Baking these treats is a wonderful way to add some sunshine to your day or to impress friends and family with a dessert that feels both elegant and incredibly comforting. Happy baking!