Description
These Key Lime Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat combining zesty lime flavors with a moist, buttery cupcake base. Topped with a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting, they make a perfect dessert for any occasion, delivering a refreshing tropical twist in every bite.
Ingredients
Cupcake 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
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder until evenly combined.
- Cream butter and sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes white and fluffy, ensuring a light texture.
- Add eggs: Incorporate the egg and egg white into the creamed mixture, mixing until fully combined.
- Add flavorings and liquids: Mix in the vanilla extract, lime juice, and lime zest thoroughly. Reduce mixer speed, then alternately add the dry flour mixture and milk in three additions, mixing gently after each addition.
- Fill cupcake liners: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about halfway.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
- Prepare frosting: Beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add salt and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Add sugar to frosting: Gradually beat in the confectioners sugar, starting with 2 ½ cups and adding more as needed for desired sweetness and consistency.
- Adjust frosting consistency: If frosting is too stiff, add a teaspoon of milk to loosen it. If too loose, add more sugar to thicken. Once frosting is the perfect texture, frost the cooled cupcakes.
Notes
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth frosting.
- Use fresh lime juice and zest for the best lime flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes tender.
- Frost cupcakes only after they have completely cooled to prevent melting.
- The cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
