Description
These Key Lime Cupcakes are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining the tangy zest of fresh lime with a moist, fluffy white cake base. Topped with a creamy lime-infused cream cheese frosting and optional pearlized sprinkles, they offer a refreshing dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 (15.25 ounce) package white cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 3 eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons lime zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 3 drops green food coloring (optional)
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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners or lightly spray them with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, eggs, and vegetable oil. Use an electric mixer to blend everything until the batter is smooth and free of lumps, which should take about 2 minutes.
- Add Lime Flavor: Stir in 2 tablespoons of lime zest, 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice, and green food coloring if you want a colorful touch. Mix thoroughly to incorporate these flavors evenly into the batter.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Evenly pour the lime cake batter into the prepared muffin liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake Cupcakes: Place the muffin tray into the oven and bake for approximately 18 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; it should come out clean. Once baked, transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting Base: Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together in a mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and free of lumps for the perfect frosting consistency.
- Add Lime and Vanilla: Mix in 2 tablespoons of lime zest and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture to infuse bright, complementary flavors.
- Incorporate Sugar: Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar in increments of ½ cup, mixing well after each addition until the frosting is smooth and thick. Chill the frosting for 30 minutes to firm up before frosting the cupcakes.
- Frost Cupcakes and Garnish: Spread the chilled frosting evenly over the cooled cupcakes. Optionally, decorate with 2 tablespoons of pearlized sprinkles to add a charming, celebratory finish.
Notes
- If desired, use food coloring to enhance the green hue for a more vibrant presentation.
- Make sure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For a stronger lime flavor, consider adding additional lime zest to the frosting or cake batter.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting; bring to room temperature before serving for best taste.
- These cupcakes can also be made a day ahead to let the flavors meld and the frosting set nicely.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
