Description
Zesty key lime cupcakes bring tropical Florida sunshine to your dessert table, dancing with tangy lime notes and creamy buttercream. Sweet and tart flavors meld perfectly, inviting you to savor a slice of citrusy paradise in each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) buttermilk
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons key lime juice
- 1 teaspoon key lime zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a cupcake pan by lining it with paper liners.
- In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly combine flour, baking powder, and salt using a whisk.
- Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next.
- Blend in vanilla extract, freshly squeezed key lime juice, and finely grated lime zest until evenly distributed.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and concluding with the dry ingredients.
- Gently mix until ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
- Distribute batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each approximately 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and dry.
- Remove from oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
- For frosting, cream butter until smooth and silky in texture.
- Slowly incorporate powdered sugar, beating continuously until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Introduce key lime juice, zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into the frosting.
- Optional: Add a few drops of green food coloring for visual appeal.
- Once cupcakes are thoroughly cooled, pipe or spread frosting generously on top.
- Optionally garnish with additional lime zest or a small lime wedge for decoration.
Notes
- Use fresh key limes for the most vibrant, authentic citrus flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to create a smoother, more even cupcake batter that rises perfectly.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense cupcakes – stop mixing as soon as ingredients are just combined.
- Substitute gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same light, tender texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg