Key Lime Cupcakes Filled with Creamy Lime Frosting Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that bursts with tangy brightness and creamy indulgence, you’ve got to try this Key Lime Cupcakes Filled with Creamy Lime Frosting Recipe. These cupcakes capture the zest and charm of fresh key limes in every fluffy bite. What makes them truly special is the hidden treasure inside — a luscious, smooth lime frosting that adds just the right balance of tang and sweetness. Whether you’re craving a refreshing treat for a sunny day or want to impress guests at your next get-together, these cupcakes are a truly unforgettable delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Key Lime Cupcakes Filled with Creamy Lime Frosting Recipe just right starts with simple but crucial ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and that beautiful citrus zing. From the buttery softness of the cupcakes to the velvety smoothness of the frosting, these ingredients come together effortlessly.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for tender and light cupcakes that hold their shape perfectly.
- Baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise to a fluffy and airy finish.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and promotes a delicate crumb.
- Eggs: Provide structure and help the cupcakes rise beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the citrus notes.
- Key lime zest: Packs an intense, aromatic lime flavor that makes these cupcakes stand out.
- Key lime juice: The star ingredient adding that signature tart freshness.
- Buttermilk: Keeps the cupcakes tender with a subtle tang that complements the lime.
- Cream cheese (softened): Gives richness and smoothness to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the ideal consistency.
How to Make Key Lime Cupcakes Filled with Creamy Lime Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Next, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. This step ensures your dry ingredients are combined evenly, giving your cupcakes uniform rise and texture.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This process traps air that helps create those soft, tender cupcakes you’ll love.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Add eggs to the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract, key lime zest, and key lime juice. This combination infuses your batter with that delightful citrus aroma and bright flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, blending just until combined. This careful folding ensures your batter stays light and doesn’t get over-mixed, which can make cupcakes dense.
Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes
Fill your cupcake liners about ¾ full with the batter and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before moving on to the frosting.
Step 6: Make the Creamy Lime Frosting
Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting becomes light and fluffy. Stir in the key lime juice, zest, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, creating that luscious creamy lime flavor that complements the cupcakes beautifully.
Step 7: Fill and Frost the Cupcakes
Using a cupcake corer or a small knife, cut a hole in the center of each cooled cupcake. Fill the cavity with a spoonful or pipe of the creamy lime frosting. Then generously frost the tops with the remaining frosting. For a finishing touch, garnish with extra lime zest or a small slice of key lime.
How to Serve Key Lime Cupcakes Filled with Creamy Lime Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Adding visual appeal and a flavor boost is easy! Sprinkle some fresh key lime zest or place a thin key lime wedge on top to elevate these cupcakes to dessert showstoppers. The bright green zest contrasts beautifully against the creamy frosting, making each cupcake irresistible.
Side Dishes
These cupcakes shine on their own, but pairing them with light, tropical fruits like pineapple or mango slices can enhance the summery vibe. A crisp mint leaf also adds a fresh aroma and pops of color that guests will adore.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving these cupcakes on a tiered dessert stand for a festive gathering or arrange them on plates with edible flowers or shredded coconut to channel tropical bliss. Mini versions of these cupcakes also make charming bite-sized party treats, perfect for casual mingling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and maintain their creamy texture for up to 3 days — just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving so the frosting softens up beautifully.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 months, making this recipe perfect for planning ahead. Once thawed at room temperature, simply fill and frost them fresh for that perfect last-minute dessert.
Reheating
These cupcakes are best enjoyed at room temperature. After removing from the fridge, let them sit out for 15 to 20 minutes before serving to allow the cake and creamy lime frosting to reach their ideal softness and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Absolutely! While key limes have a uniquely tart and aromatic flavor, regular limes will still deliver that fresh citrus punch and work perfectly in this Key Lime Cupcakes Filled with Creamy Lime Frosting Recipe.
How do I make buttermilk if I don’t have any on hand?
It’s simple to make a buttermilk substitute: mix ½ cup milk with ½ tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, then let it sit for about 5 minutes before using. This helps maintain the tender, moist texture in the cupcakes.
Can I prepare the cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and keep them unfrosted in an airtight container. Once ready, just add the creamy lime frosting for the freshest taste and appearance.
Is the filling step necessary?
Your cupcakes will still taste delicious without the filled center, but adding the creamy lime frosting inside creates a fun, luscious surprise that really enhances the experience. It’s worth the little extra effort.
Can I adjust the frosting with different flavors?
Definitely! While this recipe’s creamy lime frosting is perfect here, you can try whipped cream frosting or a light glaze for a different texture or a sweeter finish, tailoring to your taste.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Key Lime Cupcakes Filled with Creamy Lime Frosting Recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again. The balance of zesty lime paired with a smooth, creamy frosting transforms a simple cupcake into a bright, irresistible treat. Give it a go for your next celebration or whenever you need a refreshing pick-me-up — your taste buds will thank you!
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Key Lime Cupcakes Filled with Creamy Lime Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Key Lime Cupcakes Filled with Creamy Lime Frosting are a zesty, moist, and bursting with tropical citrus flavor. These light vanilla cupcakes are made with fresh key lime juice and zest, then filled and topped with a luscious cream cheese lime frosting. A refreshing and elegant treat perfect for spring and summer celebrations or any occasion needing a bright, tangy dessert.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp key lime zest
- ¼ cup key lime juice
- ½ cup buttermilk
For the Creamy Lime Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp key lime juice
- 1 tbsp key lime zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to prevent sticking. In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to combine the dry ingredients uniformly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which incorporates air for a tender cupcake texture.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Stir in the vanilla extract, key lime zest, and fresh key lime juice to infuse the batter with citrus flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and the buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cupcakes.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon or pour the batter into the lined muffin tin, filling each liner about ¾ full to allow room for rising without overflowing during baking.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully baked. Remove from the oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Make the Creamy Lime Frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar while beating to achieve a fluffy, light consistency. Stir in the key lime juice, zest, and vanilla extract until well combined for a bright lime flavor.
- Fill the Cupcakes: Using a cupcake corer or a small knife, cut out a small hole in the center of each cooled cupcake. Fill the hole with a spoonful or piping bag filled with the creamy lime frosting to provide a delicious surprise in the middle.
- Frost and Garnish: Frost the tops of the cupcakes with the remaining frosting using a spatula or piping bag for an elegant look. Optionally, garnish each cupcake with additional lime zest or a small wedge of key lime for extra color and flavor.
Notes
- Don’t skip the lime zest as it provides the essential citrus burst that defines the flavor of these cupcakes.
- Allow cupcakes to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture and full flavor of the frosting and cake.
- You can substitute regular limes if key limes are unavailable; the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
- Make buttermilk at home by combining ½ cup milk with ½ tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18–20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cupcakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
