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Key Lime Cupcakes Recipe

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  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cupcakes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Key Lime Cupcakes are a delightful twist on classic cupcakes, featuring a zesty lime-flavored cake paired with a creamy lime cream cheese frosting. Perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion that calls for a refreshing and tangy dessert, these cupcakes combine the citrusy brightness of lime zest and juice with a fluffy, moist texture and a smooth, tangy frosting.

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

  • 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 Ingredients

  • 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

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners or lightly spray them with cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the cupcakes.
  2. Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, eggs, and vegetable oil. Using an electric mixer, beat the ingredients together until the batter is smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add Lime Flavor and Color: Fold in the fresh lime zest, lime juice, and green food coloring if you are using it. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the lime flavor and give the batter a subtle green hue.
  4. Fill Muffin Cups: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising during baking.
  5. Bake and Cool: Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for about 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
  6. Make Frosting Base: For the frosting, beat the softened butter and cream cheese in a mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps.
  7. Add Flavoring: Add the lime zest and vanilla extract to the frosting base and mix well to incorporate the flavors evenly.
  8. Sweeten and Chill Frosting: Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar, about ½ cup at a time, mixing until the frosting reaches a smooth and spreadable consistency. Chill the frosting in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to thicken.
  9. Frost and Decorate: Spread the chilled frosting over the cooled cupcakes using a spatula or piping bag. If desired, top each cupcake with pearlized sprinkles for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

  • You can omit the green food coloring if you prefer a more natural appearance without artificial colors.
  • Ensure the cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • The frosting can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature and rewhip before spreading.
  • Use fresh lime zest and juice for the best vibrant flavor.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/key-lime-cupcakes-recipe/