
why make this recipe
Key Lime Cupcakes with Key Lime Butter Cream Frosting are a delightful treat that brings a taste of the tropics to your dessert table. The zesty key lime flavor is bright and refreshing, making these cupcakes perfect for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. Plus, they are easy to make and visually stunning.
how to make Key Lime Cupcake with Key Lime Butter Cream Frosting
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup key lime juice
- Zest of 2 key limes
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for frosting, softened)
- 2 tablespoons key lime juice (for frosting)
- Zest of 1 key lime (for frosting)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add eggs, key lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla. Mix well.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool.
- For the frosting, beat softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, key lime juice, and zest. Mix until fluffy.
- Frost the cooled cupcakes with key lime butter cream icing.
how to serve Key Lime Cupcake with Key Lime Butter Cream Frosting
Serve these cupcakes on a pretty platter. You can also garnish them with extra lime zest or a slice of lime for an added touch. They are great for birthdays, summer parties, or simply as a refreshing dessert.
how to store Key Lime Cupcake with Key Lime Butter Cream Frosting
Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
tips to make Key Lime Cupcake with Key Lime Butter Cream Frosting
- Make sure to use fresh key limes for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix until just combined for light and fluffy cupcakes.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before adding the frosting to avoid melting.
variation (if any)
You can add coconut flakes to the batter or frosting for a tropical twist. Another option is to use regular limes instead of key limes if you can’t find them.
FAQs
Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
How many cupcakes does this recipe make?
This recipe makes about 12 standard-sized cupcakes.
Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes. Just make sure they are cooled completely, then wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Frost them once thawed.

Key Lime Cupcakes with Key Lime Butter Cream Frosting
Ingredients
Cupcake Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup key lime juice
- Zest of 2 key limes Zest of 2 key limes Use fresh key limes for best flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened For frosting
- 2 tablespoons key lime juice For frosting
- Zest of 1 key lime Zest of 1 key lime For frosting
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add eggs, key lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla. Mix well.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners.
Baking
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool.
Frosting
- For the frosting, beat softened butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, key lime juice, and zest. Mix until fluffy.
- Frost the cooled cupcakes with key lime butter cream icing.