Key Lime Cupcakes

These fluffy Key Lime Cupcakes are bursting with key lime flavor! Perfectly balanced with key lime and cream cheese frosting, making them the ultimate citrusy treat.

Key Lime Pie Cupcake Recipe

This recipe perfectly captures the essence of a classic key lime pie in a cupcake! I love citrus curd — especially lime and these cupcakes have just the right amount of tanginess from the lime without curd. Which I think is very impressive. These cupcakes are spongy and moist while the frosting is delectable and creamy. It’s the perfect combination.

If you are someone who loves key lime pie, there is no doubt that you will adore this cupcake recipe. They are a labor of love but still manage to be ready to enjoy in 45 minutes. My kids love to help in the kitchen and I was a little bit skeptical about whether or not they would be fans of these key lime cupcakes. After sneaking samples of the frosting, I think it’s safe to say that they’re hooked!

Interested in more key lime desserts? No problem! Some more of my favorites include Key Lime Truffles and Key Lime Pie Cookies.

Why You’ll Love These Key Lime Cupcakes

• Bursting with key lime flavor. Key lime zest and juice are used in the cupcake batter and the frosting to really drive the flavor home.
• Homemade recipe. These moist cupcakes are made completely from scratch.
• Perfect for parties. Since these key lime cupcakes are a crowd favorite, it’s a no-brainer when you are deciding on shareable treats for a get-together or party.

Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need

These are all of the ingredients needed to achieve successful key lime pie cupcakes! The measurements are down below on the recipe card.

For the Key Lime Cupcakes

• Butter: I recommend unsalted for these cupcakes. Ensure it is softened to room temperature before making the batter.
• Sugar: A combination of white granulated sugar and brown sugar is used in this recipe.
• Key limes: For plenty of lime flavor both key lime juice and zest are used. You can even use a little lime extract if you like but that is optional.
• Eggs
• Baking powder and soda
• Salt: Most baked goods require a little bit of salt to help enhance the other flavors.
• Flour: I use all-purpose flour but you can use your favorite gluten-free blend as well.

For the Key Lime Cream Cheese frosting

• Butter: I use unsalted butter because I add a pinch of salt to the frosting. Ensure the butter for this is softened as well.
• Cream cheese: The richness of the cream cheese pairs so well with the key lime flavor.
• Salt
• Key lime: Both key lime zest and juice are used in the frosting as well.
• Powdered sugar

How to Make Key Lime Cupcakes

Here is how to make these amazing key lime cupcakes. For additional info, scroll down to the recipe card.

• Prepare the oven and muffin tin. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and add liners to your prepared muffin cups.
• Prepare the oven and muffin tin. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and add liners to your prepared muffin cups.
• Cream butter and sugars. Add the butter and sugars to a bowl of a stand mixer. Beat at medium speed until smooth.
• Add remaining wet ingredients. Add eggs and lime juice/zest. Mix until well combined.
• Add dry ingredients. Gradually add all of the dry ingredients to the mixer. Scrape down the sides and continue to mix until combined.

• Portion batter. Scoop the batter into the lined tin and fill each cavity ⅔.
• Bake and cool. Bake for 16-18 minutes. The edges will be slightly browned and the middle set when they’re ready. Cool completely on a wire rack.

• Make the frosting. Combine all of the ingredients except for the powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Add the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl often. Beat on low until combined, then on medium until fluffy.
• Transfer to a piping bag. Scoop the key lime buttercream frosting into a piping bag with a star tip.

• Frost the cupcakes. Decorate the cupcakes and garnish with lime zest and key lime slices.

Key Limes vs. Regular Limes

When you look at a key lime compared to a regular lime, you will first notice that they look different. Key limes are smaller and more round while traditional limes are larger and more oval shaped. The flavor is different, too. Key limes are more tart and acidic while regular limes are milder. Limes are more versatile than key limes as well. They are juicier so they are used more often in cooking while key limes are typically used in key lime desserts and cocktails.

Tips and Tricks

• Don’t skip the salt. Adding salt will not make these cupcakes taste salty. It is a crucial ingredient to balance the sweetness and tang.
• Check the butter. Do not try to use cold butter in this recipe as it will make the batter very lumpy. Leave it on the counter for 30-60 minutes or until it feels soft.
• Roll the key limes. If you find you’re having trouble getting juice from the limes, gently roll them on the counter. It makes squeezing them easier.

Storage Directions

These key lime cupcakes will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If making ahead, wait to garnish until serving. They can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

More Cupcake Recipes to Try

• Lemon Cupcakes
• Banana Cream Cupcakes
• Churro Cupcakes
• Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes
• Chocolate Filled Cupcakes