Description
Sweet key lime pie cupcakes deliver a tangy tropical twist on classic dessert flavors. Creamy lime-infused frosting and graham cracker crust create a delightful mini indulgence you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Cake Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
Topping and Frosting Ingredients:
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Lime zest (for garnish)
- Graham cracker crumbs (for garnish)
- Lime slices (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring an even temperature for consistent baking.
- Arrange cupcake liners neatly inside a 12-cup muffin tin, creating uniform spaces for the treat cakes.
- In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt to eliminate potential lumps and ensure smooth texture.
- Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and pale in color.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and lime zest for vibrant flavor.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk and lime juice to maintain a smooth, consistent batter.
- Distribute batter evenly into cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full to allow proper rising.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean.
- Remove from oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack, preventing condensation.
- Prepare filling by whisking condensed milk with lime juice and zest until the mixture thickens and becomes cohesive.
- Create a small cavity in each cupcake’s center using a corer or knife, then carefully fill with the lime mixture.
- Whip frosting ingredients until achieving a light, fluffy consistency that holds its shape.
- Pipe or spread frosting generously over each filled cupcake, creating an elegant finish.
- Embellish with delicate lime zest sprinkles, crushed graham cracker crumbs, and a small lime slice for a professional presentation.
Notes
- Zest Selection Use fresh, organic limes for maximum flavor intensity and vibrant citrus notes.
- Mixing Technique Cream butter and sugar thoroughly until pale and fluffy to ensure a light, tender cake texture.
- Moisture Control Avoid overmixing batter to prevent dense, tough cupcakes by gently folding ingredients until just combined.
- Filling Hack Use a piping bag or small spoon for precise and even lime filling distribution inside each cupcake.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 47 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg