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Key Lime Cupcakes

Light and tender Key Lime Cupcakes with a soft crumb and a creamy key lime cream cheese frosting. A simple, citrus-forward dessert that’s easy to make and always a crowd favorite.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Cake & Cupcakes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cream cheese, cupcakes, fresh limes, Key lime pie, key lime recipes, lime
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 430kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Cupcake Ingredients:

  • ½ cup salted butter softened
  • ½ cup white granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 Tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda

Frosting Ingredients:

  • ½ cup salted butter softened
  • 1 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened
  • 2 Tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 Tablespoon lime zest
  • 4 cups powdered sugar

Optional Topping:

  • Graham crackers, graham cracker crumbs, Teddy Grahams

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a cupcake tin with paper liners and set it aside.
  • Combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric hand mixer to cream the ingredients together for 2 minutes on medium speed. All the sugar should be dissolved.
  • Add the eggs and whisk for another 2 minutes, or until the eggs are fully incorporated with the creamed sugar. Whisk in the sour cream, lime zest, and lime juice.
  • Reduce the speed of your mixer. Gently whisk in the flour, baking powder, and baking soda until no clumps of dry ingredients remain in your batter.
  • Fill your cupcake liners with the batter and bake for 20 minutes. While the cupcakes are baking, you can assemble your frosting by whisking together the butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, lime zest, and lime juice until smooth and creamy.
  • Once your cupcakes are done baking, remove them from the pan and let them cool on the counter for 30 minutes before frosting. Frost to your liking and enjoy!

Notes

Make Ahead & Storage
Because of the cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes should be stored in the refrigerator.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Serving: Enjoy straight from the fridge or let them sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving.
Unfrosted cupcakes can be baked a day ahead and stored covered at room temperature, then frosted just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 430kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 234mg | Potassium: 58mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 52g | Vitamin A: 580IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg