A Bright, Bakery-Style Dessert Bursting with Citrus Flavor
If you’re craving a dessert that’s fresh, tangy, sweet, and irresistibly soft, these Key Lime Cupcakes are exactly what you need. With their vibrant green crumb, tender texture, and silky lime-infused frosting, these cupcakes deliver everything we love about classic key lime pie—in cupcake form.
Perfect for spring gatherings, summer parties, birthdays, or anytime you want a refreshing treat, this recipe is easy to follow, bakery-quality, and guaranteed to impress.
⭐ Why You’ll Love These Key Lime Cupcakes
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✔ Soft, moist cupcake with real lime flavor
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✔ Creamy, fluffy frosting with a citrus kick
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✔ Balanced sweetness—never overpowering
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✔ Perfect for parties, holidays, and bake sales
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✔ Freezer-friendly and make-ahead friendly
🧁 What Are Key Lime Cupcakes?
Key Lime Cupcakes are inspired by the famous Key Lime Pie, a beloved dessert originating in the Florida Keys. Instead of a pie crust and custard filling, this version transforms the flavors into a light, airy cupcake topped with a smooth lime cream frosting.
They combine:
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Fresh lime juice & zest
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Buttery vanilla cupcake base
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Cream cheese or buttercream frosting
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A bright citrus aroma that feels fresh and indulgent
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Key Lime Cupcakes
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1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
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1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
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¼ teaspoon baking soda
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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½ cup whole milk or buttermilk
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¼ cup fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice)
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1 tablespoon lime zest
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Green food coloring (optional, for visual appeal)
For the Creamy Lime Frosting
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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3–4 cups powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
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2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
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1 teaspoon lime zest
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Cupcakes
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
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In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
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Mix in vanilla extract, lime juice, and lime zest.
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Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
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Add green food coloring if desired.
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Fill cupcake liners about ⅔ full.
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Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Cool completely before frosting.
2️⃣ Make the Lime Frosting
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