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Zesty Key Lime Pie Cupcakes

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  • Author: quickdish
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These cupcakes capture the classic flavors of key lime pie in a light, portable dessert. With a zesty crumb and whipped lime frosting, they’re perfect for summer gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • Zest of 2 limes
  • ½ cup key lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • Optional: Lime slices or wedges, whipped cream, additional lime zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners.
  3. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
  4. Cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.
  5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in lime zest and key lime juice.
  6. Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with buttermilk.
  7. Fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full with the batter.
  8. Bake for 18–20 minutes, rotating halfway through.
  9. Cool the cupcakes in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  10. Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then add powdered sugar and vanilla, whipping to stiff peaks.
  11. Frost the cooled cupcakes with the lime frosting.
  12. Garnish with a lime slice or extra zest before serving.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil and coconut cream. These cupcakes freeze well; freeze unfrosted and thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 130mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg