Key Lime Cupcakes Filled with Creamy Lime Frosting are a zesty, sweet, and utterly refreshing treat perfect for any occasion. These cupcakes combine the light, fluffy texture of a classic vanilla cupcake with the bright, citrusy flavor of key lime, all topped and filled with a rich, creamy lime frosting. Each bite is bursting with summery sweetness and tang!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cupcakes are the ultimate citrus dessert: light, fluffy, and full of key lime flavor. The combination of a soft cupcake with a hidden creamy lime frosting center makes them an extra special treat. They’re ideal for spring and summer gatherings, birthdays, or whenever you’re craving a vibrant dessert. Plus, they’re easy to make and look beautiful on any dessert table.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp key lime zest
¼ cup key lime juice
½ cup buttermilk

For the Creamy Lime Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp key lime juice
1 tbsp key lime zest
1 tsp vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Cupcakes:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
Stir in vanilla, key lime zest, and key lime juice.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
Fill each cupcake liner ¾ full with the batter.
Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.

Make the Creamy Lime Frosting:

Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
Stir in key lime juice, zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Fill & Frost the Cupcakes:

Use a cupcake corer or small knife to cut a small hole in the center of each cooled cupcake.
Fill the hole with a spoonful or piping of frosting.
Frost the tops of the cupcakes with the remaining frosting.
Garnish with additional lime zest or a small slice of key lime, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 cupcakes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 18–20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Tropical twist: Add shredded coconut or a splash of pineapple juice to the frosting for a tropical flavor.
Make it mini: Use a mini cupcake tin for bite-sized versions—just reduce baking time to about 10–12 minutes.
Add crunch: Top the cupcakes with crushed graham crackers for a pie-inspired crunch.
Change the citrus: Swap key lime for lemon, orange, or grapefruit for a different citrus twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting and serving.
Reheating: These cupcakes are best served at room temperature. Let them sit out for 15–20 minutes after refrigerating.

FAQs

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Yes! While key limes have a unique tangy flavor, regular limes work well as a substitute.

How do I make buttermilk if I don’t have any?

Combine ½ cup milk with ½ tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I make the cupcakes ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them unfrosted in an airtight container.

Can I skip the filling step?

Yes, you can simply frost the tops, but the filled center adds a creamy surprise that’s worth the effort.

Can I use a different frosting?

Sure! A whipped cream frosting or even a simple glaze works well with these citrusy cupcakes.

Do I need to zest the limes?

Zest is essential for the bright lime flavor. If you don’t have a zester, use the fine side of a box grater.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.

Conclusion

Key Lime Cupcakes Filled with Creamy Lime Frosting are a vibrant and refreshing dessert that captures the zesty spirit of summer in every bite. With their moist, citrus-infused cake and rich cream cheese filling, these cupcakes are perfect for lime lovers and anyone who enjoys a fresh and tangy dessert. Make a batch for your next gathering and watch them disappear!

Key Lime Cupcakes Filled with Creamy Lime Frosting

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Print Recipe

Key Lime Cupcakes Filled with Creamy Lime Frosting are zesty, moist, and bursting with tropical citrus flavor. These light vanilla cupcakes are made with fresh key lime juice and zest, then filled and topped with a luscious cream cheese lime frosting. A refreshing and elegant treat for spring and summer celebrations!

Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 cupcakes

Instructions

Prepare the Cupcakes:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
Mix in vanilla, key lime zest, and juice.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
Fill liners ¾ full with batter.
Bake 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.

Make the Frosting:

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
Stir in key lime juice, zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Fill and Frost the Cupcakes:

Cut a small hole in the center of each cooled cupcake.
Fill with frosting using a piping bag or spoon.
Frost tops with remaining frosting.
Garnish with lime zest or a key lime wedge, if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip the zest—it gives the cupcakes their signature citrus burst.
Let cupcakes come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Author: Sophia
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 18–20 minutes
Category: Dessert, Cupcakes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian