Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
  • 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 ¾ cups (210g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (1 stick/113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
  • ¼ cup (60ml) key lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon key lime zest
  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (60ml) key lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon key lime zest
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks
  • ½ cup (1 stick/113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • ¼ cup (60ml) key lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon key lime zest
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (to adjust consistency)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crumble: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Press into the bottom of cupcake liners.
  2. Make the Cupcake Batter: Whisk dry ingredients together. Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet ingredients. Stir in lime juice and zest.
  3. Fill and Bake the Cupcakes: Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  4. Cool the Cupcakes: Let cupcakes cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  5. Prepare the Key Lime Filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Mix in lime juice, zest, and salt. Gently fold in whipped cream. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Core the Cupcakes: Once cooled, core out the center of each cupcake.
  7. Fill the Cupcakes: Fill the cored-out centers with the key lime filling.
  8. Make the Frosting: Cream butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, lime juice, and zest. Add milk or cream to achieve desired consistency.
  9. Frost the Cupcakes: Frost cupcakes using a piping bag or a knife.
  10. Garnish: (Optional) Garnish with lime zest, graham cracker crumbs, or a slice of key lime.