Key Lime Pie Cupcakes

Creamy Key Lime Cupcakes A Taste of the Florida Keys

By Elara MaeveOctober 3, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a trip to the Florida Keys, but can't hop on a plane? Let's bring the sunshine to you ! Are you craving creamy key lime cupcakes ? Get ready for a burst of tropical flavour in every single bite!

A Slice of Paradise

These cupcakes aren't just any dessert. They're a taste of the Florida Keys Recipe in cupcake form. Key Lime Pie is iconic, right? Now imagine that tangy, creamy deliciousness in a sweet treats you can easily share.

This Dessert Recipe is super easy, and gives you bakery style cupcakes in no time.

About This Recipe

These Key Lime Pie Cupcakes are inspired by the classic American pie. Key Lime Pie is an icon, these summer desserts are just a modern twist.

This Easy Cupcake Recipe takes about an hour and a half, including prep and baking. It yields 12 perfect party desserts to share.

.. or not! I won't judge if you keep them all to yourself.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, the best part is that it brings the Florida sunshine to your kitchen. Plus, the baking with Key Limes adds a unique zest and a powerful punch of Vitamin C.

Serve these up at your next summer BBQ for an absolute crowd pleaser. They are a real Citrus dessert ideas winner! And the flavour?! Oh my gosh! It's addictive .

Now, let's move on to the ingredients you'll need. Don't be scared by the list! It looks long, but it's all pretty straightforward.

You know, just think of it as a flavour adventure.

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make these creamy key lime cupcakes . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward. But a few things are important.

We are aiming for bakery style cupcakes here so lets nail it!

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's get into the nitty gritty.

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Here's what you need to create these sunshine filled Key Lime Pie Cupcakes .

Graham Cracker Crumble:

1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs – go for a good brand, trust me!
5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter, melted – make sure it’s properly melted, not just softened .
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
Pinch of salt

Cupcakes:

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 – should be room temp, that's key .
1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup (120ml) buttermilk – this makes them moist and lovely .
¼ cup (60ml) key lime juice – key limes are BEST, but regular lime juice works .
1 tablespoon key lime zest

Key Lime Filling:

8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened – crucial for a smooth creamy cupcake filling .
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

Key Lime Frosting:

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 – for adjusting the consistency .

Seasoning & Flavor Notes

For these Key Lime Pie Cupcakes , it’s all about the Key Limes . If you can get your hands on them, go for it! They add that authentic Florida Keys Recipe flavor.

Key Lime Zest + Key Lime Juice. This combo is the key.
If you can't find key limes, regular limes work fine.
Want an extra zing? A touch of lime extract in the frosting is nice, but not required.

Essential Equipment

Don't panic. You don’t need fancy gear. Let's keep this an easy cupcake recipe .

Muffin tin (12-cup)
Cupcake liners
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
Zester
Lime juicer
Rubber spatula

Honestly, a fork can work in a pinch instead of a whisk, and a spoon instead of a spatula. Baking with Key Limes shouldn’t require a ton of fancy equipment! It's more about the love you put in.

Now, let's move on to baking these sweet treats !

Alright, buckle up buttercups! I'm about to spill the tea on how to make utterly divine creamy key lime cupcakes .

Honestly, these aren't just cupcakes; they're a tiny taste of sunshine, a mini vacay for your taste buds. They're just the thing if you like citrus cupcake recipes , trust me.

So, let's get cracking on these easy cupcake recipe !

Nailed it! Mastering the Cooking Method for Key Lime Pie Cupcakes

So I remember my first batch: a disaster. I thought, 'Oh, just chuck it all in!' Yeah, don't do that. Trust me, prep is king.

Prep Steps to Baking with Key Limes Like a Boss

Essential mise en place: Get everything out. Flour, sugar, Key Limes , you name it. Have your butter softened. Room temperature ingredients are crucial!
Time saving organization tips: Measure out your ingredients before you start. Prepping makes the entire process easier and more fun.
Safety reminders: Don't touch the oven element. Seriously. Burn injuries are no joke. Remember always to use oven gloves or mitts for all heat related tasks.

step-by-step Process to Sweet Success

This dessert recipe is easier than it looks. No need to stress!

Graham Cracker Crumble: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar and salt. Press into cupcake liners.
Make the Cupcake Batter: Whisk dry. Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk. Stir in lime juice and zest.
Fill & Bake: Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full. Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 20- 25 minutes .
Cool: Let cool in pan a few minutes, then move to a wire rack.
Make Filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Mix in lime juice, zest, and salt. Gently fold in whipped cream. Chill for 30 minutes .

Pro Tips for Bakery style cupcakes

Want these summer desserts to be top-notch? Listen up!

Use real key lime juice for that authentic Florida Keys recipe zing. Bottled stuff just isn't the same.
Don't overmix the batter. A few lumps are fine. Overmixing makes tough cupcakes, and nobody wants that.
To get extra tangy cupcakes, use lots of homemade frosting recipe .

And there you have it! These creamy key lime cupcakes are a total crowd pleaser and are the perfect party desserts .

Honestly, if I can make these Key Lime Pie Cupcakes (and trust me, I've had baking mishaps), so can you. Now get baking, you legends!

Recipe Notes for Your Creamy Key Lime Cupcakes

Alright, so you're about to dive into making these amazing creamy key lime cupcakes . Before you start, let's chat about some things that'll make the whole process even smoother.

Trust me, I've been there, done that, and learned a few tricks along the way while baking with key limes .

Fab Serving Ideas

These aren't just any dessert recipe , they're Bakery style cupcakes . Plating matters, you know?

Think about using a tiered cake stand. It looks fancy, even if you just grabbed it from Homesense!
A simple dusting of graham cracker crumbs adds texture and a nod to Key Lime Pie Cupcakes .

These sweet treats scream for something cool and refreshing. I reckon an ice-cold glass of limeade is the perfect partner.

A scoop of vanilla ice cream ain't bad either! These are great party desserts .

Storing Your Key Lime Desserts

Listen, if there are any of these creamy key lime cupcakes left (which I doubt!), here's how to keep them nice:

Fridge Time: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Honestly, they're best on day one, but they still taste pretty darn good the next day.
Freezing? I wouldn't recommend freezing the frosted cupcakes. The homemade frosting recipe might get a bit weird. But, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for about a month. Just wrap them well!
Reheating (sort of): If they've been in the fridge, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. They'll taste much better that way.

Citrus Dessert Ideas : Variations for Your Crew

Got some fussy eaters, or maybe dietary needs? No worries, here's how to tweak the creamy key lime cupcakes recipe:

dairy-free Delight: Swap out the butter, milk, and cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives. It works a treat!
Seasonal Swaps: During summer, throw in some fresh raspberries into that creamy cupcake filling !. Summer Desserts should always be fresh.

Nutrition Basics (The Fun Part!)

Okay, so these are definitely not health food. But! Let's break it down a little. Each cupcake is around 450-500 calories (estimated).

They offer a small amount of protein and fat and contain good bit of carbohydrates and sugar. Citrus cupcake recipes can offer vitamins from the lime juice!.

Now, go forth and bake! Baking with Key limes is so rewarding and fun. Don't be afraid to get a little messy.

This easy cupcake recipe will surely become a staple. You're gonna nail these creamy key lime cupcakes , and they'll be a proper hit at your next gathering.

These Graham cracker cupcakes are also great with lemon. Florida Keys Recipe in a bite!.

Stunning Key Lime Pie Cupcakes A Taste of Summer

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes for these creamy key lime cupcakes? What's the difference?

While key limes are ideal and give the most authentic flavor to these creamy key lime cupcakes, regular limes will certainly do in a pinch. Key limes are smaller, more acidic, and have a more floral aroma. If using regular limes, you might want to add a touch more zest to compensate for the difference in flavour.

My key lime filling seems runny, what did I do wrong?

A runny filling usually means the cream cheese wasn't soft enough or the whipped cream wasn't stiff enough. Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened at room temperature before beating it, and whip your heavy cream to stiff peaks.

Chilling the filling for at least 30 minutes (as per recipe instructions) is crucial to firm it up!

How do I store these creamy key lime cupcakes to keep them fresh? Will they dry out easily?

Store your creamy key lime cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The filling and frosting can soften at room temperature so cold storage is best. They'll stay fresh for about 2-3 days.

Cupcakes can dry out over time, so consider adding a small piece of bread to the container to absorb moisture, or consume within the advised time!

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time? Which components can be prepped in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day ahead and store them, unfrosted, in an airtight container at room temperature. The graham cracker crumble can also be made ahead of time. The key lime filling can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, but give it a good whisk before filling.

Assemble the creamy key lime cupcakes closer to serving for the best texture.

Are there any variations I can try for these creamy key lime cupcakes? Maybe something with coconut?

Oh, you fancy a twist? Absolutely! Coconut Key Lime Cupcakes are a real treat. Add shredded coconut to the cupcake batter (about 1/2 cup) and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of the frosting.

Alternatively, you could try a lime raspberry filling by substituting a portion of the key lime juice in the filling with raspberry puree for a tart and fruity twist!

I'm trying to cut back on sugar. Can I reduce the sugar content in these creamy key lime cupcakes?

You can certainly try reducing the sugar, but be aware it will affect the texture and flavour. Start by reducing the sugar in the cupcake batter by about 1/4 cup. You could also try using a sugar substitute like Stevia or Erythritol, but follow the conversion ratios carefully. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly!