1/2cup(1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2cupgranulated sugar
1/4cuplight brown sugar
1/2teaspoonkey lime extract (see post for more on this)
2teaspoonsfinely grated key lime zest
1large egg plus one egg yolk, at room temperature
1and 1/2 tablespoons fresh key lime juice
For the Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting:
1/2cup(1 stick) unsalted butter, very soft
(1) 8 ounce block full-fat cream cheese, very soft
4and 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4teaspoonsalt (table salt, kosher salt, or finely ground sea salt will all work)
1and 1/2 tablespoons fresh key lime juice
1/4teaspoonkey lime extract (see post for more on this)
1teaspoonfinely grated key lime zest
To Decorate:
1teaspoonfreshly grated key lime zest
Instructions
For the Key Lime Cupcakes:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F). Line a 12 mold cupcake tin with paper liners and set aside.
In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; whisk well and set aside.
In a large bowl using a handheld electric mixer, or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds. Add in both sugars, lime extract and lime zest and beat until well combined. Add in the egg and egg yolk and mix well, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add in 1/2 of the flour mixture and mix until just combined (this should take about 5 seconds). Add 1/2 of the sour cream and mix until just combined. Repeat with remaining flour and sour cream, being sure to mix on low until just combined. Turn mixer off. Using a rubber spatula, quickly fold in the lime juice.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling them 3/4 of the way full. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cupcakes are cool, frost and decorate. The cupcakes may also be frozen, unfrosted, and stored in a freezer safe bag, for up to 2 months.
For the Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a medium bowl using a handheld electric mixer, or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and cream cheese on medium-speed until smooth and creamy. Reduce the speed to low and gradually add in the powdered sugar and lime juice, beating until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add in the salt, key lime juice, extract and zest; beat smooth. If the consistency appears too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or heavy cream, but only if necessary. The frosting should be creamy and spreadable, but also thick enough to hold its shape. Pipe or spread the frosting on top of each cooled cupcake.
To Decorate:
Top each frosted cupcake with a pinch of lime zest.
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