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Key Lime Cupcakes

Delicious Key Lime Cupcakes with Tangy Frosting Delight

These Key Lime Cupcakes are a refreshing, citrusy treat with light, fluffy texture and tangy buttercream frosting, perfect for any gathering.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cupcakes
  • 1 cup Cake Flour Preferred for a light and fluffy texture.
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar Consider substituting part with coconut sugar for added depth.
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder Ensures the cupcakes rise properly.
  • 1/4 tsp Salt Kosher or fine sea salt work best.
  • 4 large Egg Whites Key to incorporating air and achieving fluffiness.
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Essential for moisture and tenderness.
  • 1/3 cup Key Lime Juice Vital for that signature key lime flavor.
  • 1 tsp Key Lime Zest Adds extra flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Ensure it’s softened for mixing ease.
For the Frosting
  • 2 cups Powdered Sugar Gives sweetness and the right consistency.
  • 1/4 cup Shortening Adds stability in warm conditions.

Equipment

  • Muffin Tin
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Electric Mixer
  • Spatula
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • piping bag

Method
 

Cupcake Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. Whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Gradually add half of the egg whites, mixing until incorporated, then repeat with remaining egg whites.
  5. Blend in sour cream, key lime juice, and zest until combined.
  6. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently until just combined.
  7. Pour batter into cupcake liners, filling them two-thirds full.
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes, performing a toothpick test to check doneness.
  9. Cool the cupcakes for about 5 minutes in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting Preparation
  1. Beat softened butter and shortening until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fully combined.
  2. Mix in key lime juice and zest, beating for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
  3. Frost completely cooled cupcakes and sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupcakeCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 80mgSugar: 20gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for better fluffiness. Use fresh lime juice and zest for optimal flavor.

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