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What’s not to love about Key Lime Cupcakes? All the flavor of key lime pie gets baked into individual cupcakes for a treat no one can resist. The homemade icing is decadent while being super easy.

From the light and fluffy cake to the creamy frosting, this recipe can’t be beat. The secret to this quick recipe is a cake mix but we jazz it up so it tastes homemade.
If you love easy and delicious, this is sure to be a hit. Cupcakes are always a good idea around here so make sure to check out all our cupcakes recipes. We have a recipe for every occasion.
I also love making this Angel Food Cupcakes Recipe for another light and delicious cupcake recipe.
Why We Love this Recipe
- The water in the cake mix gets replaced with lime juice. Amazing flavor! No one will guess this started with a box mix.
- The cake mix make this super easy! You get all the flavor from homemade without the work. Yeah!
- Homemade frosting! Need I say more?
Cupcake Ingredients
- White Cake Mix- plus, all of the ingredients per the box instructions.
- Lime Juice – this is what gives the cupcakes amazing flavor and transforms each bite into the best cupcake.
Frosting Ingredients
- Butter– Make sure to get real butter
- Powdered Sugar – Helps to thicken the frosting
- Lime Juice– this gives this recipe all the lime flavor
- Lime Zest- this looks pretty and tastes amazing
- Green Food Coloring– you don’t need much but this gives it a pop of color.
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.
Variations Ideas
- Graham Crackers – Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top.
- Mini Size – Make mini cupcakes instead of regular size.
- Lime Slices – Garnish with a lime slice on each cupcake.
- Frosting – We love the key lime buttercream frosting, but you can also make a Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting. Add Key Lime Juice and Key Lime Zest for delicious flavor. These cupcakes would also be delicious with a Cream Cheese Glaze.
Recipe Tips
- Lime Flavor – You are going to substitute ½ cup of the water with ½ cup lime juice. This is the secret to that amazing lime flavor and tangy taste. No one will guess this started with a cake mix.
- Filling Cupcake Liners – After placing the paper liners in the cupcake pan, use a cookie scoop to divide batter. We recommend to add the batter evenly to the liners so they bake about the same time.
- Cool Cupcakes – Before frosting the cupcakes, make sure they have completely cooled to room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, we recommend using fresh lime juice instead of jar lime juice. In this recipe you can squeeze juice from key limes or regular limes.
Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Yes, you can freeze cupcakes but we recommend freezing without frosted. Store the cupcakes in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months. This is a great recipe to prepare the cupcakes ahead of time.
More Easy Cupcake Recipes
If you try this Key Lime Cupcakes Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review. We love to hear from you.
Key Lime Cupcakes
Do you love key lime pie but don’t want to do all that work? Make sure you try our delicious key lime cupcakes! They are easy to make and taste amazing!
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Make batter according to box EXCEPT replace ½ cup of water with ½ cup lime juice.
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Fill liners about ½ full.
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Bake 16-18 minutes or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean.
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Allow to cool completely on wire rack.
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Cream butter in a large bowl.
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Add lime juice and food coloring.
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Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time and beat until incorporated.
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Add lime zest and whip until distributed.
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Transfer to piping bag to frost cupcakes.
I love transforming a cake mix into something extra delicious like this Key Lime Cupcakes recipe!
Calories 266kcal, Carbohydrates 48g, Protein 1g, Fat 8g, Saturated Fat 5g, Cholesterol 20mg, Sodium 217mg, Potassium 25mg, Sugar 38g, Vitamin A 240IU, Vitamin C 2.7mg, Calcium 51mg, Iron 0.4mg