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An extreme close-up of a key lime cupcake, showing the moist cake crumb, a layer of graham cracker crust, and a perfect swirl of cream cheese frosting with lime zest.
FL Recipes

Key Lime Cupcakes with Graham Cracker Crust

The ultimate Key Lime Cupcakes recipe! Features a buttery graham cracker crust, a moist cupcake, and a tangy cream cheese frosting. This foolproof guide delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tart for an unforgettable tropical dessert.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 47 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Graham Cracker Crust
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs from about 7 full sheets
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
For the Key Lime Cupcakes
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1/2 cup key lime juice fresh or bottled
  • 1 tbsp key lime zest
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk room temperature
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese full-fat, block style, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3-4 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 2 tbsp key lime juice
  • 1 tsp key lime zest
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 1 12-cup muffin tin
  • 1 Electric Mixer (Hand or Stand)
  • 1 Piping bag and tip Optional, for decorating

Method
 

Step 1: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Pour in the melted butter and stir with a fork until all the crumbs are evenly moistened.
  3. Press approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture into the bottom of each cupcake liner. Use the bottom of a small glass or a spice jar to pack it down firmly.
  4. Bake for 5 minutes to set the crust. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Cupcake Batter
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Mix in the key lime juice, zest, and vanilla extract.
  4. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk in two additions (beginning and ending with the dry ingredients). Mix only until just combined—do not overmix!
Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes
  1. Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter, right on top of the cooled crust.
  2. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cupcakes must be 100% cool before frosting.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until completely smooth and creamy.
  2. Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the sifted powdered sugar until it's all incorporated.
  3. Add the key lime juice, zest, and vanilla extract. Increase the mixer speed to high and beat for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth.
Step 5: Assemble Your Cupcakes
  1. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip (like a Wilton 1M).
  2. Pipe a generous swirl of frosting onto each cupcake.
  3. Garnish with extra key lime zest, a small lime wedge, or a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs.

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcalProtein: 4gFat: 22gFiber: 1g

Notes

For the best flavor, use fresh key lime juice, but bottled key lime juice works well as a substitute.
Ensure all your dairy ingredients (butter, eggs, buttermilk, cream cheese) are at room temperature for the smoothest batter and frosting.
Do not overmix the cupcake batter after adding the flour, as this can result in tough cupcakes.
Keyword cupcake recipe,graham cracker crust,key lime cupcakes

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