Did you know that key limes really aren’t green? It’s true! If you see a green key lime pie the baker has added green food coloring. Just a tidbit of useless trivia for you in case you’re wondering why these cupcakes from Sweet Peas and Saffron aren’t green like a traditional lime. If you like key lime pie, then you will love these light and moist cupcakes. All the taste of key lime without having to make a pie crust. You’re welcome.
Key Lime Cupcakes with White Chocolate Frosting
Cupcakes:
- ¾ cups butter (softened)
- 1¾ cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons key lime zest
- 3 eggs
- ¼ cup key lime juice
- 3 cups cake flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1½ cup buttermilk
Frosting
- ⅔ cups white chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup whipping cream
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3½ cups icing sugar
- ⅓ cup pistachios (shells removed, coarsely chopped)
Instructions
Cupcakes:
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- In a large bowl, combine butter, sugar, and lime zest until light and fluffy. Add eggs and lime juice and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour and baking soda. Add ⅓ of the flour mixture, mix well, then add ½ the buttermilk and mix well. Continue to add in alternating portions until all buttermilk and flour is added and mixed well.
- Spoon into muffin paper-lined muffin pans, filling until almost full (they won’t rise too much). Bake for 18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool 10 minutes in muffin pans before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting:
- Combine white chocolate chips and whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30 second intervals, stirring to combine in between. You will need to repeat this 3-4 times, or until the cream-chocolate mixture is completely combined and smooth. Allow to cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, beat together cream-chocolate mixture with butter and vanilla until completely mixed. Add icing sugar one cup at a time, until frosting is light and fluffy.
- Ice cupcakes using a knife or an icing bag fitted with a 1-inch star tip.
- Sprinkle with pistachios.