1. Home
  2. Dishes
  3. Zesty Lime Treat Cakes

Zesty Lime Treat Cakes

Category: Let's Bake Something Wonderful

These handheld desserts pack all the zesty goodness of lime pie into a soft cupcake. Filled with citrusy cream and smothered in sweet, rich frosting, they're perfect for your next gathering.

Pin Share Send Print Skip to Recipe
Hannah Author
Updated on Thu, 22 May 2025 11:57:09 GMT
Tangy lime cupcakes topped with smooth frosting, a sprinkle of brown sugar, and lime wedges. Save
Tangy lime cupcakes topped with smooth frosting, a sprinkle of brown sugar, and lime wedges. | recipesbyhannah.com

Treat yourself to these Key Lime Pie Cupcakes that pack tropical zing into every bite. Tangy lime bursts and creamy layers wow everyone when I share them at parties. They look impressive, but making 'em is a breeze.

Lively and Fresh

I'm hooked on how each bite gives you a kick of fresh lime. Soft, buttery cake, rich creamy center, and zingy lime frosting come together just right. They look too good to be homemade, but you can totally pull these off.

Stuff You’ll Need

  • For the Frosting: You’ll want butter, powdered sugar, a bit of lime, zest, and crushed graham crackers to finish it off.
  • For the Filling: Grab condensed milk, more fresh lime juice, and zest for that classic tang.
  • For the Cupcakes: Use your basic cake stuff, toss in fresh lime juice and zest for the flavor boost.

Jump Into Baking

Decorate:
Top with graham cracker bits, fresh lime zest, or even wedges for some flair.
Frost Them:
Whip up the frosting until fluffy then slather or pipe it over cooled cakes.
Add the Filling:
Spoon that creamy filling into the center of each cupcake once they've cooled down.
Bake Time:
Bake in a 350°F oven, about 20 minutes—that’s usually all it takes.
Mix Up Batter:
Start by creaming butter and sugar, stir in eggs, vanilla, then lime, then blend with the rest.

Tips From My Kitchen

  • Dress Up: Go wild with toppings, your cupcakes will love it.
  • Chill It: Let the filling get cold so it goes in without a mess.
  • No Overmixing: Just stir enough so everything's together for pillowy cakes.
  • Only Fresh: Please use real limes—skip the bottled juice.
Cupcakes on a plate covered with fluffy white frosting, graham sprinkles, and lime on top. Save
Cupcakes on a plate covered with fluffy white frosting, graham sprinkles, and lime on top. | recipesbyhannah.com

Stay Tasty

  • Clever Storing: Pop them in the fridge and they're good for three days.
  • Think Ahead: Freeze the cakes bare, frost before serving.
  • Beverage Buddy: They're awesome with iced tea or something beachy to drink.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare these early?

Absolutely! Bake and fill them a day in advance. Frost them right before serving to keep them fresh.

→ Why are my cupcakes not fluffy?

Overmixing can lead to density, and ingredients should be at room temp before starting.

→ Will bottled lime juice work?

Fresh lime juice tastes best, but bottled is fine if you're short on time. Be sure to add fresh zest, though!

→ What's the best way to store these?

Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Bring to room temp before eating.

→ Why is my filling seeping out?

Be sure to leave a small cake edge when scooping out the center and don't overstuff it.

Zesty Lime Treat Cakes

Tangy lime cupcakes packed with citrus cream and topped with buttery frosting. A tropical twist made easy to grab and enjoy.

Preparation Time
30 min
Cooking Time
20 min
Total Time
50 min

Category: Sweet Kitchen

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 cupcakes)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 teaspoon grated lime zest.
02 2 large eggs, room temp.
03 1/2 teaspoon table salt.
04 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour.
05 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice.
06 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
07 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder.
08 1 cup granulated sugar.
09 1/2 cup regular milk.
10 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter.
11 1/4 cup lime juice (for filling).
12 1 cup condensed milk (sweetened).
13 1 teaspoon lime zest (for filling).
14 2 tablespoons lime juice (for frosting).
15 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting).
16 3 cups powdered sugar (for frosting).
17 Graham cracker crumbs and lime zest for decor.
18 Lime slices for topping.

Directions

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up.

Step 02

Place cupcake liners into the wells of a 12-cup tin.

Step 03

Combine the flour, salt, and baking powder in one bowl.

Step 04

Whip together sugar and butter in another bowl until the mix is light.

Step 05

Blend in the eggs one by one, then toss in the lime zest and vanilla.

Step 06

Switch between adding milk with lime juice and the dry mix to the butter bowl.

Step 07

Scoop batter into the liners so they're about 3/4 full.

Step 08

Pop the tin into the oven. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean from the center.

Step 09

Wait for the cupcakes to be fully cool before moving on.

Step 10

Stir condensed milk, lime zest, and lime juice until thick and creamy.

Step 11

Use a small knife or corer to scoop out the middle of each cupcake. Spoon in the filling.

Step 12

Beat together butter, powdered sugar, and lime juice until fluffy.

Step 13

Spread or pipe the frosting over the cupcakes.

Step 14

Finish with some lime zest, cracker crumbs, and a slice of lime on each cupcake.

Notes

  1. Packed with key lime pie vibes, these handheld treats are a summer crowd-pleaser!

Required Equipment

  • Muffin tin for 12 cupcakes.
  • Cupcake corer or sharp knife.
  • Piping bag for frosting.
  • Electric hand mixer.

Allergen Information

Check all ingredients for potential allergens and consult a medical professional if uncertain.
  • Includes dairy (milk, butter, condensed milk).
  • Contains eggs.
  • Made with wheat flour.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are for reference only and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 385
  • Fats: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Proteins: 4 g