Cupcakes with Key Lime Flavor

Ingredients

• Cake:
• 1 (15.25 ounce) package white cake mix (such as Pillsbury® Classic White)
• 1 cup water
• 3 eggs
• 2 tablespoons lime zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 3 drops green food coloring (Optional)
• Frosting:
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
• 2 tablespoons pearlized sprinkles, or as needed (Optional)

Step 1

Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a couple of muffin tins with paper liners or give them a quick spray with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, eggs, and vegetable oil. Use an electric mixer to blend everything together until the batter is nice and smooth, which should take about two minutes. Stir in the lime zest, lime juice, and a few drops of food coloring to get that bright key lime look.

Step 2

Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared cups and pop them in the oven. Bake for around 18 minutes, or until the cupcakes turn a lovely golden color and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool on a wire rack while you prepare the frosting.

Step 3

For the frosting, beat together the butter and cream cheese until you get a creamy, smooth texture. Add in the lime zest and vanilla extract, mixing it well. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, about half a cup at a time, until the frosting is smooth and thick. Pop it in the fridge for about half an hour to firm up.

Step 4

When the cupcakes are completely cool, spread the frosting on top and finish them off with some fun sprinkles. Enjoy!