Key Lime Flavored Cupcakes

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 and lining a 24-cup muffin tin with paper liners or giving it a good spray with cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, water, eggs, and vegetable oil using an electric mixer 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 green food coloring until everything is well combined. Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups.

Step 2

Pop the tray into the oven and bake for around 18 minutes, or until the cupcakes turn golden and a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before moving on to the frosting.

Step 3

For the frosting, beat together the butter and cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Add in the lime zest and vanilla extract, mixing well to blend all the flavors. Gradually add the powdered sugar, about half a cup at a time, until the frosting reaches a smooth consistency. Chill it in the fridge for about half an hour so it firms up nicely.

Step 4

Once the cupcakes are cool and the frosting is ready, spread it generously over each one and finish them off with some colorful sprinkles if you like. Enjoy!