KEY LIME CUPCAKES

Key Lime Cupcakes image

I made these light, tangy cupcakes on a chilly day to remind me of our vacation in southern Florida, where Key lime pies are star attractions. -Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 45m

Yield 16 cupcakes.

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup 2% milk
FROSTING:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 teaspoons grated Key lime zest
2 teaspoons Key lime juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. Line 16 muffin cups with paper or foil liners., In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. In another bowl, whisk cracker crumbs, flour, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition., Fill prepared cups two-thirds full. Bake 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely., For frosting, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and lime zest until blended. Beat in lime juice and vanilla. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth. Pipe or spread onto cupcakes. Refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 378 calories, Fat 16g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 63mg cholesterol, Sodium 270mg sodium, Carbohydrate 57g carbohydrate (45g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.