Key Lime Cupcakes

I was asked to make something to include in a raffle for my husband’s work so they could raise money for their Christmas party.  From Betty Crocker, these not-too-sweet, very limey cupcakes were exactly as delicious as they sound.  The kids loved them (I doubled the batch so they could decorate and eat some), the hubs said they’re the best he’s ever had and he raised $25 for the batch he took in to work.  I’d say they were a success.

Cupcakes

• 1 box lemon cake mix
• box lime-flavored gelatin
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/3 cup fresh lime juice (about 6 limes)
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 3 eggs

Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 to 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Frosting

• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• lime zest

Heat oven to 350°F

1. Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups. In large bowl, beat cupcake ingredients with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, then on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
2. Bake 19 to 24 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Remove from pan to cooling rack. With toothpick or wooden skewer, pierce tops of cupcakes in several places.
3. In small bowl, mix 1 cup powdered sugar and enough of the 2 to 2 1/2 tablespoons lime juice until glaze is smooth and thin enough to drizzle. Drizzle and spread glaze over cupcakes. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
4. In large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter on medium speed until light and fluffy. On low speed, beat in vanilla and 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar until mixed; beat on medium speed until fluffy. Frost cupcakes, mounding and swirling frosting in center. Garnish with lime peel. Store covered in refrigerator.

Did you enjoy this recipe, the photos found here, or Good Stuff in general? Head over to Facebook and like the page!  When you Share a recipe (using the social media buttons below each post) with friends and family you’re helping to make the world a better place.  And it makes me happy.  Mostly it makes me happy.  It also helps me, and all the other food blogs used here, to keep doing what we love doing; sharing good food.  Thanks for visiting!  – Shanna