The key to happiness...

 

 

     Believe it or not, I have only recently tasted key lime pie.  Once I tried a bite I wondered why I had waited so long!  It was decadent, creamy and tart, and will forever remind me of our vacation.  I was fortunate enough to order a slice while in Key West Florida where it is best known.  As the weather gets warmer here in Southern Ontario I find myself drawn to the tastes of summer.  While perusing my recipes I came across on for key lime pie and it got me thinking... why not bake key lime cupcakes?

 

 

     As I sifted through various websites I learned more about the key lime than even Cliff Clavin would know!  Here are some facts about key limes that I found rather interesting:

 

 

• they are yellow when ripe, but usually picked green commercially
• they are smaller and seedier than a regular lime (and much harder to juice and zest I might add!)
• key limes have a higher acidity, a stronger aroma, and a thinner rind than that of a regular lime
• they are valued for their unique flavour compared to other limes, with the key lime usually having a more tart and bitter flavour
• they are also known as "the bartender's lime"

     Perhaps the most interesting fact that I discovered however, is that the key lime makes a fantastic cupcake.  Here is the recipe that I used; it pairs very well with a margarita and flip flops. Enjoy! 

Key Lime Cupcakes:

1 box white cake mix

3 eggs

3/4 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup key lime juice

zest of 2 key limes

1 tsp vanilla extract

Key Lime Butter Cream Frosting:

1 cup butter, softened

1 tsp.key lime juice (you can add more if you desire a more intense flavour)

4-5 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup milk

Key lime candy slices and graham cracker crumbs to decorate

Cupcake Directions:

•  Preheat oven to 325 degrees and line pans with cupcake liners
•  Sift cake mix into a small bowl, breaking up any lumps and set aside
•  In a large bowl combine eggs, buttermilk, sour cream, lime juice, zest and vanilla extract and mix until smooth
•  Stir in cake mix until blended
•  Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full and bake for 17-22 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean 

For the frosting:

• Place butter in medium bowl and  beat until fluffy
• Add lime juice and then slowly add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, followed by some of the milk and mix until you reach your desired consistency
• Pipe onto cooled cupcakes and top with key lime candy slices and sprinkle with graham crumbs

 

Delivering smiles one cupcake at a time!