Key Lime Cupcakes with key lime buttercream

I love anything and everything lime. The only problem is that every time I make something lime  I get  a wimpy lime taste that in no way satisfies my craving.  Then I made these. These cupcakes are amazingly soft textured with a bold citrusy lime flavor. If you want to impress your friends with a delicious and beautiful cupcake these are perfect! (nobody needs to know how easy they are)

  Cupcakes adapted from Heather Palmer

The Ingredients:

Cupcakes:

1 cup + 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
1 (8 oz.) block of cream cheese
3 cups sugar
6 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 Tablespoons lime juice
3-1/4 cups cake flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons lime zest

Key Lime Buttercream:


1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 teaspoons Key lime zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (16-oz.) package powdered sugar

3 tablespoons Key lime juice ( or until desired consistency)

Directions:

For Cupcakes:
Soften the butter and cream cheese to room temperature.  Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.  Beat the butter and cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sugar and beat for 5 minutes** while scraping the sides. Add eggs, then vanilla and lime juice. Add dry ingredients, beat, then fold in the lime zest.

Spoon batter into cupcake liners and bake in preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes.

**5 minutes seems like a long time, but without this step the cupcakes will not have their great fluffy texture (I speak from experience)**

For Frosting:
Beat butter on high speed until pale and creamy. Add zest and vanilla. Add powdered sugar then mix in key lime juice.