Description
These Refreshing Blackberry Lime Cupcakes combine the tartness of lime with the sweet juiciness of fresh blackberries, baked into moist cupcakes and topped with a zesty lime buttercream frosting. Perfectly balanced and beautifully garnished, they make a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcakes
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons lime zest (from about 2 limes)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup fresh blackberries (or frozen, thawed)
Lime Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (if needed for consistency)
- Pinch of salt
Garnish
- Fresh blackberries
- Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cupcakes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to ready your equipment.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside to keep the dry ingredients well-combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, which will take about 2-3 minutes and is key for a tender texture.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to integrate fully into the batter.
- Add Lime and Vanilla: Stir in the lime zest, lime juice, and vanilla extract to infuse the batter with fresh flavors.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients to maintain batter consistency. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Blackberries: Gently fold fresh blackberries into the batter; for frozen blackberries, toss them lightly in flour first to prevent them from sinking during baking.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full for proper rise while baking.
- Bake Cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, ensuring they are fully cooked but moist.
- Cool Cupcakes: Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps the frosting adhere better.
- Make Buttercream: Beat the softened butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed after each addition, then increase speed and beat until fluffy to create a smooth frosting.
- Add Lime Flavor: Mix in the lime juice, lime zest, and a pinch of salt, continuing to beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Adjust Consistency: If frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream to loosen. If too thin, add more powdered sugar slowly until desired consistency is reached.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Once completely cooled, pipe or spread the lime buttercream evenly on each cupcake using a piping bag or offset spatula.
- Garnish: Top each cupcake with a fresh blackberry and optional lime wedge for an attractive and flavorful presentation.
- Serve or Store: Serve immediately or keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- If using frozen blackberries, toss them with a bit of flour before folding into the batter to prevent sinking.
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to avoid melting the buttercream.
- Adjust the frosting consistency by adding milk or powdered sugar to suit your decorating preferences.
- These cupcakes can be stored at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
- For more intense lime flavor, add extra zest to the frosting but avoid adding too much lime juice to prevent thinning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
