Irresistible Coconut Lime Cupcakes for a Tropical Treat

Name: Coconut Lime Cupcakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Tropical
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs, room temperature; ⅓ cup coconut milk (full-fat); Zest and juice of 2 limes; 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened); For the Frosting:; 1 ½ cups powdered sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 tsp coconut extract; Juice of 1 lime

Published: July 3, 2025

by Mia Hanry

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Coconut Lime Cupcakes are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for bakers of all levels
Their bright and refreshing flavor profile is sure to impress everyone at your gathering
With their gorgeous presentation topped with creamy frosting and toasted coconut, they’re a feast for the eyes as well
Versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round, these cupcakes shine at summer picnics or cozy winter gatherings alike

I remember the first time I made these Coconut Lime Cupcakes for my best friend’s birthday party. Everyone went wild over them, and let’s just say I ended up with several “Can I have the recipe?” requests! Watermelon Feta Cucumber Bites.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious treats:

All-Purpose Flour: The base of our cupcakes; sift it well to keep them light and airy.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly without overshadowing the lime’s zing.
Baking Powder: Essential for that lovely rise; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it!
Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for easy creaming with sugar; it adds richness. Mango Sticky Rice Ice Cream Cups.
Eggs: Room temperature eggs help create a uniform batter that bakes evenly.
Coconut Milk: For that rich coconut flavor; opt for full-fat for creaminess.
Lime Zest and Juice: Freshly grated zest adds vibrant aroma while juice provides tartness.
Shredded Coconut: Sweetened or unsweetened—your choice! It adds texture and flavor.

For the Frosting:

Powdered Sugar: Use this fine sugar to create a smooth frosting consistency without graininess.
Unsalted Butter (for frosting): Softened butter creates that creamy texture we love in frosting.
Coconut Extract: A little goes a long way in enhancing the cupcake’s coconut flavor.
Lime Juice (for frosting): Brightens up the frosting beautifully; fresh juice is best!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation

Let’s Make it together

Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Muffin Tin: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your muffin tin with cupcake liners—this makes cleanup easy and adds flair.

Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This ensures every bite is perfectly sweet!

Cream Butter and Sugar Together: In another bowl, beat softened butter until fluffy before gradually adding sugar. Mix until light and creamy—around 3-5 minutes should do.

Add Eggs and Flavorings : Beat in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Then add coconut milk, lime zest, and lime juice. Your kitchen should smell like a tropical paradise!

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients : Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined—be careful not to overmix or your cupcakes may turn out dense!

Add Shredded Coconut : Gently fold in shredded coconut—you want those chewy bits throughout without deflating your batter.

Bake Until Golden Brown : Pour batter into prepared liners about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Let cool completely before frosting!

Now you’re ready to enjoy those delightful Coconut Lime Cupcakes! With their airy texture and refreshing flavors, they’ll be gone before you can say “What’s for dessert?” For more inspiration, check out this Caramel Coconut Cookies recipe.

You Must Know

Coconut Lime Cupcakes are a tropical delight that brighten any occasion
Their light and fluffy texture pairs perfectly with the zesty lime frosting, making them irresistible
Remember to use fresh limes for the best flavor, and let your creativity shine with sprinkles or coconut flakes on top

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven while you mix the batter. This ensures even baking. Prepare your cupcake tin next so it’s ready when the batter is done, allowing for a smooth transfer to the oven.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out regular flour for gluten-free varieties or add shredded coconut to enhance texture. You can also use lemon instead of lime if you want to mix things up a bit.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, freeze without frosting and thaw before serving for optimal freshness.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing
This helps create a lighter cupcake texture
Don’t overmix the batter; it can lead to dense cupcakes instead of fluffy ones
Always check doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center before removing from the oven

Sometimes, I can still hear my friends cheering as they devoured these Coconut Lime Cupcakes at my birthday party last year—definitely a recipe that won hearts!