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Lemon Lime Cupcakes Delight

Section: Sweet Dessert Recipes for Every Craving

These lemon lime cupcakes are moist and bursting with citrus flavor thanks to the lemon lime soda incorporated into the batter. The lime gelatin adds a subtle tang that brightens each bite. The cupcakes are topped with a creamy lime cream cheese frosting that's perfectly balanced and fluffy. This combination creates delightful, refreshing treats ideal for warm weather gatherings or anytime you want a citrusy dessert with a light texture.

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Brought to You By Ryan
Last modified on Mon, 08 Sep 2025 18:46:15 GMT
Two green cupcakes with white frosting. Bookmark
Two green cupcakes with white frosting. | palatablelife.com

These lemon lime cupcakes bring a bright burst of citrus flavor wrapped in a soft, moist texture. Combining a simple cake mix with lemon lime soda gives them an extra lightness that is perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you want a refreshing twist on classic cupcakes. The lime cream cheese frosting adds a creamy tang that complements the fluffy cake wonderfully.

I first made these for a summer picnic and now they have become a favorite treat whenever friends come over

Ingredients

  • White cake mix: which is your base providing structure and a neutral sweet flavor that enhances citrus notes
  • Vegetable oil: to keep the cupcakes tender and moist ensuring they do not dry out
  • Egg whites: for lightness and to help the cupcakes rise well
  • Lemon lime soda: adds carbonation and natural citrus flavor giving the cupcakes a delicate fizz and moist crumb
  • Lime gelatin mix: adds tang and also helps boost citrus flavor in the cake and frosting
  • Salted butter: for richness in the frosting giving a creamy texture and balanced flavor
  • Cream cheese: softened for smoothness and a slightly tangy taste that complements lime
  • Powdered sugar: to sweeten and thicken the frosting to the perfect consistency
  • Vanilla: for enhancing the overall sweetness and tying flavors together
  • Half and half: to adjust frosting texture for perfect piping smoothness
  • Green food coloring: to give the frosting a fresh zesty appearance
  • Green sprinkles: for a fun finishing touch that adds texture and visual appeal

Instructions

Prepare the Cupcake Tin:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your muffin tin with cupcake liners to ensure easy removal and neat presentation of cupcakes.
Mix the Cupcake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl combine the white cake mix, vegetable oil, egg whites, and lemon lime soda. Use a hand mixer on medium speed and blend until the ingredients are well incorporated but avoid overmixing to keep batter light.
Add the Gelatin:
Gently stir in the lime gelatin mix. This adds a subtle citrus boost and helps with texture. Mix just enough to combine to avoid toughening the batter.
Fill the Cupcake Liners:
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners in your muffin tin. Fill each liner about two thirds full to allow space for rising.
Bake and Cool:
Bake the cupcakes for 18 to 20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
Cream the Frosting Base:
Using a hand mixer, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until fluffy and smooth which takes about two minutes.
Flavor the Frosting:
Add the vanilla extract and lime gelatin mix to the butter and cream cheese and blend well to distribute the lime flavor.
Sweeten and Adjust Consistency:
Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, alternating with a tablespoon of half and half to achieve a smooth but firm frosting. Beat for about two minutes till stiff peaks form indicating the right consistency for piping.
Color the Frosting:
Add a drop or two of green food coloring to reach your desired shade of fresh lime green. Mix thoroughly for even color.
Frost and Decorate:
Transfer the frosting into a piping bag fitted with a round tip and pipe generous swirls onto the cooled cupcakes. Finish with green sprinkles for a festive appearance.
A cupcake with green and white frosting and a slice of lime on top.
A cupcake with green and white frosting and a slice of lime on top. | palatablelife.com

My favorite ingredient is the lime gelatin mix because it really elevates the simple cake mix into something special and unique. I still remember the first time my family tried these and everyone was surprised by the fresh flavor combination. It has become a celebratory recipe whenever the sun is shining.

Storage Tips

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to five days. To maintain the best flavor and texture, bring refrigerated cupcakes back to room temperature before serving. If you want to keep them longer you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes individually wrapped and thaw on the counter. Frosting is best made fresh but can be stored separately for a few days in the fridge.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer, you can substitute the white cake mix for yellow or lemon cake mix for a slightly different base flavor. Using club soda or sparkling water in place of lemon lime soda works but you will lose some sweetness and citrus flavor. The lime gelatin mix can be swapped for lemon gelatin if you want a slightly different citrus note. Cream cheese frosting can be made dairy free by using vegan cream cheese and butter alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

These cupcakes are perfect served chilled on a hot summer day. They pair well with a cold glass of lemonade or iced tea. For a party, add fresh lime wedges and mint leaves on the side for added zest and aroma. They also make a bright finish to a brunch or outdoor picnic.

A cupcake with white frosting and green sprinkles.
A cupcake with white frosting and green sprinkles. | palatablelife.com

These lemon lime cupcakes are a bright, easy dessert perfect for summer gatherings. Make the cupcakes ahead and freeze unfrosted for quick treats any time.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ How does lemon lime soda affect the cupcakes?

The lemon lime soda adds moisture and a gentle citrus flavor, making the cupcakes light and tender while enhancing the overall zestiness.

→ What is the role of the lime gelatin mix?

The lime gelatin provides a subtle tartness and helps infuse the cupcakes and frosting with more lime flavor and a slight firmness.

→ Can I use fresh lime juice instead of gelatin mix?

Fresh lime juice can replace gelatin for flavor, but gelatin also adds texture, so the consistency might be lighter without it.

→ How do I get the right frosting consistency?

Whip the butter and cream cheese until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar and half and half to reach a stiff but spreadable texture.

→ What’s the best way to store these cupcakes?

Store the frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days to maintain freshness and texture.

→ Can I prepare the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, the cream cheese frosting can be made up to three days in advance and kept refrigerated until ready to use.

Lemon Lime Cupcakes

Citrusy cupcakes made with lemon lime soda, topped with smooth lime cream cheese frosting. Bright and refreshing.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Brought to You By: Ryan

Recipe Category: Dessert

Skill Level: Perfect for Beginners

Culinary Inspiration: American

Yields: 24 Portion Size

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian-Friendly

What You’ll Need

→ Lemon Lime Soda Cupcakes

01 1 box white cake mix
02 1/2 cup vegetable oil
03 4 egg whites
04 1 3/4 cups lemon lime soda
05 1/2 box lime gelatin mix

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

06 2 sticks salted butter, softened
07 4 oz cream cheese, softened
08 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
09 1/2 box lime gelatin mix
10 1 tsp vanilla extract
11 3 tbsp half and half
12 Green food coloring, as needed
13 Green sprinkles, for decoration

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tray with cupcake liners.

Step 02

Combine cake mix, vegetable oil, egg whites, and lemon lime soda in a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer on medium speed, blend until smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 03

Gently fold in the lime gelatin mix without overmixing to maintain batter texture.

Step 04

Pour the batter into the prepared liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.

Step 05

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool before decorating.

Step 06

Beat softened butter and cream cheese with a hand mixer for approximately two minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 07

Mix in vanilla extract and lime gelatin mix until evenly combined.

Step 08

Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, alternating with half a tablespoon of half and half between additions. Continue mixing for two minutes until stiff peaks form.

Step 09

Add green food coloring dropwise until desired hue is achieved, mixing thoroughly.

Step 10

Transfer frosting into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe onto cooled cupcakes and garnish with green sprinkles.

Handy Tips

  1. To prevent dense cupcakes, mix batter just until ingredients are fully combined with no visible dry streaks.
  2. For a quicker topping, substitute frosting with a lime glaze made from milk, powdered sugar, and lime zest; dip cooled cupcakes and refrigerate.
  3. Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container refrigerated for up to five days. Frosting can be made up to three days ahead.

Must-Have Tools

  • Cupcake liners
  • Muffin tray
  • Mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer
  • Piping bag
  • Round piping tip

Potential Allergens

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if needed.
  • Contains egg, dairy, and gluten

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

Nutritional information is provided for reference and shouldn’t replace expert guidance.
  • Calories: 151
  • Fats: 6 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 23 grams
  • Proteins: 1 grams