Key Lime Cupcakes

Step 1 - The Cupcakes
       - 1 box Betty Crocker SuperMoist lemon cake mix
       - 1 box (4-serving size) lime-flavored gelatin
       - 2/3 c. water
       - 1/3 c. key lime juice
       - 1/3 c. vegetable oil
       - 2 eggs
       - 3 or 4 drops green food color, if desired

Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Spray muffin cups with Baker's Joy (cooking spray with flour). In large bowl, beat cupcake ingredients with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, then on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about half full.

Bake 19 to 24 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean (it was 19 minutes in my oven, not a minute more). Cool in pan 10 minutes. Remove from pan to waxed paper. With toothpick or wooden skewer, pierce tops of cupcakes in several places.

Step 2 - The Glaze
       - 1 c. powdered sugar
       - 2 1/2 TBS key lime juice

In small bowl, mix glaze ingredients until glaze is smooth and thin enough to drizzle. Drizzle and spread glaze over cupcakes. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.  Place cupcakes into baking cups or decorative wrappers before frosting.

Step 3 - The Frosting
       - 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature
       - 8 TBS butter, at room temperature
       - 3 3/4 c. powdered sugar
       - 1 tsp vanilla extract (I use Mexico Vanilla)

Place cream cheese, butter, and vanilla in a large bowl.  Mix with an electric mixer on low about 30-45 seconds.  Stop mixer.  Add confectioner's sugar a little bit at a time, mixing on low speed until the sugar is well mixed (1-2 minutes).  Mix on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Frost cupcakes using a pastry bag and decorative tip, starting at the outer edge and working your way into the center. Note: this recipe is my standard Cream Cheese Frosting (rather than the recipe from Betty Crocker's website).

Garnish with lime peel, sprinkles, or candies, if desired.  I won't be garnishing the wedding cupcakes (friend's request), but I think bright green cake is just begging for a bright garnish.

Mad props to the Betty Crocker website for these delish goodies.  I adapted thems slightly, but even the pic in this post is theirs, so they deserve the credit. They were SUCH a hit with husband's coworkers, and even husband said they *could* be his new favorite (and he's a die-hard red velvet fan).  Totally yummy and worth every calorie! I'm looking forward to making a triple batch for my friend's wedding at the end of June.