Recipes

Easy Italian Pasta Salad

Categories Recipes, Sides1 Comment on Easy Italian Pasta Salad

Summer is pasta salad season, and this Easy Italian Pasta Salad is a delicious contribution for your next barbecue or picnic!  It works as a side or a light vegetarian lunch or dinner.  It’s herby, lemony, and cheesy, as well as very customizable if needed.

The texture of the cooked pasta absolutely tastes the freshest the day of cooking, so while leftovers are still tasty, I definitely recommend serving it straight away if possible!

I love the shape of rigatoni, but any similarly-sized pasta, like penne, fusilli, or farfalle, would work great!

Main Supplies Needed:

  • A Large Pot
  • Knife & Cutting Board
  • A Cheese Grater (unless the cheese is pre-grated)
  • A Colander
  • 10 x 15 Glass Baking Dish (or similar for serving, see Directions)

Servings: 6 Bowls, Or 12 Small Sides

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Pasta Of Choice, rigatoni or equivalent size
  • 10 oz Cherry Tomatoes, halved
  • 1 Dry Pint Grape Tomatoes, halved 
  • 1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Lemon Juice From 1 Large Lemon
  • 2 Tsp Dried Basil
  • 1 Tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese, Plus Extra For Serving, finely grated
  • Sea Salt And Black Pepper, to taste

LINKS TO INGREDIENT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil | Red Pepper Flakes | Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot

While the pasta is cooking, halve the tomatoes and set aside

Grate the cheese if it is not pre-grated

Drain the pasta in the colander, then let it cool slightly for a couple of minutes

Transfer the pasta into a large baking dish or bowl that will be used for serving, and potentially storing in the fridge (such as a 10 x 15 glass baking dish)

Coat the pasta in the olive oil, stirring evenly

Stir in the halved tomatoes

Add in the lemon juice and mix in evenly

Mix in the basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder

Add the parmesan and evenly stir it all in

Sprinkle and stir in sea salt and black pepper to taste, taste testing until it reaches your preference

Serve immediately at room temperature, or store leftovers sealed in the refrigerator**

Include optional extra parmesan when serving

**Leftovers can be brought back to room temperature before serving

Enjoy!

Want more pasta salad?  Try my Easy Greek Pasta Salad!

Peppered Parmesan Fries

Categories Recipes, Sides, Snacks2 Comments on Peppered Parmesan Fries

If you love cheese and potatoes, these crispy Peppered Parmesan Fries are for you!  They have just the right amount of kick from the red pepper flakes, and the garlic powder ties all of the flavors together.  The parmesan creates the ultimate crispy coating, and whether you’re in need of a side for burgers or a late night snack, I promise they will be devoured!

Main Supplies Needed:

  • A Peeler
  • Knife & Cutting Board
  • A Large Bowl
  • A Colander
  • Paper Towels
  • A Cheese Grater (unless the cheese is pre-grated)
  • Parchment Paper
  • A Large Baking Sheet  

Servings: 2 – 3 Sides

Ingredients:

  • 4 Medium** Russet Potatoes, peeled
  • 1 Heaped Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/2 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
  • Just Under 1/2 Tsp Sea Salt
  • 1/4 Tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese, finely grated

**Aim for potatoes that are approximately 7 oz each before peeling.  After peeling they will be reduced to closer to 4 – 5.5 oz each.

INGREDIENT NOTES:

A great-tasting extra virgin olive oil and parmesan cheese really make all the difference!

LINKS TO INGREDIENT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil | Red Pepper Flakes | Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

PREP

Peel and slice the potatoes into 1/4 inch fries, keeping the size consistent for even cooking time

Place the potato slices in a large bowl, and fill it with chilled water and a few ice cubes

Let the potato slices soak for 45 minutes to remove the excess starch

While the potatoes are soaking, preheat the oven to 425º 

Prepare the grated cheese (if not pre-grated) and set aside

Rinse the potato slices well in a colander when the time is up, then blot them dry with paper towels

Thoroughly clean the bowl used for soaking before reusing it in the next step to get rid of all of the starch that was removed in the soaking process

In the cleaned large bowl, coat the potato slices with the olive oil

Once evenly coated, toss with the red pepper flakes, sea salt, and garlic powder

Toss again with the cheese until evenly covered

BAKE

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper

Spread the prepared potatoes evenly across the baking sheet, keeping them from overlapping as much as possible to allow them to crisp

They will bake for a total of 45 minutes with the following mixing and flipping times:

Pause your timer when removing them from the oven at these intervals while you’re stirring/flipping the fries

At the 15 minute mark, gently stir the fries around the pan, flipping them over as well

Repeat the above at the 30 minute mark

At the 40 minute mark, the fries can be left alone, but turn the pan around in the oven for the final 5 minutes

At 45 minutes, they should now be crispy enough for most, but if you enjoy them on the crunchier, more burned side, feel free to add an extra 2 minutes!

Remove from the oven and serve immediately while warm

Enjoy!

Loved these fries?  Try my Rosemary Parmesan Fries!

Rosemary Parmesan Fries

Categories Recipes, Sides, Snacks3 Comments on Rosemary Parmesan Fries

Perfectly crispy and herby with a subtle hint of cheese and spice, these oven-baked Rosemary Parmesan Fries are the perfect side to have on hand for the summer burger season!  They’re also delicious all on their own when you’re in need of a flavorful savory snack.

I choose to go small-batch with these fries as they really do taste best when they’re fresh!  Of course if you’re serving more people, doubling the ingredient amounts is simple!  The given quantity fills up one standard large baking sheet.

Main Supplies Needed:

  • A Peeler
  • Knife & Cutting Board
  • A Large Bowl
  • A Colander
  • Paper Towels
  • A Cheese Grater (unless the cheese is pre-grated)
  • Parchment Paper
  • A Large Baking Sheet

Servings: 2 – 3 Sides

Ingredients:

  • 4 Medium** Russet Potatoes, peeled
  • 1 Heaped Tbsp + 1/2 Tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 3 Tsp Fresh Rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1/4 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
  • Just Under 1/2 Tsp Sea Salt
  • 2 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese, finely grated

**Aim for potatoes that are approximately 7 oz each before peeling.  After peeling they will be reduced to closer to 4 – 5.5 oz each.

INGREDIENT NOTES:

A great-tasting extra virgin olive oil and parmesan cheese really make all the difference!

LINKS TO INGREDIENT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil | Red Pepper Flakes | Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

PREP

Peel and slice the potatoes into 1/4 inch fries, keeping the size consistent for even cooking time

Place the potato slices in a large bowl, and fill it with chilled water and a few ice cubes

Let the potato slices soak for 45 minutes to remove the excess starch

While the potatoes are soaking, preheat the oven to 425º 

Prepare the fresh rosemary and grated cheese and set aside

Rinse the potato slices well in a colander when the time is up, then blot them dry with paper towels

Thoroughly clean the bowl used for soaking before reusing it in the next step to get rid of all of the starch that was removed in the soaking process

In the cleaned large bowl, coat the potato slices with the olive oil

Once evenly coated, add in the chopped rosemary, sea salt, and red pepper flakes

Stir until the herbs have evenly covered the potatoes

Add in the grated parmesan and stir again

BAKE

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper

Spread the prepared potatoes evenly across the baking sheet, keeping them from overlapping as much as possible to allow them to crisp

They will bake for a total of 45 minutes with the following mixing and flipping times:

Pause your timer when removing them from the oven at these intervals while you’re stirring/flipping the fries

At the 15 minute mark, gently stir the fries around the pan, flipping them over as well

Repeat the above at the 30 minute mark

At the 40 minute mark, the fries can be left alone, but turn the pan around in the oven for the final 5 minutes

At 45 minutes, they should now be crispy enough for most, but if you enjoy them on the crunchier, more burned side, feel free to add an extra 2 minutes!

Remove from the oven and serve immediately while warm

Enjoy!

In need of a great thick-cut versatile fry? Try my Crispy Potato Wedges!

Olive Oil Cake With Citrus Glaze

Categories Recipes1 Comment on Olive Oil Cake With Citrus Glaze

When the weather is warm, nothing beats a citrusy dessert!  This Olive Oil Cake With Citrus Glaze will be a hit on any spring or summer table!

The cake is super moist and fluffy, and has just the right amount of olive oil flavor.  The glaze adds a light lemon touch, and the hefty quantity of orange zest in the cake subtly brings it all together!

The glaze is incredibly easy with only 3 ingredients.  It’s the same 3 that I use on my Iced Lemon Cake!

Main Supplies Needed:

  • A 10 Inch Springform Pan
  • Parchment Paper
  • A Baking Sheet
  • Aluminum Foil
  • A Zester Or Cheese Grater
  • A Whisk
  • Toothpicks
  • A Cooling Rack

Servings: 8 Large Slices, Or 12 Small Slices

Ingredients:

CAKE

  • 1.5 Cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil (+ enough to grease the pan)
  • 3 Eggs, room temperature
  • 1 1/4 Cup Cane Sugar
  • 1/4 Cup Light Brown Sugar, packed
  • 3 Tbsp + 1 Tsp Lemon Juice
  • 3 Tsp Lemon Zest, lightly packed
  • 1/3 Cup Orange Zest, lightly packed
  • 1 + 1/4 Cup + 1 Tbsp Whole Milk
  • 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 Teaspoon Sea Salt
  • 1/2 Tsp Baking Soda
  • 1/2 Tsp Baking Powder

GLAZE

  • 1 Cup Powdered Sugar
  • 2 Tsp Lemon Zest
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
  • This makes a generous amount of glaze – I prefer to use the majority, but add as much or as little as you like!
  • To thicken: add more powdered sugar / To thin: add more lemon juice

LINKS TO INGREDIENT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil | Flour

Directions:

CAKE

Grease a 10 inch springform pan with olive oil, add a layer of parchment paper across the bottom, then lightly grease again

Take a baking sheet, add a layer of aluminum foil (in case of any slight leakage), and place the springform pan on top of it

Set the baking sheet with the pan on it aside

Preheat the oven to 325º

In a large bowl, use a fork to gently whisk together the olive oil and the eggs

Add the sugars, lemon juice, lemon zest, orange zest, and milk, and gently stir with fork until combined

In a second smaller bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder with a fork until evenly mixed

Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, and mix gently until well combined – Start with a spoon, then gently use a whisk until batter is smooth

Add the batter to the pan, and bake for 60 min – A toothpick will come out clean, and the cake will have risen

Carefully transfer the springform pan off of the baking sheet and onto a cooling rack

Let cool completely before removing from the pan

GLAZE

While the cake is cooling, mix up the glaze:

Stir together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl

Once the cake has cooled, spread the glaze evenly across the top

To let the glaze solidify, it’s best to let it sit and harden for a few hours

Enjoy!

[Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container, and in the refrigerator after the first day.  Slices can be brought back to room temperature if desired before eating, or can also be enjoyed cold!]

Baked Zucchini Beef Pasta

Categories Recipes3 Comments on Baked Zucchini Beef Pasta

When it comes to quick and easy weeknight meals, baked pastas are crowd-pleasers!  This Baked Zucchini Beef Pasta is super simple to make and reheats flawlessly when it’s time for leftovers!

  • Vegetarian? No problem! The ground beef could easily be swapped with your favorite meat alternative!

  • Different pasta preferences? No biggie! I used penne, but any similarly shaped pasta will work great.

  • Looking for serving ideas? This dish is really tasty served with a bit of extra parmesan cheese on top and some garlic bread on the side!

Servings: Approx. 6

Ingredients:

TO COOK

  • 12 oz Pasta, penne or equivalent
  • 3 Small Zucchini, finely chopped
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef
  • 1 Tbsp + 1 Tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (+ enough to grease the pan)
  • Pinches Of Sea Salt And Black Pepper
  • 2 24 oz Jars Arrabiata Pasta Sauce
  • 10 Mozzarella Cheese Slices
  • 1/2 Cup Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese

TO SERVE

  • Fresh Basil To Garnish
  • Extra Parmesan Cheese To Top
  • Optional – Garlic Bread On The Side!

Directions:

PREP

Very lightly grease a 9 x 13 pan with olive oil

COOK ZUCCHINI & BEEF

In a large wok or pot, add the zucchini and the 1 tbsp of olive oil, and cook on medium heat until well done (lightly browned and soft)

Mix in a pinch of salt and pepper

Remove the cooked zucchini from the wok/pot, and set aside

Add the other 1 tsp of olive oil to the wok/pot along with the ground beef

Cook the ground beef on medium heat, breaking it up as you go, until browned

Mix in a pinch of salt and pepper

Add the cooked zucchini into the cooked beef, along with 1/2 of the first jar of pasta sauce

Turn the heat off for the zucchini/beef mixture

PREPARE PASTA

Preheat the oven to 350º while you prepare the pasta

Cook the pasta according to package instructions

Drain the pasta, and add it into the zucchini/beef mixture, along with the rest of the first jar of pasta sauce

LAYER & BAKE

1 – Transfer 1/2 of the zucchini/beef/pasta mixture into the baking pan, until the bottom is covered

2 – Layer on 1/2 of the second jar of pasta sauce

3 – Add on 6 of the 10 mozzarella slices, spread evenly

4 – Add the other 1/2 of the zucchini/beef/pasta mixture

5 – Spread on 1/4 more of the second jar of pasta sauce (The final 1/4 can be saved for if leftovers get dry)

6 – Top with the other 4 slices of mozzarella along with the parmesan

Bake for 40-42 min – The cheese will be melted, and the exposed pastas on top will be a little bit firm and chewy.  If you prefer it more underdone, or a softer pasta texture, you can absolutely bake it for less time!  Start checking it at around 30 min.

SERVE

Serve and garnish with fresh basil, with extra parmesan available

Optional – Serve with bread or garlic bread on the side

Enjoy!

[Leftovers can be stored sealed/airtight in the baking pan in the refrigerator.]

Want more layered and baked meals?  Try my Baked Eggplant Parmesan!

Coffee Peach Crisp

Categories Recipes2 Comments on Coffee Peach Crisp

Perfect for summer, this Coffee Peach Crisp is the ultimate light cookout treat!  Covered with vanilla or coffee ice cream: a must!  The topping is buttery with a rich coffee undertone, and the warm peach filling adds a fruity freshness.

If feeding a crowd and using a larger baking dish, the ingredients could easily be doubled!

This Coffee Peach Crisp recipe was originally created in collaboration with The Bean Coffee Company for Instagram! Visit my page to check out the video tutorial!

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

FILLING

  • 3 15-oz Cans Peaches
  • 3 Tbsp Sugar
  • 2 Tsps Saigon Cinnamon
  • 1/4 Tsp Nutmeg
  • 1 Tsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 Tsp Brewed Coffee

TOPPING

  • 1 Cup Old Fashioned Oats
  • 1/2 Cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 Cup Light Brown Sugar, lightly/loosely packed
  • 1 Tbsp Coffee Grounds
  • 1/4 Tsp Sea Salt
  • 10 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, room temperature, cubed

TO SERVE

  • Vanilla Or Coffee Ice Cream
  • Optional – Decorative Coffee Bean Garnish

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375º and grease a 9-inch baking dish with butter

Drain the peaches and add them into a large bowl, making sure to remove excess liquid to avoid a soggy filling

Add in the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and brewed coffee, and toss until evenly coated

Add the filling to the baking dish, again making sure not to transfer excess liquid, and set aside

In a second large bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, coffee grounds, and salt together

Mix in the cubed butter until thoroughly mixed and crumbly, then add it on top of the filling

Bake for 43 min – The top will be golden and the fruit will be bubbling along the edges

Serve warm with ice cream on top

Enjoy!

Ingredient recommendations linked!

Interested in more warm weather treats? Try my Lime Cupcakes + Vanilla Lime Frosting!

Easy Vegan Chocolate Pudding Oats

Categories RecipesLeave a Comment on Easy Vegan Chocolate Pudding Oats

READY IN 5 MINUTES!

These Easy Vegan Chocolate Pudding Oats are your quick and easy answer to a dessert-y and plant-based breakfast!  The inclusion of the hot cocoa packet makes them sweet and chocolatey and the coconut yogurt adds a bit of creaminess and coconut flavor.  The strawberries on top round them out with fruity freshness.

Of course you don’t have to use a pre-made cocoa mix if you’d rather make your own, or if it’s more convenient.  You can simply combine cocoa powder, sugar, and salt to taste!

The shredded coconut is optional, but it does add a fun boost of coconut flavor! I love this one.

If you want to try a similar non-vegan oatmeal bowl, these Chocolate Strawberry Protein Oats have a similar flavor profile, but feature greek yogurt instead of coconut, and skip the chia. (In this version, the chia seeds act as a thickener, as plant-based yogurts tend to have a different texture than dairy yogurts.)

This breakfast only takes 5 minutes to throw together, and is a great pick on busy mornings!

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 Cup Quick Oats
  • 1 Tbsp Chia Seeds
  • 1 Packet NibMor Hot Cocoa** (or equivalent)
  • 4.5 oz. Plain Coconut Yogurt (or to taste)
  • Fresh Strawberries
  • [Optional Topping: A Sprinkle Of Shredded Coconut]

**Visit my Amazon Storefront to stock up! www.amazon.com/shop/bakeandbewell

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Directions:

Cook the oats with water (I used the microwave), making sure they aren’t too dry so that there is enough liquid for the chia and hot cocoa add-ins

Mix in the chia seeds

Then, stir in the hot cocoa packet

Mix in the coconut yogurt

Top with fresh chopped strawberries (and shredded coconut if you wish)

Enjoy!

Want more easy chocolate oats? Try my Chocolate Chip Banana Protein Oats!

Looking for oats of a different flavor? These Sunbutter Berry Overnight Oats are a favorite!

Coconut Oil Brownies

Categories Recipes1 Comment on Coconut Oil Brownies

DAIRY-FREE + ONLY 7 SIMPLE INGREDIENTS!

Perfectly fudgy and moist in the center balanced with soft and cakey edges, these super thick dairy-free Coconut Oil Brownies are out of this world!  The virgin coconut oil gives the rich chocolatey flavor a nice coconut undertone, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The delicate balance of fudginess and cakiness is achieved through the combination of using coconut oil along with a small bit of applesauce.  The oil creates the fudginess while the hint of applesauce adds the slightest amount of fluff without drying them out.

While I love a warm brownie straight out of the oven, these brownies truly reach their peak taste and texture a good 12 hours later.  (Yes, I did sample one the following morning at breakfast and it was a very good decision.)  Straight from the oven they have a cakier consistency, but after fully cooling they settle into decadent fudginess!

They are incredible all on their own, but would also taste fabulous with a scoop of ice cream on top.

They only require 7 ingredients and 1 single bowl for mixing, which keeps both baking and cleanup really quick and easy!

Servings: Approx. 9 Brownies

Ingredients:

  • 2/3 Cup Virgin Coconut Oil, melted
  • 2 Cups Cane Sugar
  • 1/3 Cup Unsweetened Applesauce
  • 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 Cup Unsweetened Dutch-process Cocoa Powder
  • 4 Eggs, room temperature
  • 1 + 1/3 Cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips

INGREDIENT NOTES:

Virgin coconut oil provides a stronger coconut taste which I strongly recommend for this recipe. (Refined coconut oil is more neutral.)

Dutch-process cocoa powder is a must!  It’s what’s responsible for the deep dark color as well as the intense chocolate flavor!

LINKS TO INGREDIENT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Virgin Coconut Oil | Applesauce | All-Purpose Flour | Dutch-process Cocoa Powder

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350º

Line a 9 x 9 baking pan with parchment paper and set aside

Add the coconut oil to a large microwave-safe bowl  (You can use this trick this speed things up:  How To Measure Cold Coconut Oil)

Microwave the coconut oil until just melted (In my microwave it took about 60 seconds)

Once the oil has cooled slightly, stir in the sugar and applesauce, then the flour, then the cocoa, then the eggs

Stir in the chocolate chips

Pour the batter into your baking pan and bake for 35 minutes

Let cool

Enjoy!

[Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.]

VIDEO TUTORIAL:

Greek Chickpea Salad

Categories Recipes, Sides, Snacks4 Comments on Greek Chickpea Salad

Delicious all on its own, atop a slice of toasted fresh bread, or served with pita slices to share, this Greek Chickpea Salad is such an easy, fresh, springtime meal, snack, or party contribution.  It also works wonderfully as a meal prep option to have on hand in the fridge throughout the week.

This recipe could very easily be made vegan if the feta was replaced with a vegan cheese.

If you’re feeding a larger group, it’s simple to double the quantity.

Finally, it’s super versatile if you prefer to add more or less of any of the ingredients!

Servings: Approx. 5

Ingredients:

  • 3 Tbsp Finely Chopped Fresh Dill 
  • 1 Tbsp Finely Chopped Fresh Rosemary
  • 1 Finely Chopped Cucumber
  • 21 Sliced Kalamata Olives
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 3 Cups Prepared/Canned Chickpeas
  • 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
  • 1/2 Cup + 2 Tbsp Feta Cheese Crumbles
  • 2 Chopped Medium Tomatoes
  • Sea Salt, To Taste
  • Black Pepper, To Taste
  • Red Pepper Flakes, To Taste

Directions:

Chop the fresh herbs, cucumber, tomato, and olives, and set aside

Squeeze the lemon juice and set aside

Drain, rinse, and dry the chickpeas

Optional – Peel the chickpeas (This is not required, but I find them to be more enjoyable this way!  After the rinsing process, you will see the outer layer beginning to peel off of them naturally.  They will pop out of their casings easily.)

Place the chickpeas in a large bowl

Add in the olive oil, cucumber, lemon juice, and herbs, and stir

Add in a small amount of salt, pepper, and red pepper, and stir again (You can add more later if needed.)

Next, mix in the feta, tomatoes, and olives

Add additional salt, pepper, and/or red pepper to taste

Serve, and enjoy!

[Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge.]

Love these types of flavors?  Check out my Easy Greek Pasta Salad too!

Lime Cupcakes + Vanilla Lime Frosting

Categories Recipes3 Comments on Lime Cupcakes + Vanilla Lime Frosting

The perfect cupcakes for a warm spring day, these Lime Cupcakes with Vanilla Lime Buttercream Frosting are just the right combination of refreshing and decadent!

The cake portion is minimally sweet, letting the indulgent frosting really shine and create the perfect balance. 

You don’t need any expert skills or tools to make these cupcakes.  While using a piping bag for frosting will always look pretty, you can also use the ziplock bag method as I did!  A butter knife works as well.  Use whatever you have available to you!

Main Supplies Needed:

  • A Cupcake / Muffin Pan + Liners
  • A Hand Mixer
  • A Zester Or Cheese Grater
  • Toothpicks
  • A Cooling Rack

(If you don’t anticipate the entire batch being consumed at once, check out the storage recommendations at the bottom of the instructions.)

Servings: 12 Cupcakes

Ingredients:

CUPCAKES

  • 1.5 Cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/4 Tsp Baking Soda
  • 1.5 Tsp Baking Powder
  • 1/2 Tsp Sea Salt
  • 3/4 Cup + 1 Tbsp Cane Sugar
  • 2 Tbsp Lime Zest
  • 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter, cubed, room temperature
  • 2 Eggs, room temperature
  • 1/3 Cup Fresh Lime Juice
  • 1/3 Cup + 1 Tbsp Half and Half, room temperature, or slightly cool is okay!

FROSTING

  • 1 Cup (2 Sticks) Unsalted Butter, room temperature/softened
  • 2 1/2 Cups Powdered Sugar
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh Lime Juice
  • 1 Tbsp + 1 Tsp Lime Zest
  • 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract

TOPPING

Optional: Lime Slice Garnishes To Serve

Directions:

PREP

Line a cupcake/muffin tray with 12 liners

Prepare the lime zest and set aside (including the extra reserved for the frosting)

Preheat the oven to 350º

CUPCAKES

In a medium-sized bowl, add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt, and whisk together with a fork

Set the dry ingredients aside

In a large bowl, mix the sugar and lime zest together with a hand mixer

Beat in the cubed butter with a hand mixer, being careful not to overmix (A spoon can be briefly used to ease the mixing, then switch to a low/medium speed until combined and fluffy)

Next, beat in the eggs until just combined (on a low speed)

Mix in approximately half of the lime juice until just combined (on a low speed)

Then, mix in approximately half of the dry ingredients until just combined (on a low speed)

Mix in the other half of the lime juice as well as the half and half until just combined (on a low speed)

Mix in the other half of the dry ingredients until combined (on a low speed)

You can use a spoon to scrape the sides if needed and lightly finish stirring

The batter should now be smooth

Add the batter into the liners

Bake for 18 minutes, or just until a toothpick comes clean

Be careful not to overbake as they will dry out quickly

After 2 minutes, transfer them to a cooling rack to prevent overcooking (I use a pair of forks to lightly grab them out of the hot pan)

While they’re cooling, make the frosting

FROSTING

In a large bowl, beat the butter with a hand mixer until whipped

Loosely stir in the powdered sugar (to avoid mess) then finish combining it with the hand mixer

Mix in the lime juice

Then, mix in the lime zest

Finally, mix in the vanilla

DECORATION

Using your method of choice, frost the cupcakes

Garnish with lime slices before serving if you like

Enjoy!

[If the whole batch is not being consumed at once, the leftover cakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature, and the leftover frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge!  The frosting can be brought back up to room temperature before using on the leftovers.  It will return to its original soft texture.]

Ingredient recommendations linked!

Interested in more citrus desserts? Try my Iced Lemon Cake!