Not A Pie Lime Meringue Cupcake

Do you have that one flavor of pie you absolutely adore, but you are so busy that you would appreciate it even more if you could eat it with one hand? If that's the case, look no further than this recipe for lime meringue cupcakes. It isn't overly sweet like pie can be sometimes, and the meringue is perfectly fluffy and flavorful. Move over, pie. There's a new, chic confection in town. 

The recipe:
For the batter:
1/2 c. softened unsalted butter (1 stick)
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
zest of 3 limes and juice of 2 1/2 
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
2/3 c. cold milk

For the meringue:
3 egg whites
1 1/2 Tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp cream of tartar

Makes 12 cupcakes. 
Preheat your oven to 350. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar at medium speed. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. When eggs are thoroughly mixed with the butter and sugar, beat in the vanilla. 

In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients and add to the butter mixture, a little at a time. Mix on medium speed. When the mixture is well-incorporated, add the milk, lime zest, and juice to the mixing bowl and mix until it is fully incorporated. 

Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners and evenly distribute the batter amongst  the 12 muffin cups. Bake 18-24 minutes. Poke small hole into the center of one of the cupcakes. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cupcakes are done. Take them out of the pan and set on a wire rack to cool. 

While those are cooling, make the meringue. If you haven't separated eggs before, have no fear; it is pretty easy, even for a rookie baker. Here is a video tutorial if you are a visual learner:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0FXHwIRTC8&noredirect=1

Okay. You now have your egg whites. Add the sugar and cream of tartar to the whites, and beat on medium speed until stiff peaks form. To check for stiff peaks, simply turn the beaters upside down. If the whites stay in place at the end of the beaters, congratulations. Gently scoop the meringue with a large spoon and top each cupcake with some meringue. Place the tray in the middle rack of the oven, and set your broiler on the low setting in order to lightly brown the meringue. This will take 1 or two minutes. Carefully monitor these babies because there is nothing worse than burnt meringue. Ick!

Bon appétit!