Description
These Easy Coconut Cupcakes with Coconut Buttercream Frosting are a moist and flavorful treat perfect for any occasion. Made from a simple white cake mix enriched with coconut milk and sweetened flaked coconut, they are topped with a creamy coconut-infused buttercream and additional coconut flakes for extra texture and taste. Ideal for coconut lovers seeking a quick and delightful dessert.
Ingredients
Cupcake Ingredients
- 1 (15.25 ounce) White Cake Mix
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, melted
- 4 Egg Whites
- 1 (13.5 ounce) Coconut Milk
- 1 cup Sweetened Flaked Coconut
Buttercream Frosting Ingredients
- 3 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter, room temperature
- 2-3 tablespoons Whole Milk
- 2 tablespoons Light Corn Syrup
- 1 teaspoon Coconut Extract
- 1 cup Sweetened Flaked Coconut (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Heat the oven to 350°F. Line a cupcake pan with paper liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix cupcake batter: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl, combine the white cake mix, melted butter, and egg whites. Using an electric mixer at low speed, mix for one minute to blend ingredients.
- Add coconut milk: Pour the coconut milk into the bowl and mix on low speed until combined. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for one minute until the batter is smooth and thick. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Incorporate flaked coconut: Fold in the sweetened flaked coconut gently using a spoon to distribute it evenly throughout the batter.
- Fill cupcake liners: Using a spoon or a #20 scoop (about three tablespoons), fill the cupcake liners approximately two-thirds full with batter for optimal rise and shape.
- Bake cupcakes: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; it should come out clean. The cupcakes should have a golden brown top.
- Cool cupcakes: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the frosting sugar: In a large mixing bowl, add the powdered sugar and mix on low speed for 30 seconds to break up any lumps and aerate the sugar.
- Add butter to frosting: Add the room temperature butter to the powdered sugar and beat on low speed to incorporate. Increase speed to medium and beat for one minute until creamy.
- Combine remaining frosting ingredients: Add 2 tablespoons of whole milk, light corn syrup, and coconut extract to the mixture. Beat on medium speed to combine, then increase to medium-high speed and whip for 2 minutes until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, add an additional tablespoon of milk. Adjust coconut extract to taste for more coconut flavor.
- Frost the cupcakes: Using an icing spatula or butter knife, spread the frosting in swirls atop each cooled cupcake. Alternatively, use a piping bag fitted with a 2D icing tip to pipe rosettes. Sprinkle the tops generously with sweetened flaked coconut for garnish.
- Store leftover cupcakes: Place any uneaten cupcakes in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use only egg whites as specified to maintain the light texture of the cupcakes.
- Ensure the butter for frosting is at room temperature for smooth and easy mixing.
- Adjust coconut extract in frosting to increase or decrease coconut flavor intensity.
- Use a #20 scoop to divide batter evenly for uniform cupcake sizes.
- Store cupcakes at room temperature and avoid refrigeration to prevent drying out.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American