Coconut Cupcakes

Cupcake time!

Even though my body is back here in the Midwest, my mind is still in Hawaii.  So, I decided to whip up some cupcakes...Coconut Cupcakes to be exact!

These cupcakes have a coconut flavor (obviously, right?) with a touch of pineapple.  The Coconut Cupcakes are then topped with a coconut frosting, macadamia nuts and pineapple.  Pretty Hawaiian, don't ya think?

You really need to have fresh coconut to make these cupcakes.  Kidding...although maybe you could use that as an excuse to go to Hawaii?  "Hey honey...I'll be back in a couple of days.  Need to run to Hawaii for some fresh coconut."  Hmmm...that probably won't fly...oh well, the coconut at your grocery store will work just fine. :)

Ingredients to make 18-24 coconut cupcakes:

1 box of yellow cake mix

1/3 cup vegetable oil

3/4 cup water

1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes

3 eggs

1 tsp coconut extract

Ingredients to make coconut frosting:

1/2 cup butter, softened

3 cups powdered sugar

1 tsp coconut extract

5-6 Tbsp milk

Toppings for coconut cupcakes:

1 cup toasted coconut (place sweetened coconut flakes into 1 layer of cookie sheet, bake at 350 degrees for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned)

handful of macadamia nuts

pineapple chunks

In a large gowl, beat together cake mix, oil and water.  Add eggs.  Beat well.  Then add coconut and extract to blend.  Place batter into paper cupcake lined muffin pan.  Bake for 15 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.  Cool completely.

Mix together ingredients for coconut frosting.  Frost cooled cupcakes.  Place toppings on the frosted cupcakes.

Coconut Cupcakes printable recipe

If you are a coconut fan...you will love these cupcakes.  If you aren't, you will become a coconut fan after you have had these tasty cupcakes.  The cupcakes are light and the coconut frosting is sooo good.  Each bite needs to have a bit of coconut and a bit of frosting.  You may need to practice that maneuver by eating lots of cupcakes...practice makes perfect, right?

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet,

Christine


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