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Coconut Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Buttercream | completelydelicious.com

Coconut Cupcakes

Print Recipe
Light and moist cupcakes with the ultimate coconut flavor.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 24 cupcakes
Calories 411
Author Annalise

Ingredients

For the cupcakes:

  • 5 large egg whites
  • 1 ½ cup unsweetened coconut milk , divided (355 ml, 12 fl oz)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut flavoring
  • 3 cups cake flour (340 grams)
  • 2 ⅓ cups granulated sugar (470 grams)
  • 4 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter , room temperature (226 grams)

For the cream cheese buttercream frosting:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese , room temperature (227 grams)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter , room temperature (113 grams)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar , sifted (455 grams)
  • 1-3 tablespoons unsweetened coconut milk or regular milk
  • 1 teaspoon coconut flavoring
  • 1 cup sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut (85 grams)

Instructions

To make the cupcakes:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray or line with paper cups.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the egg whites, ½ cup of the coconut milk, and coconut flavoring.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the butter and remaining coconut milk and combine on low speed until moistened. Increase speed to medium high and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the egg white mixture in 3 additions, scraping down the sides of the bowl and mixing just long enough to incorporate between additions.
  • Fill the muffin cups ⅔ full with batter. Bake until cupcakes bounce back when lightly pressed and just begin to turn golden, about 13-15 minutes. Let cool in the pan 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Let pan cool to room temperature, then repeat with remaining batter.

To make the buttercream & assemble cupcakes:

  • Beat together the butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar on medium high speed until light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the coconut flavoring and enough coconut milk (or regular milk) to reach a spreadable consistency. Mix until smooth.
  • Spread the shredded coconut on a sheet pan. Toast in a 350°F oven until golden, checking every 2 minutes. Watch it carefully, the coconut will burn fast. Let it cool completely.
  • Frost cupcakes with buttercream and sprinkle with toasted coconut. Store cupcakes in the fridge, for up to 5 days.

Notes

Recipe adapted from my Southern Coconut Cake.

Nutrition

Calories: 411kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 96mg | Potassium: 179mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 40g | Vitamin A: 481IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 1mg