Coconut Cupcakes with Coconut-Cream Cheese Frosting

Create a memorable dessert packaged in a pint-size liner. These too-cute-to-eat treats get their vibrant flavor from coconut extract.

Makes 1 1/2 dozen


Recipe Time:
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Prep Time: 24 Minutes
Cool Time: 30 Minutes




Ingredients

• 3/4 cup butter, softened
  
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
  
• 6 large egg whites
  
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  
• 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
• 3 cups cake flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons coconut milk, divided
• 1 tablespoon amaretto liqueur
• Coconut-Cream Cheese Frosting*
  
• 1 1/2 cups large-flake unsweetened coconut, toasted

Preparation

1. Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy and creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating until well blended. Add egg whites, 1 at a time, beating until blended after each addition. Add extracts; beat well.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; add to butter mixture alternately with 1 cup coconut milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed until blended after each addition.
3. Divide batter evenly among 18 paper-lined cups of muffin pans. Bake at 350° for 20 to 23 minutes or until batter is set but centers of cupcakes still look slightly wet. (Do not overcook.) Cool in pans 10 minutes; transfer to wire racks.
4. Combine amaretto liqueur and remaining 3 tablespoons coconut milk; stir well. Spoon mixture evenly over tops of warm cupcakes, spreading with back of spoon. Cool completely.
5. Frost cupcakes with Coconut-Cream Cheese Frosting, and sprinkle with toasted coconut. Store at room temperature.

HOW TO MAKE COCONUT-CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon coconut milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
• 1 (16-ounce) package powdered sugar

Preparation

1. Beat first 5 ingredients at high speed with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth. Add powdered sugar; beat until well blended, stopping to scrape down sides.

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