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Coconut Cupcakes with Lime Buttercream Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 106 reviews

These Coconut Cupcakes with Lime Buttercream Frosting feature a moist, buttery coconut cake with a triple dose of coconut flavor from shredded coconut, coconut milk, and coconut extract. Topped with a creamy, tangy lime buttercream frosting and toasted coconut, these tropical cupcakes are perfect for summer celebrations or anytime you crave a bright, refreshing dessert.

Ingredients

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Coconut Cupcakes

  • 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
  • 2/3 cup coconut milk, mixed very well

Lime Buttercream Frosting

  • 1/3 cup sweetened shredded coconut, for decorating (optional)
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1.5 tablespoons lime zest
  • 3.5–4.5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon whipping cream, if needed
  • 2–3 drops green food coloring, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan with 12 muffin papers.
  2. Process Coconut: Place 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut in a food processor or blender and process until fine powder.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, processed shredded coconut, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and coconut extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
  6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Reduce mixer speed to low and alternately beat in the dry ingredient mixture and the well-mixed coconut milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
  7. Fill Muffin Cups and Bake: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin papers, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Toast Coconut for Decoration: If using toasted coconut as a topper, spread 1/3 cup sweetened shredded coconut in an even layer on a cookie sheet. Bake in the oven at 325°F (162°C) for 5-10 minutes, watching closely as it can quickly burn. Remove when golden brown and fragrant.
  9. Prepare Lime Buttercream Frosting: In a large bowl, beat softened butter until very fluffy. Add lime zest, then gradually beat in powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time.
  10. Add Lime Juice and Cream: Beat in freshly squeezed lime juice 1 tablespoon at a time until desired tanginess is reached. If the frosting is too stiff, add 1 tablespoon whipping cream and beat at medium-high speed until creamy and fluffy. Optionally add green food coloring for a pale hue.
  11. Frost Cupcakes: Once cupcakes are completely cooled, frost using a piping bag with a 1M Wilton tip or spread with a knife.
  12. Garnish: Sprinkle frosted cupcakes with toasted coconut and optionally garnish each with a thin slice of lime for a tropical touch.

Notes

  • Before measuring coconut milk, stir or blend the can thoroughly to mix solids and liquids evenly for consistent moisture in the batter.
  • Watch toasted coconut carefully while baking as it can burn in under a minute once it starts browning.
  • Use freshly squeezed lime juice for best flavor in the frosting; bottled lime juice may have an off taste.
  • The green food coloring is optional and mainly for visual enhancement of the lime buttercream.
  • Ensure cupcakes are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting or sliding of the buttercream.

Keywords: coconut cupcakes, lime buttercream frosting, tropical cupcakes, coconut milk cupcakes, lime frosting, toasted coconut dessert, summer cupcakes, tropical dessert

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/coconut-cupcakes-with-lime-buttercream-frosting-recipe/