Triple Coconut Cupcakes: A Taste of Tropical Bliss

Indulge in the ultimate tropical escape with these fluffy Coconut Cupcakes, crafted with rich coconut milk and crowned with velvety coconut buttercream, then generously dusted with delicate coconut flakes. This delightful triple coconut cupcake recipe, an exquisite creation by our esteemed contributors, ellenJAY, promises a taste of paradise in every bite.

Embracing the Unexpected: A Southern Snow Day

For those of us nestled in the heart of the South, the concept of a truly cold winter is often more of a distant dream than a recurring reality. The mere act of reaching for a heavy coat to run errands signifies an unusually chilly day. And that magical, powdery white substance that gracefully descends from the sky – what most of the world affectionately knows as snow – is practically an urban legend here in Mobile, Alabama. That is, until a few weeks ago, when the impossible happened, transforming a regular Friday night into an unforgettable winter wonderland.

We were immersed in the delightful chaos of late-night orders at our shop, the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods filling the air, when a subtle shift occurred outside. As we finally packed up and headed home, the most incredible sight unfolded before our eyes: it began to snow! Not just a fleeting flake or two, but actual, undeniable snowfall. The collective gasp, the scramble for phones to capture this rare phenomenon on video as the soft, white flakes danced down – it was a moment of pure, unadulterated awe and excitement. A truly momentous occasion that brought a sprinkle of northern magic to our usually temperate southern climate.

Our Homemade Snowman: Frosty’s Brief Visit

As you can undoubtedly imagine, a snowfall, however light, is an event of monumental significance in Mobile. Though the ground received only a delicate dusting – just enough to hint at a blanket of white – we wasted no time in seizing the moment. We bundled up, our children’s eyes wide with wonder, and set about carefully rolling three of the best snowballs we could possibly manage. Piece by painstaking piece, we constructed our very own Frosty the Snowman, a beacon of fleeting winter joy. It was a race against time, as the mild southern air meant Frosty was already beginning his inevitable melt by the next day. Yet, the memory of that enchanting night, spent experiencing such a rare and magical phenomenon with our little ones, remains etched in our hearts – a memory we know might not be revisited for a very long time.

Crafting Edible Snowballs: The Triple Coconut Cupcake Inspiration

Since genuine snow remains a rare and whimsical visitor to our southern landscape, we found ourselves inspired to improvise. Why not create our own version of snowballs – edible ones, of course – that could be savored and enjoyed throughout the entire winter season? And what better form could these delightful confections take than that of exquisitely crafted cupcakes? Thus, our Triple Coconut Cupcakes were born, serving as the perfect, dreamy treat to indulge in while we wistfully recall those fleeting snowy days, or simply when a craving for something truly special strikes.

These aren’t just any coconut cupcakes; they are a celebration of coconut in its finest forms, meticulously designed to transport your senses to a tropical paradise, or perhaps, a cozy, snow-dusted haven. Every element of these cupcakes is infused with a passion for flavor and a commitment to creating an unforgettable dessert experience.

The Anatomy of a Perfect Triple Coconut Cupcake

At the heart of these irresistible treats lies the cake itself. Unsweetened canned coconut milk is the secret ingredient, bestowing upon the white cake an unparalleled depth of coconut flavor and an incredibly moist, fluffy texture that simply melts in your mouth. This choice ensures that the coconut essence is woven deeply into the very foundation of the cupcake, rather than just a superficial hint.

Next, we turn our attention to the glorious topping: a luxuriously smooth coconut buttercream. Crafted with even more coconut milk and rich heavy cream, this frosting is whipped to perfection, creating a light, airy, yet utterly decadent complement to the cake. The balance of sweetness and tropical flavor in the buttercream is meticulously calibrated to enhance, not overwhelm, the delicate nuances of the cake.

And for the grand finale, the third dose of coconut that completes our “triple threat” comes in the form of sweetened shredded coconut flakes. After generously swirling the coconut buttercream atop each cupcake, we gently invert them into a bowl of these vibrant flakes, ensuring every surface is completely enveloped. This process not only intensifies the coconut flavor and adds a delightful textural contrast but also gives the cupcakes their charming “snowball” appearance – a perfectly rounded mound reminiscent of freshly fallen snow. Sink your teeth into one of these heavenly creations, and you’ll instantly understand what it means to be in coconut heaven.

Each component plays a crucial role, working in harmony to create a cupcake that is not only delicious but also visually appealing, capturing the magic of a winter snowball in a delightful, edible form. The natural sweetness and rich aroma of coconut milk, combined with the delicate flakiness of the shredded coconut, makes these cupcakes a true culinary masterpiece. They are an ideal dessert for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant celebrations, bringing a touch of tropical warmth and a hint of winter charm to your table.

A Sweet Embrace for Mild Winter Days

While these delightful cupcakes may not be actual snowballs, they are undoubtedly the closest we come to experiencing a white winter here in Mobile. And we embrace them fully! They are the perfect companions for our typically mild winter days, offering a comforting sweetness and a momentary escape to either a tropical beach or a snow-covered landscape – depending on what our hearts desire. Whether you’re dreaming of a sunny getaway or a frosty morning, these Triple Coconut Cupcakes are sure to bring a smile to your face and a delicious warmth to your soul. They embody the joy of baking and the simple pleasure of sharing a homemade treat, making any day a little brighter and a lot sweeter.

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Coconut Cupcakes Recipe

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5 from 5 reviews

Discover how to make fluffy coconut cupcakes bursting with triple coconut flavor. These delicious treats are made with coconut milk, topped with smooth coconut buttercream, and finished with a generous coating of coconut flakes, creating a perfect “snowball” effect. This recipe yields 24 delightful cupcakes.

• Author: ellenJAY
• Yield: 24 cupcakes
• Category: Dessert, Baking, Cupcakes

Ingredients

For the Fluffy Coconut Cupcakes:

• 3 cups cake flour, sifted for best results
• 4 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 2 ⅓ cups granulated sugar
• 5 large egg whites, at room temperature
• ½ cup whole milk, at room temperature
• 1 cup canned unsweetened coconut milk, well-shaken
• ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut flakes, for texture

For the Smooth Coconut Buttercream:

• 2 cups unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 8 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 4 teaspoons pure coconut extract, for intense flavor
• ½ cup heavy cream, cold
• ½ cup canned unsweetened coconut milk, well-shaken
• 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut flakes, for decorating

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Instructions

Part 1: Make the Delicious Coconut Cupcakes

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Line two standard 12-cup muffin pans with paper cupcake liners. This recipe yields 24 cupcakes, so prepare accordingly.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly whisk together the dry ingredients: cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, gently combine the wet ingredients: egg whites, whole milk, and canned unsweetened coconut milk. Whisk until just blended.
4. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on high speed for approximately 2 minutes, until the mixture is light, airy, and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Slowly add the prepared dry flour mixture into the butter mixture, mixing until just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Gradually pour in the egg and milk mixture, continuing to beat on low speed until everything is well incorporated and the batter is smooth.
7. Gently fold in the sweetened shredded coconut flakes by hand using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each approximately ¾ full. This ensures proper rising and prevents overflow.
9. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking to maintain moisture.
10. Allow the freshly baked cupcakes to cool in their pans for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Ensure they are fully cooled before frosting.

Part 2: Prepare the Smooth Coconut Buttercream

1. In the bowl of your stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and coconut extract on medium speed for 2 minutes until the butter is smooth and creamy.
2. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time, while the mixer is running. Continue mixing until the frosting is smooth and lump-free.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and coconut milk. Slowly add this liquid mixture to the icing while the mixer continues to beat on low, then increase to medium-high until the buttercream is light, fluffy, and perfectly smooth.
4. Prepare a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (or your preferred tip for swirling). Fill the bag with the prepared coconut buttercream.
5. Generously swirl the coconut buttercream on top of each cooled cupcake. Then, carefully dip each frosted cupcake upside down into a bowl of the reserved sweetened shredded coconut flakes, ensuring the entire top is covered and mounded like an adorable snowball.

 
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY THESE COCONUT-INSPIRED TREATS:
Classic Coconut Cake
Exotic Coconut Tres Leches Cake
Decadent Coconut Cake with Large Coconut Flakes