Print

Coconut Cupcakes with Lime Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 132 reviews

These Coconut Cupcakes with Lime Buttercream Frosting feature a triple dose of coconut providing a moist, buttery cupcake base topped with creamy, fluffy lime frosting. The cupcakes are enhanced with shredded coconut, coconut milk, and coconut extract, delivering a tropical flavor perfect for summertime or any celebration. Finished with toasted coconut and a slice of lime, these cupcakes combine sweet coconut notes with a fresh, tangy lime punch for a delightful treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Coconut Cupcakes

  • 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons 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 muffin papers.
  2. Process Coconut: Place 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut into a food processor or blender and pulse until it becomes a fine powder.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, processed shredded coconut, baking powder, and salt until combined.
  4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until the mixture is fluffy and light.
  5. Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and coconut extract, mixing until incorporated.
  6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Reduce mixer speed to low; alternately add the flour mixture and the well-mixed coconut milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  7. Fill Muffin Pan and Bake: Spoon the batter evenly into the lined muffin cups. Bake for 15-17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Toast Coconut for Decoration (Optional): Place 1/3 cup shredded sweetened coconut on a cookie sheet in an even layer. Bake in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for 5-10 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning as the coconut can burn quickly.
  9. Prepare Lime Buttercream Frosting: While cupcakes cool, beat the softened butter in a large bowl until very fluffy. Add the lime zest and then sift in powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, mixing thoroughly between additions.
  10. Add Lime Juice and Cream: Beat in lime juice one tablespoon at a time to reach your desired lime flavor. If frosting is too stiff, add whipping cream and beat on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy. Add green food coloring if using and mix until evenly tinted.
  11. Frost and Decorate: Once cupcakes have cooled completely, frost them using a piping bag fitted with a 1M Wilton tip or a knife. Sprinkle toasted coconut on top and garnish with lime slices if desired.

Notes

  • Before measuring coconut milk, stir the can thoroughly to combine solids and liquids evenly. Using just the clear liquid or white solid will alter the texture.
  • Toasting coconut requires close attention; it can burn within a minute once it starts to toast.
  • Use fresh lime juice for best flavor; bottled juice tends to be less vibrant and can affect frosting taste.
  • Butter should be at room temperature and softened properly to achieve fluffy cupcake batter and frosting.
  • For a more intense coconut flavor, ensure to use sweetened shredded coconut as called for in the recipe.

Keywords: coconut cupcakes, lime buttercream frosting, tropical cupcakes, summer cupcakes, toasted coconut, citrus frosting, easy cupcake recipe

Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/coconut-cupcakes-with-lime-buttercream-frosting-recipe-4/