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Coconut Cupcakes with Lime Buttercream Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 117 reviews

These Coconut Cupcakes with Lime Buttercream Frosting offer a delightful tropical treat featuring a triple dose of coconut in the moist cupcakes, paired perfectly with a creamy, tangy lime buttercream frosting. Topped with toasted coconut and a slice of lime, these cupcakes deliver a soft, buttery texture with fresh, bright flavors that celebrate summertime and sunny days.

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 cup 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 and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan with muffin papers to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of cupcakes.
  2. Process coconut: Place 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut into a food processor or blender and pulse until it becomes a fine powder, which will be sifted into the dry ingredients for added coconut flavor.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, processed coconut powder, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute leavening and flavor components.
  4. Cream butter and sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Add eggs and extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla and coconut extracts, ensuring everything is well incorporated.
  6. Combine wet and dry: Reduce mixer speed to low, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture, and then slowly pour in the well-mixed coconut milk, blending until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  7. Fill cupcake liners and bake: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin papers, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Toast coconut (optional): For decoration, spread 1/3 cup shredded sweetened coconut evenly on a cookie sheet and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 5-10 minutes, watching carefully as coconut can burn quickly, usually within a minute once near done.
  9. Make lime buttercream frosting: While cupcakes cool, beat softened butter in a large bowl on medium-high speed until very fluffy. Add lime zest, then gradually beat in powdered sugar about one cup at a time until fully incorporated.
  10. Incorporate lime juice and cream: Beat in lime juice one tablespoon at a time to achieve the desired lime flavor. If needed, add the tablespoon of whipping cream and optional green food coloring, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
  11. Frost cupcakes and decorate: Once cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them using a piping bag fitted with a 1M Wilton tip or spread with a knife, then sprinkle with toasted coconut and optionally garnish with a slice of lime for a fresh finish.

Notes

  • Before measuring coconut milk, shake or stir the can thoroughly to combine both the clear liquid and creamy solid parts for consistent texture and flavor.
  • Processing shredded coconut finely enhances its integration into the cupcake batter, adding moistness and flavor.
  • Watch toasted coconut carefully while baking as it can burn quickly after browning.
  • The lime frosting flavor is smooth, not tart or bitter; add lime juice gradually to suit your taste.
  • Using a piping bag with a 1M tip creates a professional look, but spreading with a knife works well too.

Keywords: coconut cupcakes, lime buttercream frosting, tropical cupcakes, moist coconut cupcakes, lime frosting, toasted coconut, summer cupcakes, tropical dessert, cupcake recipe

Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/coconut-cupcakes-with-lime-buttercream-frosting-recipe-5/