Coconut Cupcakes with Lime Buttercream Frosting Recipe
These Coconut Cupcakes with Lime Buttercream Frosting are a tropical delight featuring a triple dose of coconut in the moist, buttery cupcakes and a creamy, tangy lime frosting. Topped with toasted coconut and a slice of lime, they bring summertime fun and fresh flavors to any occasion.
- Author: Tara
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- Preheat oven and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan with muffin papers to prevent sticking.
- Process shredded coconut: Place 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut into a food processor or blender and process until it becomes a fine powder.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, processed coconut, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and coconut flavor.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is fluffy and light, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and coconut extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Combine dry and wet: Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually beat in the dry flour mixture alternating with the well-mixed coconut milk until just combined.
- Fill muffin cups and bake: Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin papers and bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Toast coconut for decoration: If decorating with toasted coconut, spread 1/3 cup of shredded coconut evenly on a cookie sheet and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 5-10 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Prepare lime buttercream frosting: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter until very fluffy. Gradually add lime zest and sifted powdered sugar about 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add lime juice and cream: Beat in freshly squeezed lime juice 1 tablespoon at a time until desired flavor is reached. If the frosting is too thick, add 1 tablespoon whipping cream and beat at medium-high speed for a smooth, fluffy texture.
- Frost cupcakes: Once cupcakes are completely cool, frost them using a piping bag fitted with a 1M Wilton tip or spread with a knife.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the frosted cupcakes with toasted coconut and optionally garnish with a slice of lime for a festive, tropical finish.
Notes
- Before measuring the coconut milk, stir or blend the entire can thoroughly to mix the liquid and solid parts for consistent texture and flavor.
- Watch toasted coconut carefully while baking as it can quickly go from toasted to burnt within a minute.
- The lime juice should be freshly squeezed for the best flavor, avoiding bottled lime juice.
- Frosting consistency can be adjusted with whipping cream to achieve perfect spreadability or pipeability.
- These cupcakes are perfect for summer parties or tropical-themed events.
Keywords: coconut cupcakes, lime buttercream frosting, tropical cupcakes, summer cupcakes, toasted coconut, lime frosting, coconut dessert