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Coconut Cupcakes with Lime Buttercream Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 145 reviews

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, these cupcakes offer a perfect balance of sweet coconut flavor with fresh lime zing, making them an ideal treat for summertime or any tropical-themed celebration.

Ingredients

Scale

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 paper liners to prepare for baking the cupcakes.
  2. Process Coconut: Place the 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut into a food processor or blender and pulse until it becomes a fine powder to incorporate evenly into the batter.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, processed coconut, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute all dry ingredients.
  4. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  5. Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and coconut extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
  6. Combine Dry Ingredients and Coconut Milk: Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually beat in the dry flour mixture alternated with the well-mixed coconut milk until the batter is smooth.
  7. Fill Cupcake Liners and Bake: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups and bake for 15-17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Toast Coconut for Decoration: If using toasted coconut, spread 1/3 cup sweetened shredded coconut evenly on a baking sheet and toast at 325°F (163°C) for 5-10 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning, as coconut can go from toasted to burnt quickly.
  9. Make Lime Buttercream Frosting: While cupcakes cool, beat the softened butter in a large bowl until very fluffy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  10. Add Lime Flavor: Beat in the lime zest and then the freshly squeezed lime juice, one tablespoon at a time, adjusting for desired tanginess. Optionally add green food coloring for a vibrant look.
  11. Adjust Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, beat in 1 tablespoon of whipping cream to achieve a creamy, spreadable texture.
  12. Frost and Decorate Cupcakes: Once cupcakes have cooled completely, frost them using a piping bag fitted with a 1M Wilton tip or a knife. Sprinkle with toasted coconut and garnish with lime slices if desired.

Notes

  • Before measuring 2/3 cup of coconut milk, stir or blend the entire can very well to mix the coconut solids and liquid evenly for best flavor and texture.
  • Watch the toasted coconut carefully while baking as it can quickly go from perfectly toasted to burnt within a minute.
  • Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best fresh-tasting frosting; avoid bottled juice for flavor clarity.
  • Frost cupcakes only after they have completely cooled to prevent melting the buttercream.
  • Optional food coloring enhances visual appeal but can be omitted for a natural frosting color.

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

Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/coconut-cupcakes-with-lime-buttercream-frosting-recipe-7/