Go Back

Raspberry Coconut Cupcakes

Tender, moist coconut cupcakes topped with fluffy coconut buttercream, shredded coconut flakes, and a fresh juicy raspberry.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 38 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Baking
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Cupcake Batter
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 0.25 cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 tsp coconut extract
  • 0.5 cup canned coconut milk full-fat, stirred
  • 0.5 cup sweetened shredded coconut
Coconut Frosting
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3-4 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 1 tsp coconut extract
  • 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tbsp canned coconut milk
  • 1 pinch salt
Garnish
  • 0.5 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 12 fresh raspberries washed and dried completely

Equipment

  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Cupcake liners
  • Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
  • Piping bag with star tip
  • Wire cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, oil, and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla and coconut extracts.
  5. On low speed, add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the coconut milk in two additions, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  6. Gently fold in the 1/2 cup of shredded coconut by hand.
  7. Divide batter evenly among the liners, filling about 2/3 full. Bake for 16-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. For the frosting, beat the softened butter for 5 minutes until pale and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, coconut extract, vanilla, salt, and coconut milk. Beat until light and fluffy.
  10. Pipe the frosting onto cooled cupcakes, sprinkle edges with shredded coconut, and top each with a fresh raspberry.

Notes

Make sure your cupcakes are entirely cooled to room temperature before applying the buttercream, otherwise it will melt.