Indulge in Perfection: The Ultimate Moist Coconut Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Prepare to have your taste buds transported to a tropical paradise with these absolutely divine Coconut Cupcakes. If you’re a devoted coconut lover, get ready to fall head over heels for this recipe. We’re talking about incredibly moist, tender coconut-infused cupcakes, generously crowned with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting, and then showered with even more delightful coconut flakes. This isn’t just a cupcake; it’s a celebration of pure, unadulterated coconut bliss that promises to be a dream come true for any dessert enthusiast.

Every bite delivers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The cake itself boasts an irresistible tenderness, thanks to a careful balance of ingredients, while the sweet, tropical notes of coconut shine through. The frosting adds a creamy, rich counterpoint, with the subtle tang of cream cheese beautifully complementing the sweetness of the cake. Finally, a sprinkle of extra coconut on top not only adds a lovely visual appeal but also provides an extra layer of texture and intensified coconut flavor. These aren’t just good cupcakes; they are destined to become your new favorite treat, perfect for any occasion, big or small.

Why These Coconut Cupcakes Will Steal Your Heart

There are cupcakes, and then there are *these* coconut cupcakes. What makes them stand out from the crowd? It’s a combination of factors that ensure every single cupcake is a miniature masterpiece. First and foremost is their unparalleled moisture. Nobody wants a dry cupcake, and this recipe guarantees a wonderfully tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb that stays fresh for days. The secret lies in a strategic use of vegetable oil, which contributes to a delicate texture that butter sometimes can’t achieve in this quantity.

Beyond texture, the flavor profile is meticulously crafted. We’ve incorporated not just shredded coconut, but also a blend of vanilla and almond extracts into the batter. This seemingly small detail elevates the coconut flavor, adding depth and a subtle complexity that makes these cupcakes truly unforgettable. It’s a symphony of sweet, nutty, and tropical notes that will have you reaching for another before you’ve even finished the first.

And let’s not forget the star of the topping show: the cream cheese frosting. This isn’t just any frosting; it’s a perfectly balanced blend of rich cream cheese, smooth butter, and a hint of almond and vanilla, all whisked to fluffy perfection. Its creamy texture and slight tang cut through the sweetness of the cupcake, creating an exquisite flavor contrast that is simply irresistible. To top it all off, a generous sprinkle of sweetened shredded coconut provides the ultimate finish, adding a delightful chew and a burst of concentrated coconut flavor. This entire package ensures a dessert experience that is both comforting and elegantly sophisticated.

Essential Tips for Baking the Best Coconut Cupcakes

Creating these delightful coconut cupcakes is a joy, and with a few key tips, you can ensure every batch turns out perfectly moist and flavorful. From preparation to storage, these insights will help you achieve baking success.

Room Temperature Ingredients Are Key: For both the cupcakes and the frosting, ensure your eggs, buttermilk, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify properly, creating a smooth, uniform batter and frosting, which in turn leads to a lighter, airier texture in your baked goods.
Storage and Serving: Due to the cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes are best stored in the refrigerator. However, for optimal flavor and texture, remove them from the fridge about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the frosting to soften slightly and the cake to return to its most tender state, enhancing the overall experience.
Sweetness Control: The recipe calls for sweetened shredded coconut, which adds to the dessert’s richness. If you prefer a less sweet treat, feel free to substitute with unsweetened shredded coconut. You can also adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting to taste, ensuring it’s just right for your palate.
The Secret to Ultimate Moisture: Using vegetable oil in the cupcake batter is crucial for achieving that signature moistness. Unlike butter, oil remains liquid at room temperature, contributing to a more tender crumb that stays soft longer. If you absolutely prefer butter, you can substitute it, but be aware that it might slightly alter the final texture, making the cupcakes a touch less moist. A neutral-flavored oil like canola or grapeseed oil can also be used.
Large Batch, Big Joy: This recipe yields a generous amount of cupcakes, approximately 36. While it might seem like a lot, the recipe is designed with 5 eggs, making it challenging to halve precisely without waste. Consider it a wonderful excuse to share these irresistible treats with friends, family, neighbors, or colleagues. They make perfect party favors or a delightful contribution to any potluck. You can also freeze unfrosted cupcakes for future enjoyment!
Frosting Variations: While the cream cheese frosting is undeniably delicious and a perfect pairing, if you have a different preference, you can certainly switch it up. A classic vanilla buttercream or even a coconut buttercream would also be delightful. Just ensure it’s a frosting that complements the rich coconut flavor of the cake.
Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough, dense cupcakes. A few lumps are perfectly fine and often result in a more tender crumb.
Folding in Coconut: Gently fold in the shredded coconut at the very end of the batter preparation using a spatula. This ensures the coconut is evenly distributed without deflating the batter.

More Delightful Cupcake Creations to Explore

If you’re a fan of these coconut delights, you’ll be thrilled to discover other fantastic cupcake recipes that are equally simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Expand your baking repertoire with these crowd-pleasing options:

Carrot Cake Cupcakes: A timeless classic, packed with spice and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting.
Coconut Cherry Cupcakes: A delightful blend of coconut and tart cherries, offering a vibrant flavor combination.
Coconut Snowball Cupcakes: For even more coconut goodness, these offer a soft, snowy texture.
Red Velvet Cupcakes: A stunning and rich treat, perfect for special occasions.
Key Lime Cupcakes: Zesty and refreshing, capturing the essence of Key Lime pie in cupcake form.
Cookies and Cream Cupcakes: A kid-friendly favorite, featuring crushed cookies in every bite.
Banana Split Cupcakes: All the fun flavors of a banana split, transformed into a portable dessert.
Tres Leches Cupcakes: Soaked in three kinds of milk for an incredibly moist and flavorful experience.
Easter Cupcakes: Festive and fun, perfect for spring celebrations.

Coconut Cupcakes

Author:
Deborah Harroun

Prep Time:
30 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour 30 minutes

Servings:
36 cupcakes

Course:
Dessert

Cuisine:
American

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Coconut lovers will go crazy over these Coconut Cupcakes that are perfectly moist coconut cupcakes topped with a cream cheese frosting and even more coconut.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
2 cups sugar
5 large eggs at room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
4 ounces sweetened shredded coconut

For the Frosting

8 ounces cream cheese softened
1/2 cup butter at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar sifted
6 ounces sweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175°C). Line cupcake pans with paper liners, preparing for your delicious creations.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the vegetable oil and the sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add in the large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl once or twice to ensure everything is well combined. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts until fully mixed.
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add one-third of the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, followed by half of the buttermilk. Continue by adding another one-third of the flour mixture, then the remaining buttermilk, and finally, the last one-third of the flour mixture. Mix just until combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cupcakes. Gently fold in the sweetened shredded coconut with a spatula until evenly distributed.
Fill the prepared cupcake liners about three-quarters full with the batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
To prepare the luscious cream cheese frosting, cream together the softened cream cheese, room temperature butter, almond extract, and vanilla extract in an electric mixer until the mixture is light and perfectly smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated, then increase speed and beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, generously frost each one with the prepared cream cheese frosting. For the final touch, sprinkle the tops with the remaining sweetened shredded coconut, adding a beautiful finish and an extra burst of flavor.

Recipe Notes:

adapted from Barefoot Contessa at Home

Keywords:
coconut cupcakes, moist cupcakes, cream cheese frosting, homemade cupcakes, dessert, baking with coconut

There you have it – a recipe that promises to bring joy to every coconut enthusiast. These Moist Coconut Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are more than just a dessert; they are a delightful experience, perfect for sharing, celebrating, or simply indulging in a moment of pure bliss. With their tender crumb, rich coconut flavor, and decadent frosting, they are sure to become a cherished addition to your baking repertoire. Don’t hesitate to gather your ingredients and embark on this delicious baking adventure. Your taste buds will thank you!