Coconut Cupcakes with Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting

I normally make Paula Deen's coconut cake, but saw this recipe and had to try it. I'm amazed to say I like this recipe even better. These cupcaes are light, fluffy and delicious. I knew I had a hit when even the batter tasted amazing. The cream cheese frosting is easy and puts it right over the top.I have even converted NON coconut lovers into making them their favorite cupcakes too!! They are easy and the reward is well worth it!

Coconut Cupcakes with Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting 

Yield: 2 dozen cupcakes

Ingredients:

Coconut Cupcakes:

• 2 1/2 cups cake flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 2 1/2 sticks (10 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon coconut extract
• 2/3 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cups sweetened coconut flakes

Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes, lightly toasted, for garnish
• 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 cups confectioners' sugar

Instructions:

For the cupcakes: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line two 12-cup standard muffin tins with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt, and set aside.
3. Using a handheld mixer, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time until just combined. Add the vanilla and coconut extracts. Add the buttermilk and the dry ingredients, being careful not to over mix. Mix in the coconut.
4. Fill the cupcake liners two-thirds full with batter. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool on wire racks before frosting. Keep the oven on.

For the frosting:

Using a handheld mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter together until light and smooth. Add the vanilla, and then slowly add the confectioners' sugar 1 cup at a time until thoroughly incorporated.

To assemble: 

Frost the cupcakes generously with about 4 tablespoons of frosting. Garnish with the toasted coconut flakes.

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