Pina Colada Cupcakes (Printable)
Tropical cupcakes bursting with pineapple and coconut flavors, finished with creamy frosting for a festive dessert.
# What You Need:
→ Cupcakes
01 - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 ½ tsp baking powder
03 - ¼ tsp salt
04 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - ⅓ cup coconut milk, canned full-fat
08 - ⅓ cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
09 - ¼ cup pineapple juice
10 - 2 tbsp light rum
11 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
12 - ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
→ Coconut Frosting
13 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
14 - 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
15 - 3 tbsp coconut milk, canned full-fat
16 - ½ tsp vanilla extract
17 - Pinch of salt
→ Garnish
18 - 2 tbsp toasted shredded coconut
19 - 12 maraschino cherries
20 - Small pineapple wedges
# How-To:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
04 - Beat in eggs one at a time. Mix in coconut milk, pineapple juice, rum, and vanilla extract until combined.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Fold in crushed pineapple and shredded coconut.
06 - Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
07 - Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then coconut milk, vanilla, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy.
09 - Frost cooled cupcakes generously. Garnish with toasted coconut, cherry, and pineapple wedge if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- These little cakes bring vacation vibes to any ordinary Tuesday
- The combination of textures, from fluffy crumb to creamy frosting, keeps everyone coming back for seconds
02 -
- Well-drained pineapple is crucial or your cupcakes will turn out dense and heavy
- Room temperature ingredients blend together much more smoothly
03 -
- Use fresh pineapple juice instead of canned for brighter flavor
- Extra coconut milk in the frosting creates an incredibly creamy texture