With the weather getting warmer, I’ve been dreaming of lighter desserts: fluffier cakes, coconut everything…. The great thing about these cupcakes is that they incorporate both of those!

Using shredding coconut and coconut milk, these are the ultimate coconut treat, with a light and fluffy texture to match.

What you need

Cupcake Batter

• 1 1/4 cup flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs whites
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup canned, unsweetened coconut milk
• 6 tablespoons salted butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

Frosting

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) salted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon coffee, cooled
• 3 cups powdered sugar

Topping

• Shredded coconut
• Slivered almonds

How you do it

Cupcake batter

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Either using a stand mixer or by hand, beat the egg whites until they’re foamy. Gradually add in 1\4 cup sugar; continue to beat until soft peaks form.
4. 
5. 
6. In another bowl, cream together the butter and remaining sugar until smooth. Add in vanilla.
7. 
8. Going 1/2 cup at a time, alternate adding in the flour mixture and coconut milk. The mixture will be somewhat thick at this point.
9. 
10. Fold in the shredded coconut, followed by the egg whites.
11. 
12. Using 1/4 cup of batter, fill up the cupcake liners and bake for 18-23 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick cokes out clean.
13. Remove from tin and let cool. Begin preparing the frosting.
14. Combine the butter, vanilla, cocoa powder, milk, and coffee.
15. Going 1/2 cup at a time, add in the powdered sugar.
16. 
17. Once the cupcakes are cool, frost and decorate and desired. I sprinkled on shredded coconut and added slivered almonds.
18. 

That’s it; they’re ready to serve!

These cupcakes are so light and fluffy, and the chocolate provides a richness that makes these oh so delicious.

You’ll get a dozen cupcakes from one batch, but it can easily be doubled.

What do you think? Would you give these a try? Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time,

-Danielle