Coconut Cupcakes

By vealam

Ingredients

• for the cupcakes:
• 5 large egg whites
• 1 1/2 cup (355 ml, 12 fl oz) unsweetened coconut milk, divided
• 1 tablespoon coconut flavoring
• 3 cups (340 grams) cake flour
• 2 1/3 (470 grams) cups sugar
• 4 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
• For the frosting:
• 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 cups (455 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
• 1-3 tablespoons unsweetened coconut milk or regular milk
• 1 teaspoon coconut flavoring
• 1 cup (85 grams) sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut

Details

Servings 24
Adapted from completelydelicious.com

Preparation

Step 1

To make the cupcakes:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray or line with paper cups.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg whites, 1/2 cup of the coconut milk, and coconut flavoring.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the butter and remaining coconut milk and combine on low speed until moistened. Increase speed to medium high and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the egg white mixture in 3 additions, scraping down the sides of the bowl and mixing just long enough to incorporate between additions.
Fill the muffin cups 2/3 full with batter. Bake until cupcakes bounce back when lightly pressed and just begin to turn golden, about 13-15 minutes. Let cool in the pan 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Let pan cool to room temperature, then repeat with remaining batter.

To make the buttercream & assemble cupcakes:
Beat together the butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar on medium high speed until light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the coconut flavoring and enough coconut milk (or regular milk) to reach a spreadable consistency. Mix until smooth.
Spread the shredded coconut on a sheet pan. Toast in a 350 degree oven until golden, checking every 2 minutes. Watch it carefully, the coconut will burn fast. Let it cool completely.
Frost cupcakes with buttercream and sprinkle with toasted coconut. Store cupcakes in the fridge, for up to 5 days.