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.
Love coconut and cupcakes as much as we do? Try these Carrot Cake Cupcakes, Coconut Cherry Cupcakes, or Coconut Snowball Cupcakes.
I am a coconut lover, so these Coconut Cupcakes are really a dream come true.
Moist coconut cupcakes, topped with cream cheese frosting. And to make them even better, sprinkle a bit of coconut on top.
Really – if you love cupcakes, these will become your next favorite!
Tips and Tricks
- Because of the cream cheese frosting, I like to store these in the refrigerator. But they are best served at room temperature, so take them out about 30 minutes before you are ready to serve them.
- You can use unsweetened coconut if you want to cut back on the sweetness.
- Using vegetable oil in the cupcakes is what makes the so moist. If you want to sub in butter, you can do that, but you may lose some of that moistness. You could also use another neutral flavored oil instead of vegetable oil.
- This does make a lot of cupcakes, but the recipe is hard to cut in half because it uses 5 eggs. It’s a great excuse to share cupcakes with friends and neighbors, though!
- If you don’t care for cream cheese frosting, you could use a buttercream frosting instead.
More Cupcake Recipes
Red Velvet Cupcakes
Key Lime Cupcakes
Cookies and Cream Cupcakes
Banana Split Cupcakes
Tres Leches Cupcakes
Easter Cupcakes
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Coconut Cupcakes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 36 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
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. Line cupcake pans with paper liners.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer with the paddle attachment, combine the oil and the sugar. Mix on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well between each addition and scraping down the bowl once or twice. Add in the vanilla and almond extracts and mix well.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. With the mixer on low, add one third of the flour mixture, followed by half of the buttermilk, another one third of the flour mixture, the remaining buttermilk, then ending the the remaining flour mixture. Mix just until combined. Fold the coconut in with a spatula.
- Fill the cupcake liners 3/4 full with the batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, cream together the cream cheese, butter, almond extract and vanilla extract until light and smooth. Slowly add in the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
- Frost the cupcakes with the frosting then sprinkle the tops with the coconut.
Recipe Notes:
adapted from Barefoot Contessa at Home
Keywords: coconut cupcakes
Laura says
What kind of buttermilk do you use? fat free or whole? what brand?
Barb says
This was good. I made it in a 9 X 13 pan.
cupcakes says
they are so delicious and look classy
Chels R. says
They are so cute! They look like little clouds. When I’ve made cupcakes with oil, I always think they are more moist too. Similar to a cake mix in moistness.
Anonymous says
I think the recipe you posted for the coconut cupcakes was incorrect. You don't list baking soda in the ingredients but in the directions you mention baking soda. I wasn't sure what to do but I checked the original recipe and it included baking sode. I am baking now so I hope they turn out. Hope this helps for anyone making this recipe. Thanks!
Elizabeth says
My dh loves coconut.I am bookmarking this recipe! And on another note,I have been a stay at home mom for almost 8 years and I love it! Congratulations.
Shayne says
enjoy this time before the baby comes!
I was thiking about making coconut cream pie but these sound so much better.
Eunice says
those look sooo tempting! i wrote you a little something on my blog about american coconut shavings and ours in kuala lumpur. what do you think!
Amanda at Little Foodies says
Sorry about your job but it’s probably what was meant to happen.
I left my job and a few weeks later found out I was pregnant. I decided to do a bit of consultancy work to see me through (I only did the odd day here and there). I’m glad it worked out that way but I did worry at the time.
Enjoy yourself and definitely give all the baked stuff away. I think that’s where I went wrong. I’m a good 40lbs heavier than before I had the kids… euk! when I write it like that. 😉
Maria says
Wow these cupcakes look so delish, I love the fluffy toppings!
Maria
x
Rico says
Wow more cupcakes and this time they have coconut too yum yum…keep e’m coming..
http://ricocoffeeshop.blogspot.com
Mrs. says
Raising hand to be one of those that you could pawn your baked goods off on!
Having been a victim of layoffs a few times, I’m always amazed at how busy I seemed when I didn’t have a job. I’m glad everything worked out and you are getting some time before the baby comes.
bbaking says
mmmmm yes please!
kellypea says
I’m truly glad that you have some time at home before the baby arrives. You’ve got it exactly right that you’ll have to find people to take your goodies. I’m sure you’ll have no problems with yummy cupcakes like this! I love coconut.
Veronica says
Love coconut cupcakes! Yours look tasty. Hope you like being a SAHM-I think you will!
Rosie says
The cupcakes look amazing!!
I haven’t tried Ina’s recipe for these yet but they do look SO good!
Rosie x
Debbie says
They look delicious and I will give these a try. Thanks for the tip regarding oil. I always learn something new from fellow bloggers!!!
Emiline says
Sorry about the layoffs. I guess it’s nothing to be sorry about, but, you know…
Now you can have some fun, relax, and blog even more!
The cupcakes sound great. I know what you’re talking about with the Throwdown episode. I wonder how they’d be with coconut oil?
Andrea says
Hi Deborah, I’ve given you an award. Go here to see it: http://cooking-books.blogspot.com/2008/10/she-likes-me.html
hot garlic says
Wow! Congrats / Condolences on your ‘Retirement’ / Layoff. I would have thought you’d have had oodles of time for blogging, but I guess it’s true, it is amazing how the time gets immediately sucked up!
These cupcakes are so cute, I can’t refuse coconut!
Leonor de Sousa Bastos says
Your cupcakes look so beautiful!!
They look like small snowy hills…
Loved it!
Alyce says
ooooh…they look yummy. I LOVE cocounut cake, I know these would be good. You could pawn them off on me anytime! Your pics are beautiful. What’s your camera?
PheMom says
I think your cupcakes look great and I’m sure they were appreciated especially in hard times! I’m sorry to hear that your office is in trouble. I keep waiting for something like this to happen at our office too (and if it does, I’m in big trouble!!). I’m glad you will get to enjoy being home though – congratulations!
Dawn says
I love the throwdown with Bobby Flay!
Ina’s recipes are so perfect.
Really great cupckaes here!
Esi says
I have been wanting to try these too! I really think that everything Ina makes is just amazing. I definitely agree that using oil makes a really moist, delicious cupcake. These are beautiful.
Katerina says
I have always wanted to make this recipe from Ina’s book – and yours looks so good.
Mansi says
These look absolutely ravishing! sorry about your job, but I’m happy coz that means more goodies for us at your blog, at least for the time being!:)
the cupcakes look great, I’ll be making these soon!:)
Grace says
i’ve often wondered why some recipes call for oil. now i know, and now i shall use it in all my cupcakes. 🙂
meanwhile, coconut makes me happy. this is good stuff. 🙂
Patricia Scarpin says
I think you’ll end up starting your own business, as a caterer or something! 🙂
These cupcakes would make me glad right now, I’ll say!
MacDuff says
Oh god, sorry about work! It sounds like it’s put you in a better place, though.
Have you ever noticed Bobby Flay’s lisp? It’s weird. He’s always like “I’m Bobby Fway…and it’s time fo’ a fwodown.”
Linda says
I’m always on the hunt for a moister cupcake, and your hint about oil is a good one.
I’ve spent a pleasant early morning perusing your very interesting blogs! 🙂
Mary says
Your cupcakes look so yummy! And yeah, I had to stop making so many baked goods without having a place to pawn them off to. It’s kind of a bummer. But hooray for getting to time to prepare for baby!
Jenny says
Deborah,
Your cupcakes are just lovely! Ina never fails us that’s for sure! Hope you enjoy being a SAHM a little sooner than you thought!
Peabody says
That was the red velvet cake episode. The woman actually uses butter in her other cupcakes, but not red velvet. When I make red velvet I use oil as well.
Those cupcakes look so very good.
Michelle says
I just stumbled upon your site, which is amazing and lovely. I just wanted to say, enjoy every second preparing for your little angel to be born. Sleep as much as possible and cherish the quiet moments. I don’t even know you, but I am so excited for you. Being a mom is the most beautiful, crazy, divine thing in the world! Congratulations.
Michelle says
Hi! Congratulations on your baby. 🙂 These cupcakes look so delicious and what a nice gesture before you leave your job. Our firm is going through the same. Ugh. What has happened to this economy! I hate that uneasy feeling. I think I am safe though (I just knocked on wood)
Looking forward to more recipes.
Michelle
Elle says
Love the coconut cupcakes AND love your attitude toward life’s changes…it will make you the BEST mom ever!
Now that you can’t take your baked good to work, you can always find takers at your local fire department, police station and library. Amazingly many of the people who work at those places don’t feel the least bit appreciated, so that are really touched to recieve your goodies…and they deserve them.
Darius T. Williams says
Such a perfect way to end any meal – great job!
-DTW
http://www.everydaycookin.blogspot.com
Dragon says
Congratulations on your new life. How exciting! These cupcakes are lovely. Coconut is one of my absolute favourites.
Aimée says
I’m so glad that you can be home now. I’m sure you’ve got some ‘nesting’ to do. These cupcakes look amazing and that first photo should be in a magazine! Nice job!
noble pig says
OMG you think your busy now, just wait! Really enjoy this time because this is the good ole’ days!
Beautiful cupcakes!
Mary says
Deb, I think you’ll enjoy your new status. The cupcakes are absolutely beautiful. I’ll bet they taste as good as they look. Happy cooking.
Erin says
These look wonderful! I’ve heard many good things about these cupcakes and I can’t wait for the chance to try them!
Indigo says
That’s so interesting about using oil to keep cupcakes moist… I bet melted butter would do the same job for texture as well as keeping the buttery flavour; what d’you reckon?
Coconut is one of my absolute favourites, these look fantastic. I volunteer to, er, help out with your baking XD.
Kelly-Jane says
Ooooooh they looks great!
I send baking to my hubby’s work too, bit of random feeding 🙂
Jamie @ Baldwin Bungalow says
These look SO good. I LOVE coconut!
Melanie says
Hmmm…too bad I’m not closer, I’d take the baked goods off your hands! Not that my own pregnant belly needs them, but who could resist? These cupcakes look awesome. And congratulations on having time to prepare for your little babe. What a fun time!
Kristen says
I have no doubt that God plans things like this. You were hoping to be able to stay at home with your little booshka… now, the answer is clear as day for you. You won’t regret that decision one bit, I promise!
I’m sure you won’t have any trouble finding someone to share your baked goods with. If you do, I’d be happy to give you my mailing address 🙂
Congratulations on the start of your new life 🙂 Enjoy!
kamailesfood says
I do enjoy coconut and these cupcakes look fantastic! I pawn a lot of stuff on my neighbors.
Enjoy being at home and get lots of sleep. 🙂 I had about 4 months w/ no job or baby yet and it was great to have all the extra time to get ready.
RecipeGirl says
I see lots of baking in your future! Congrats on your new stay-at-home status. You’ll love it.
Nice tip on the oil. Will have to try it out!
Ryley says
I wonder if using half oil and half butter would make up for the flavor but still give you the moisture?? Sounds like another experiment!!
p.s. I TOTALLY volunteer myself for the reciepient of all your baked goods.. however, I dont know that my doctor would be too thrilled about it! 🙂
Courtney says
i have made these before and love love love them. the frosting is delish I actually put it on a german chocolate cake and it was great.
Awesome for staying home. I did that with my first for a few weeks and it was well worth it. Too bad this time around I have a 20 month old running around, could use so peace and quiet these last two months.
Sylvie says
Just post them to me! I’d be a happy taker. 😉
ashley says
enjoy being a SAHM earlier and being able to prepare for baby!
the cupcakes look beautiful!
Ingrid says
Your cupcakes look heavenly! I don’t know why I haven’t made coconut cupcakes yet. Everytime I see some I want one or two! Thanks for reminding me I NEED these. I’m also going to try it your way!
~ingrid
Question, how long would you say your Ghost cookies last? Babygirl and I are making them on Wednesday for Friday. THX!
Happy cook says
They looks so delicious.
I am a SAHM and have anjoyed every moment, well that is going a bit to far, let me say there wre times when i was bored, but i woudn’t exchange it for anything .
veron says
Our company is not doing that well too – we’re just waiting for the shoe to drop. It’s good that you have more time to do some cooking :)…if anything that is a bright side especially the impending addition to your family. This coconut cupcakes are adorable!
nicole says
Ohhh yummy! I love everything coconut.
Rosa's Yummy Yums says
So pretty and delightful! Here, it is very difficult to find shredded coconut (only shaved)…
Cheers,
Rosa
Cakespy says
You’re too cool…these would brighten up any dull work day. 🙂
Maria says
I wish I could be a stay at home wife…maybe someday:)
The cupcakes look amazing! I have made Ina’s before, she uses so much butter and cream cheese though. I will have to try the oil. Thanks!
kat says
What an interesting idea to use oil instead of butter, I'll have to try it.
I am a stay-at-home wife for a year now & its amazing how busy I am. I wonder how I did it all when I had a full time job!
Tiffany says
I send all my goodies in to work with my husband. Otherwise I’d spend all day “just having a taste”.
thecoffeesnob says
I love coconut and those look amazing. Congratulations on the impending arrival of your baby by the way.
I stumbled upon your site while looking for reviews on the book Candy Making- i’m definitely getting it now after seeing that gorgeous square of caramel you made- and absolutely love that you have a Cookbook of the Month thing going on 😀