The Heavenly Barefoot Contessa Coconut Cupcakes Recipe

Barefoot Contessa coconut cupcakes transport sweet tooths into a world of tropical delight and pure indulgence.

Soft, moist, and wonderfully textured, these delectable treats promise a sensory experience beyond ordinary desserts.

Light coconut notes dance through each tender crumb, creating a sophisticated yet comforting flavor profile.

Cream cheese frosting adds luxurious richness that complements the delicate coconut essence perfectly.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this straightforward recipe with confidence and ease.

Simple ingredients come together to create something magical, transforming basic pantry staples into an extraordinary confection.

The result is a cupcake that feels both elegantly crafted and warmly familiar: prepare to be delighted.

Adore Coconut Cupcakes

• Savor Tropical Texture Delight: These cupcakes deliver an irresistible combination of soft, tender crumb and crunchy coconut flakes, creating a multi-dimensional eating experience that surprises and delights with every bite.
• Craft Foolproof Baking Magic: The recipe offers straightforward instructions with precise measurements and simple mixing techniques, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels – from novice home cooks to seasoned pastry enthusiasts.
• Celebrate Versatile Dessert Charm: Perfect for multiple occasions like afternoon tea, birthday parties, summer gatherings, or casual weekend treats, these cupcakes bring a touch of elegance and tropical flair to any setting with their luxurious cream cheese frosting and coconut garnish.
• Transform Everyday Ingredients: Using basic pantry staples like butter, flour, eggs, and coconut, this recipe proves you can create an extraordinary dessert without hunting for complicated or expensive components, turning ordinary baking into an exciting culinary adventure.

Essential Ingredients for Coconut Cupcakes

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the essential structure and tenderness for the cupcakes.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Crucial leavening agents that help the cupcakes rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Unsalted Butter: Delivers rich flavor and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb with slight tanginess.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure and richness.

• Shredded Coconut: Adds signature tropical flavor and textural interest to the cupcakes.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides deep, warm background flavor.
• Almond Extract: Contributes a subtle, nutty undertone to complement the coconut.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a tangy, smooth base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the frosting.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a creamy consistency.

Easy Guide to Coconut Cupcakes

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grab two muffin trays and lightly coat the tops with cooking spray. Slide in some adorable paper liners.

Step 2: Create Fluffy Butter Base

Grab your electric mixer and a spacious mixing bowl. Whip the butter and sugar together until they transform into a cloud-like, pale mixture. This takes about 5 minutes of pure mixing magic.

Step 3: Introduce The Eggs

• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract

Mix until everything looks smooth and dreamy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Alternate adding these dry ingredients and buttermilk to your butter mixture. Start and end with dry ingredients. Mix just until everything blends.

Step 5: Fold In Coconut Goodness

Gently fold shredded coconut into the batter. Use a light touch to keep the mixture airy.

Step 6: Fill The Cupcake Homes

Spoon batter into each muffin liner, filling them right to the top.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide trays into the oven. Bake for 25-35 minutes until cupcakes turn golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let them rest in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 8: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract

Gradually mix in powdered sugar until frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Step 9: Decorate With Love

Once cupcakes cool completely, generously spread frosting on top. Sprinkle remaining coconut for a delightful finishing touch.

Enjoy your heavenly coconut cupcakes!

Expert Hints for Coconut Cupcakes

• Coconut Selection Matters: Choose fresh, high-quality shredded coconut for the most authentic and rich coconut flavor in your cupcakes.
• Frosting Consistency Tip: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to create a smooth, lump-free frosting that spreads beautifully on the cupcakes.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cupcakes a day in advance and store in an airtight container to let the flavors develop and intensify overnight.
• Perfect Toasting Technique: Lightly toast the shredded coconut in a dry skillet for extra depth and a nutty crunch before decorating the cupcakes.
• Festive Decoration Hack: Use seasonal Peeps or colorful jellybeans to transform these cupcakes into a fun, celebratory dessert for any holiday gathering.

Smart Storage for Coconut Cupcakes

• Preserve Freshness: Seal cupcakes in an airtight glass container with a tight-fitting lid, layering parchment paper between each cupcake to prevent frosting damage. Glass containers maintain better moisture control than plastic and prevent freezer burn.
• Extend Lifespan: Carefully wrap individual cupcakes in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, creating a protective barrier against freezer moisture. Store in a labeled freezer bag, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen coconut cupcakes remain delectable for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Quick Thawing: Remove cupcakes from freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours. Unwrap slowly to prevent condensation from affecting the frosting's delicate texture. Enjoy within 24 hours of thawing for optimal taste and moisture.

Creative Spins on Coconut Cupcakes

• Tropical Fruit Fusion: Incorporate diced pineapple or mango into the batter for a burst of tropical flavor that complements the coconut.
• Chocolate Coconut Dream: Fold in dark chocolate chips and replace half the shredded coconut with cocoa-toasted coconut flakes for a rich, decadent version.
• Nutty Coconut Crunch: Mix chopped macadamia or toasted almonds into the batter and sprinkle extra chopped nuts on top of the cream cheese frosting for added texture and nutty depth.
• Spiced Coconut Warmth: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of cardamom to the dry ingredients for a warm, aromatic twist that elevates the coconut flavor profile.

Closing Reflections on Coconut Cupcakes

Barefoot Contessa’s Coconut Cupcakes blend classic comfort with gourmet sophistication.

Creamy cream cheese frosting complements the tender coconut-infused cake, creating pure culinary magic.

Subtle almond and vanilla notes elevate these treats beyond ordinary desserts.

Each bite promises a delightful sensory experience that transports palates to tropical paradise.

Rich ingredients harmonize seamlessly, delivering an indulgent yet balanced confection.

Coconut lovers and sweet enthusiasts will find these cupcakes irresistibly charming – so go ahead, share this delectable recipe, spread joy through baking, and let your culinary creativity shine!

Barefoot Contessa Coconut Cupcakes Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa Coconut Cupcakes deliver pure tropical paradise with rich, moist texture. Creamy frosting and delicate coconut flakes create an irresistible dessert that transports taste buds to a luxurious Caribbean escape.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 5 extra-large eggs (room temperature)
• 375g (13.2 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 400g (14.1 ounces) sweetened shredded coconut

Base and Liquid Ingredients:

• 340g (12 ounces) unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 400g (14.1 ounces) sugar
• 240ml (8 fluid ounces) buttermilk
• 1–½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1–½ teaspoons almond extract

Finishing and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 225g (8 ounces) cream cheese (room temperature)
• 340g (12 ounces) unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 680g (24 ounces) icing sugar (sifted)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 160°C (325°F) using the fan setting. Thoroughly grease two muffin trays and line each cavity with paper cupcake liners.
2. In a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together vigorously for approximately 5 minutes until the mixture becomes pale, light, and significantly expanded in volume.
3. Incorporate eggs into the butter mixture one at a time, mixing on low speed and carefully scraping down the bowl’s sides after each addition. Introduce vanilla and almond extracts, blending until the mixture appears smooth and uniform.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, meticulously sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
5. Alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture in three stages, starting and concluding with dry ingredients. Mix gently until ingredients are just combined, avoiding overmixing.
6. Delicately fold 200 grams of shredded coconut into the batter, ensuring even distribution without deflating the mixture.
7. Fill each muffin cup to the brim with batter, creating a generous and rounded top.
8. Place the muffin trays in the preheated oven and bake for 25-35 minutes, monitoring until the cupcake tops turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
9. Allow cupcakes to rest in the pan for 15 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to achieve complete cooling.
10. Prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until achieving a smooth, fluffy consistency.
11. Blend vanilla and almond extracts into the cream cheese mixture, then gradually incorporate sifted powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting becomes light and airy.
12. Once cupcakes have cooled completely, generously apply cream cheese frosting and sprinkle the remaining shredded coconut on top for a decorative finish.

Notes

• Capture the festive Easter spirit with these adorable coconut-covered cupcakes that bring whimsy and sweetness to your holiday table.
• Peeps marshmallow bunnies perch playfully atop creamy cream cheese frosting, transforming simple cupcakes into delightful seasonal treats.
• Scattered jellybeans add bursts of color and playful charm, creating a vibrant backdrop that makes these cupcakes visually irresistible.
• Soft, natural lighting enhances the texture of fluffy coconut and smooth frosting, inviting viewers to dive into these delectable springtime desserts.
• Professional food styling turns these cupcakes into a mouth-watering centerpiece that celebrates the joy and brightness of Easter celebrations.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 41g
• Sodium: 190mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 85mg