1/4cupDry Instant Pudding Mix(coconut, vanilla, or white chocolate)
1cupButter(softened, cut into cubes)
1cupCanned Unsweetened Coconut Milk
1/3cupButtermilk
4largeEgg Whites
1largeEgg
1 to 2teaspoonsCoconut Extract
Sweet Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting:
1cupButter(softened)
(1)8-ounce pkg. Cream Cheese(softened)
5cupsPowdered Sugar
2TablespoonsHeavy Cream, Milk, or Cream of Coconut or Coconut Creamer
1teaspoonCoconut Extract
1/2cupSweetened Flaked Coconut(for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a stand mixer, stir together flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and dry pudding mix.
Beat the butter into the flour mixture, one cube at a time. Continue to beat until it resembles coarse crumbs.
In a small bowl, whisk together coconut milk, buttermilk, egg whites, egg, and coconut extract. Add the 1/2 of the egg-milk mixture and beat the batter is light and fluffy. Add remaining egg-milk mixture and mix just until combined. Take a spatula and scrape the sides of the bowl.
Fill cupcake or muffin pan with cupcake liners. Lightly spray cooking spray, if desired. Spoon cake batter into each cupcake liner, filling about 3/4 full.
Bake for about 14-17 minutes. Check for doneness by placing a cake tester or toothpick in the center of the cake. Let cool.
Sweet Cream Cheese Coconut Frosting:
In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and cream cheese for 4 minutes until light and fluffy. Stir in powdered sugar and heavy cream, milk, coconut creamer, or cream of coconut. Add coconut extract.
Once the cupcakes have cooled, pipe the frosting on each cupcake. Sprinkle with sweetened flaked coconut.