Coconut Cupcakes that Andrew eggified for Easter!
In the run-up to Easter, we’ve had snow, sun and cold temperatures earlier this week that feel more like winter than spring. It’s warmed up at last and here’s how we celebrated. And, after Andrew added jelly beans, they clearly make for an Easter filled with color. We’re also celebrating what we consider to be quite an achievement. 
Someone reading this will be the 1,500,000th reader of Chewing the Fat! That’s right 1.5 Million people have read Chewing the Fat. Thank you so much and I look forward to keep entertaining you and feeding you delicious things to eat. So let’s celebrate with these coconut-lovers cupcakes. For those who observe Lent, it’s time for a little indulgence. Andrew made this Ina Garten recipe for an Easter party last year and they were a huge hit. But you must love coconut: There’s coconut in the cake and coconut on top. And I think you’ll agree, he’s really got the recipe down pat —they look just like their picture. So without further ado, here’s the recipe:
Someone reading this will be the 1,500,000th reader of Chewing the Fat! That’s right 1.5 Million people have read Chewing the Fat. Thank you so much and I look forward to keep entertaining you and feeding you delicious things to eat. So let’s celebrate with these coconut-lovers cupcakes. For those who observe Lent, it’s time for a little indulgence. Andrew made this Ina Garten recipe for an Easter party last year and they were a huge hit. But you must love coconut: There’s coconut in the cake and coconut on top. And I think you’ll agree, he’s really got the recipe down pat —they look just like their picture. So without further ado, here’s the recipe:Recipe for Ina Garten’s Coconut Cupcakes:
3/4 pound (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups sugar
5 extra-large eggs at room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons pure almond extract
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup buttermilk
14 ounces sweetened, shredded coconut
For the frosting:
1 pound cream cheese at room temperature
3/4 pound (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
1 1/2 pounds confectioners’ sugar, sifted
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs, 1 at a time, scraping down the bowl after each addition. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and mix well.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In 3 parts, alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined. Fold in 7 ounces of coconut.
Line a muffin pan with paper liners. Fill each liner to the top with batter. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until the tops are brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Remove to a baking rack and cool.
Meanwhile, make the frosting. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, on low speed, cream together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla and almond extracts. Add the confectioners’ sugar and mix until smooth.
Frost the cupcakes and dip the frosted cake into the remaining coconut.
Makes 18 to 20 cupcakes.
Probably it is very tasty. Thanks for the recipe.
Hi Monte!
Oh my goodness, Andrew did a fantabulous job on those Coconut Cupcakes! They look so festive and no, the white coconut does not remind me of the s**w word, lol…What a Spring we have had here in PA too. We can only hope Mother Nature will be kind to us and perhaps let Summer last a bit longer this year. Fingers crossed:)
I haven't decided what I'm doing for Easter yet but those cupcakes look so delicious, who says they are only for Easter:) Thank you so much for sharing, Monte. Wishing You and Yours a Joyous and Happy Easter. Louise
Omg! First the pear cake now these! Do you and Andrew have rooms for rent?
Saw this and thought of you! Wish I planned France instead of brunch at Topping Rose!
Happy Easter!
I found the following story on the NPR iPad App
Like Ham? There's A Festival For That In French Basque Country
by Cathy Barrow
NPR – April 18, 2014
The port town of Bayonne in France's Basque region is known for its colorful food and culture. And since 1464, its residents have celebrated the remarkable, local cured ham at the springtime Ham Fair.
https://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2014/04/18/304537880/like-ham-theres-a-festival-for-that-in-france?sc=ipad&f=1008
Sent from my iPad
Always such a delight to hear from you Louise! I am only sorry I am not in time to wish you Happy Easter! All best, Monte
Dear Kerry, So thoughtful of you! I enjoyed the article tremendously. I hope you had a wonderful Easter and I hope to see you both very soon. X O X Monte