Coconut Cupcakes

Coconut Cupcakes

1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 3/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
7 ounces shredded coconut meat

Heat oven to 325ºF. Line muffin tins with paper baking cups.

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar with a hand mixer until very light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. With the mixer running on low, add the eggs one at a time, scraping down the bowl with a spatula after each addition. Add vanilla and almond extracts and mix well. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add the dry ingredients to the batter in halves, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined. Fold in 1 1/3 cups {half the 7 oz. bag} of coconut.

Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling each to 1/4 inch below the top.

Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, until cupcakes are just brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool cupcakes in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Frost with Cream Cheese Frosting and sprinkle with remaining coconut.

Makes 18 cupcakes

Cream Cheese Frosting
8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted

In a large mixing bowl, blend together cream cheese, butter, and vanilla and almond extracts with a hand mixer. Add confectioners’ sugar and blend until smooth. Makes about 2 1/2 cups icing, enough for 18 cupcakes