Coconut Nest Cupcakes With Chocolate Eggs (Printable)

Vanilla cupcakes with coconut frosting and chocolate egg nests

# What You’ll Need:

→ For the Cupcakes

01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
08 - 1/2 cup whole milk

→ For the Coconut Frosting

09 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 2 cups powdered sugar
11 - 2 tablespoons whole milk
12 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
13 - 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut

→ For Decoration

14 - 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted
15 - 36 mini chocolate eggs

# How-to Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well blended.
03 - In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until incorporated.
05 - Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
06 - Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full with batter.
07 - Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
08 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla; beat until fluffy. Stir in shredded coconut.
09 - Toast 1 cup of shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until golden brown, 2-3 minutes. Let cool.
10 - Once cupcakes are cool, frost generously with coconut frosting.
11 - Sprinkle a ring of toasted coconut around the edges of each cupcake to form the nest.
12 - Place 2-3 mini chocolate eggs in the center of each nest.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of moist vanilla cake with creamy coconut frosting is absolutely irresistible
  • These festive treats bring joy to any spring gathering and look impressive on dessert tables
  • The playful nest design makes them perfect for getting kids involved in the kitchen
02 -
  • Completely cool cupcakes before frosting or the buttercream will melt right off
  • Watch the coconut like a hawk while toasting as it goes from golden to burnt in seconds
  • Room temperature ingredients blend better so take everything out about 30 minutes before baking
03 -
  • Use a small spoon to help arrange the toasted coconut into neat rings
  • If frosting is too thick add milk one teaspoon at a time until you reach the right consistency

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