Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Pineapple Coconut Cupcakes

One of things that I really enjoy is baking birthday cakes for my friends. Except, when it is 100*degrees outside. This unfortunately, happened a lot this summer. It was so hot this summer that I gave out “I owe you one birthday cake, and in tiny print: redeemable only in fall* and by fall I mean October” birthday cards. This week one of the birthday “cards” was redeemed. The birthday girl requested coconut cake (cupcakes) with pineapple coconut icing.

The cake was delicate and coconut scented. The icing was light and not overly sweet, even with all the coconut. In addition, the icing is fat-free if you omit the coconut. I packed the cupcakes in a clear cupcake box (disposable) with a big yellow ribbon and small birthday note. The birthday girl was very happy and pleased to receive her much belated birthday cupcakes. The only complaint I have, is that I did not make a batch for myself. Enjoy!

Adapted from Real Simple

1 ¼ cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
7 tablespoons of butter, at room temperature
¾ cup of sugar
2 large eggs
2/3 cup of (full fat) coconut milk (not cream)
½ teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon coconut extract

Heat the oven to 350F degrees. Line a cupcake pan with 12 liners, set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside. In the bowl of a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl after each addition. Add the flour mixture in 2 batches alternating with the milk. Add the vanilla and coconut extract.

Divide the batter among the liners. Bake until golden, about 20 minutes. Let cool in pan for a few minutes, and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Fluffy Boiled Icing

3 tablespoons of meringue powder
½ cup of cold water
2 cups of sugar
¼ cup corn syrup
½ cup of water
½ cup of diced pineapple
2 cup of flaked coconut

Beat meringue powder and cold water until stiff, about 4 minutes. In a medium saucepan, mix the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Bring to boil and cool slightly. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the syrup mixture to the meringue. Then beat on high for 4 minutes, until stiff and glossy. Fold in the pineapple. Place a generous amount of icing on cupcake and lightly press coconut to the icing. Store at room temperature.

12 comments:

Deborah said...

These look delicious!! I love the combination of pineapple and coconut!

Katie said...

Another delicious looking cake as always. One question though, what's meringue powder?
Thank you also for the award - you have brought a smile to my day :)

Peabody said...

I love coconut cake. I hardly make any because there seems to be so many people who don't like coconut(so sad). These look yummy.

Gigi said...

Peabody,
You're right, very few people like coconut. It's too bad, because coconut cake always look so beautiful.

Anonymous said...

These cupcakes look fab. Pity its freezing in Ireland. I would love to try these but coconuts and pineapple don't really appeal to me in this weather.

Anonymous said...

i just found your site and i have to tell you your baked goods look fabulous! great site!

Mallow said...

Anything with coconut is good in my book, but frosting sounds amazing! I am putting this on my keeper-list!

Brilynn said...

Thank you!

I love coconut and should definitely give these a try. I like the sounds of the boiled icing too.

Stef said...

These look super yummy! I'd be curious to try the frosting. I have the same problem as others though. My tasters (my husband in particular) are not big coconut fans.

Ryley @ That's My Family! said...

funny.. i was going to say the same thing as so many others!!
i love making coconut things.. but hardly ever find someone to taste test them!!
Maybe we can just all taste test each others!! :)
They look yummy...
Nice job!

http://thatsmycake.littleaton.com/

Nails...etcetera with Priscilla ! said...

In Asia....we love anything with coconut. I am so gonna try this recipe. Thanks!

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

GiGi~ You are so sweet to think of me.
I have been without internet for a week... that is worse than needing a chocolate fix!