Coconut Nest Cupcakes Chocolate Eggs (Printable)

Moist vanilla cupcakes with coconut frosting, toasted coconut nests, and chocolate eggs for Easter

# 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

# Directions:

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.
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.
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, about 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 and tropical coconut frosting feels like sunshine in every bite
  • Building those tiny edible nests with chocolate eggs is surprisingly meditative and satisfying
  • These bring instant whimsy to any spring gathering or Easter celebration
02 -
  • Room temperature ingredients prevent curdling and ensure even baking, plan ahead and set everything out an hour before
  • Overmixed batter creates tough cupcakes, stop mixing as soon as the flour disappears
  • Toasted coconut can burn in seconds, stay at the stove and keep it moving
03 -
  • Add 1/4 tsp coconut extract to the frosting for an even more intense coconut flavor that people will rave about
  • Use pastel colored chocolate eggs for the prettiest presentation, they photograph beautifully

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