Irresistible Coconut Pineapple Lime Cupcakes

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Bring the beach to taste buds with a tropical twist that will transport you straight to paradise. This mouthwatering recipe for coconut pineapple lime cupcakes is a delightful combination of creamy coconut, tangy pineapple, and zesty lime flavors.

Perfect for parties, special occasions, or simply as a sweet escape from the ordinary, these cupcakes are guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. And the best part? They are surprisingly easy to make, allowing you to effortlessly bring a taste of the tropics into your own kitchen.

Ingredients for Coconut Pineapple Lime Cupcakes

To make the cupcakes you will need:

• 1 10 ounce can crushed pineapple
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 egg (can substitute flax egg if desired)
• 1 cup unbleached all purpose flour
• ¾ cup sugar (can substitute coconut or other sugar alternative)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup toasted coconut
• Zest of one lime

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Coconut Pineapple Lime Cupcakes

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it's time to dive into the baking process. Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of heavenly coconut pineapple lime cupcakes:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the coconut oil and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add the egg and stir until combined.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the oil mixture, alternating with the crushed pineapple.

6. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Fold in the lime zest and coconut.

7. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.

8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

9. Remove from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Tips for Perfecting Your Coconut Pineapple Lime Cupcakes

Achieving bakery-worthy coconut pineapple lime cupcakes requires attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your cupcakes turn out perfectly:

1. Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and coconut milk are at room temperature before starting. This will help create a smoother batter and ensure even baking.

2. Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in dense cupcakes. Mix until the ingredients are just combined to achieve a light and fluffy texture.

3. Zesting the lime: Use a microplane grater or the smallest holes on a box grater to zest the lime. Avoid grating the white pith, as it can add bitterness to the cupcakes.

4. Adjusting sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cupcake, reduce the amount of granulated sugar by a quarter cup. The natural sweetness of the pineapple and coconut will still shine through.

Frosting Options for Coconut Pineapple Lime Cupcakes

What's a cupcake without frosting? Here are a few frosting options that pair perfectly with coconut pineapple lime cupcakes:

1. Cream Cheese Frosting: The tanginess of cream cheese frosting balances the sweetness of the cupcakes and adds a rich, creamy texture.

2. Coconut Buttercream: Use coconut extract in a classic buttercream recipe for a tropical twist that enhances the coconut flavor in the cupcakes.

3. Lime Whipped Cream: Light and refreshing, lime whipped cream is a delightful option for those who prefer a lighter frosting.

Or use this recipe that we love:

• ½ cup butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup toasted unsweetened coconut flakes **See note.
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• ¼ cup unsweetened, toasted coconut, set aside for tops of cupcakes
• Lime zest, for sprinkling on tops of cupcakes

1. Cream butter in the bowl of a mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
2. Turn mixer to slow and slowly add one cup powdered sugar at a time. Add in the vanilla, coconut, and lime juice continuing to mix until incorporated. Top each cupcake with frosting, then sprinkle lime zest and coconut to decorate.

Decorating Ideas for Coconut Pineapple Lime Cupcakes

Now that your cupcakes are baked and frosted, it's time to let your creativity shine through with some fun and festive decorations. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

Toasted Coconut

Sprinkle the tops of the frosted cupcakes with toasted coconut flakes for added texture and visual appeal.

Pineapple toppers:

Cut small pineapple shapes out of yellow fondant or use edible pineapple-shaped decorations to give your cupcakes an extra tropical touch.

Lime Zest:

Finely zest a fresh lime and sprinkle the vibrant green zest over the frosting for a pop of color and an additional burst of lime flavor.

Variations and Substitutions for Coconut Pineapple Lime Cupcakes

While the classic coconut pineapple lime cupcakes are already a tropical delight, feel free to get creative and experiment with these variations and substitutions:

1. Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cupcakes suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

2. Vegan: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use vegan butter and coconut milk to make a vegan-friendly version of these cupcakes.

Serving Suggestions for Coconut Pineapple Lime Cupcakes

Now that your coconut pineapple lime cupcakes are ready to be enjoyed, here are a few serving suggestions to make your tropical treat even more memorable:

1. Tropical Fruit Salad: Serve your cupcakes alongside a refreshing tropical fruit salad, featuring fresh pineapple chunks, mango slices, and kiwi.

2. Coconut Ice Cream: Pair your cupcakes with a scoop of coconut ice cream for the ultimate tropical dessert experience.

3. Piña Colada Mocktail: Create a non-alcoholic piña colada mocktail with coconut milk, pineapple juice, and a splash of lime. Serve it in a fancy glass alongside your cupcakes for a taste of paradise.

Coconut Pineapple Lime Cupcake Recipe Variations

If you love these cupcakes, try some of these amazing variations!

have you tried a grilled pineapple upside down cake? This cake TAKES the cake! If you're not a fan of lime, try going with pineapple coconut cupcakes instead! And to cool down try some pineapple coconut lime ice cream!