Generally, I'd say that I'm very, very bad at creating my own recipes. However, these cupcakes represent the one time that I got it very right. (And yes, that is my own horn that you hear tooting!) I've made the cake from scratch before, but I actually like it better with a mix. I don't understand the chemistry, but I think that the extract does something to the batter so the cake turns out spongy, almost like an angel food cake. For the frosting, I combined a cream cheese recipe with a butter cream recipe, so it's a little sweeter than your average cream cheese frosting. As a side note, Haley caught me eating one of these for breakfast yesterday, and she said, "Are you eating a cupcake for breakfast? That's not very healthy for you. Have some oatmeal instead - you like apples and cinnamon!" Touche, daughter.
Coconut-Almond Cupcakes with Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
1 white cake mix*
1 c. sweetened flaked coconut
1 t. almond extract
Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Stir in coconut and extract; pour into cupcake tins and bake according to package directions. Cool completely before frosting; top with toasted coconut**.
Frosting
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/4 c. margarine, softened
3 c. confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 t. vanilla extract (I like to use the clear variety so the frosting stays white)
1 - 2 T. milk
Beat cream cheese, margarine, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy. Slowly beat in confectioners' sugar; add milk until frosting reaches desired consistency.
*I always substitute applesauce for the oil; I think it makes for a fluffier cake.
** Coconut is easier to toast in a pan on the stove than in the oven because it burns in seconds.
8 comments:
I'll be the first one to say that these cupcakes are indeed DELICIOUS! Props to Katie - and she can toot her own horn because she is a very good cook. But, Katie? Why are you giving away your recipes like that? You should open your own shop... I'll help! :)
My mouth was watering when I read this post. I'm not a great baker, but I have to try these. They look sooo good.
I guess I'll be the 3rd "lindsey/lindsay" to comment. And all I have to say is that the next time I come into town you will have to make some cupcakes for me because I am the cupcake queen! That is my preferred treat over anything! I am definitely going to try your recipe!!
yummy, I will have to try them!!
that looks a bit like my birthday cake -- only richer, mmmm. i admit, i also had a piece of mine just this morning for breakfast -- i thought it was a perfect breakfast option.
Desert for breakfast is always my number one choice. Usually I am too preoccupied with other things to eat a real breakfast, then I finally pass the cookie jar. . .well, you know what happens after that. Cookies and milk. That's healthy, right?
Katie, those look soo good.. you are such a good cook! You need to teach lessons! Thanks again for the party Isabel said "that was the best night of my life!"
thanks =)
MMMM, I miss you even more right now. I really miss our meal swaps--yours were always a hit. I love toasted coconut more than anything, so I'll definitely be trying these.
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