Chocolate Coconut Cupcakes
…coconut flakes = snow flakes
As much as I hate being cold, and the thought of unbearable Michigan winters, I have to admit, I have been missing the snow a lot lately. It’s Friday, January 13 (whoa, that’s scary), and we FINALLY HAVE SNOW! While I did enjoy the high 50’s and sunshine we’ve had in Chicago the past couple weeks, I secretly wished there would be snow for my birthday. However, now I know why they say ‘be careful what you wish for…’ Instead of a light dusting of sparkly snow, we now have 8 feet of snow and slush, paired with blistering cold winds the day of my birthday party. Yay :/ Just wonderful. Now how am I supposed to wear my new rock glitter Guess pumps and my ModCloth emerald green party dress?
To celebrate the first snow storm of this winter, I made Chocolate Cupcakes topped with a Coconut Buttercream and covered in shredded coconut. The intention was to make them resemble cute little snowballs…hit or miss?
Either way, they’re absolutely delicious and the perfect way to celebrate (or curse) the snow fall.
…coconut flakes = snow flakes
As much as I hate being cold, and the thought of unbearable Michigan winters, I have to admit, I have been missing the snow a lot lately. It’s Friday, January 13 (whoa, that’s scary), and we FINALLY HAVE SNOW! While I did enjoy the high 50’s and sunshine we’ve had in Chicago the past couple weeks, I secretly wished there would be snow for my birthday. However, now I know why they say ‘be careful what you wish for…’ Instead of a light dusting of sparkly snow, we now have 8 feet of snow and slush, paired with blistering cold winds the day of my birthday party. Yay :/ Just wonderful. Now how am I supposed to wear my new rock glitter Guess pumps and my ModCloth emerald green party dress?
To celebrate the first snow storm of this winter, I made Chocolate Cupcakes topped with a Coconut Buttercream and covered in shredded coconut. The intention was to make them resemble cute little snowballs…hit or miss?
Either way, they’re absolutely delicious and the perfect way to celebrate (or curse) the snow fall.
The Ingredients…*
For the Chocolate Cupcakes
Recipe by: Fergal Connolly, 500 Cupcakes
Yields: 1 dozen
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 stick sweet butter, softened
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups superfine sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
For the Coconut Buttercream
Recipe adapted from: Savory Sweet Life
2 sticks butter, room temperature
3 - 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1/4 teaspoon table salt
1 tablespoon coconut extract
Up to 4 tablespoons milk (you can use Coconut milk for more flavor if you want!)
1-1/2 cups sweetened coconut flakes
For the Chocolate Cupcakes
Recipe by: Fergal Connolly, 500 Cupcakes
Yields: 1 dozen
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 stick sweet butter, softened
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups superfine sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
For the Coconut Buttercream
Recipe adapted from: Savory Sweet Life
2 sticks butter, room temperature
3 - 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1/4 teaspoon table salt
1 tablespoon coconut extract
Up to 4 tablespoons milk (you can use Coconut milk for more flavor if you want!)
1-1/2 cups sweetened coconut flakes
The Instructions…*
For the Chocolate Cupcakes
(1) Preheat the oven to 325° F. Place 12 paper baking cups in a muffin pan.
(2) Melt the chocolate and butter in a double boiler or medium bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring until melted; set aside to cool.
(3) In a medium bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla until pale and thick. Fold in the chocolate and then the flour, mixing until well combined.
For the Chocolate Cupcakes
(1) Preheat the oven to 325° F. Place 12 paper baking cups in a muffin pan.
(2) Melt the chocolate and butter in a double boiler or medium bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring until melted; set aside to cool.
(3) In a medium bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla until pale and thick. Fold in the chocolate and then the flour, mixing until well combined.
(4) Spoon batter into the cups. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove pan from the oven and cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare the Coconut Buttercream…
For the Coconut Buttercream
(1) Beat butter for a few minutes with a mixer with the paddle attachment on medium speed
(2) Add 3 cups of powdered sugar slowly and turn your mixer on the lowest speed until the sugar has been incorporated with the butter
(3) Increase mixer speed to medium and add coconut extract, salt, and 2 tablespoons of milk and beat for 3 minutes
(*) If your frosting needs a more stiff consistency, add remaining sugar. If your frosting needs to be thinned out, add remaining milk 1 tablespoons at a time
(1) Beat butter for a few minutes with a mixer with the paddle attachment on medium speed
(2) Add 3 cups of powdered sugar slowly and turn your mixer on the lowest speed until the sugar has been incorporated with the butter
(3) Increase mixer speed to medium and add coconut extract, salt, and 2 tablespoons of milk and beat for 3 minutes
(*) If your frosting needs a more stiff consistency, add remaining sugar. If your frosting needs to be thinned out, add remaining milk 1 tablespoons at a time
To Assemble…*
(1) Top cooled cupcakes with coconut buttercream frosting using flat knife or piping bag
(2) Dunk (or sprinkle) freshly frosted cupcakes with coconut shavings
(1) Top cooled cupcakes with coconut buttercream frosting using flat knife or piping bag
(2) Dunk (or sprinkle) freshly frosted cupcakes with coconut shavings
Now does it look like a snowball? Please say yes.
Although these are the kind of snowballs I would love someone to throw at me :)
Now back to the drawing board….what to wear tonight with my new sassy shoes? Emerald dress or skinny jeans and a sparkly top? #birthdaygirlproblems
