Piña Colada Cupcakes!

 These pineapple cupcakes are full of coconut and rum flavored happiness.  A perfect pool party treat!

Aren’t these just the cutest little things?  I love the flavor combination of coconut and pineapple, it is such a refreshing taste!  The light whipped frosting on these, combined with the crunch of toasted coconut makes them such a delicious summer treat!  I even added a cute little edible coconut drink topper that I found on Party Pinchers.  So. much. fun!!!!

INGREDIENTS: (printable recipe here)

• 1 boxed pineapple cake mix (I used Duncan Hines), plus water, oil and eggs to make according to box directions.
• 5 cups of shredded, sweetened coconut
• 3 teaspoons of rum flavoring (divided)
• 2 teaspoons of coconut flavoring
• 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 2 sticks (1 cup) of unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 3 cups of powdered sugar
• Decorations (as desired)

DIRECTIONS:

• Preheat oven to 325F degrees
• Spread 5 cups of coconut out on a large baking sheet that has edges.
• Toast in 5 minute increments, stirring with a big spoon to evenly toast (It usually takes me about 20 minutes)
• Allow coconut to cool, then place in a large zip-top bag, and crush into smaller pieces.
• Make cake mix according to directions on box, and after it is made, add one cup of crushed, toasted coconut and mix completely into batter.
• Add 2 teaspoons of rum flavoring and stir completely into batter.
• Divide batter evenly into 24 cupcake liners placed into tins.
• Bake according to package directions and cool completely.
• To make frosting, place butters, coconut flavoring, remaining rum flavoring, and powdered sugar into a large mixing bowl and beat on high for 3 or 4 minutes until very light and fluffy.  Add one cup of crushed, toasted coconut and stir until well blended.
• Use a spoon or a cookie scoop to place a rounded scoop of frosting on the top of each cupcake.  
• Place the rest of the crushed coconut into a small bowl, and turn each cupcake upside down into it, pressing coconut into the top and sides of each scoop of frosting.
• Decorate as desired. I found these cute little edible “coconut cups” on a site called Party Pinching, and I couldn’t resist making them for my pina colada cupcakes!  You just cut the tops off of a Whoppers malted milk ball, put a dab of melted white chocolate and add little flower sprinkles and a bit of string licorice.  FUN!

My thoughts: I really thought these captured the flavors of coconut and pineapple in a perfect combination.  I loved the little crunchy bits of coconut in the cake and frosting.  These are such a festive cupcake and make a perfect refreshing summer or vacation dessert for all ages! 
Other fun cupcake recipes: