Craving a taste of the tropics? Indulge in the delightful fusion of pineapple and coconut with these mouthwatering pina colada cupcakes. Imagine the sweet aroma of pineapple paired with the creamy decadence of coconut frosting – it’s a tropical escape in every bite.
Inspired by the classic cocktail, these cupcakes are a fun twist on a beloved flavor combination. By adding a hint of rum extract to the pineapple cupcake base, the tropical essence is elevated to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply treating yourself, these cupcakes are a surefire way to transport your taste buds to a sunny beach paradise.
Ingredients
Pina Colada Cupcake Base
- One box yellow OR pineapple cake mix
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 3 large eggs
- 12 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 8 ounces crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons rum extract
Coconut Buttercream Frosting
- 1 ¼ cups unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ½ cups confectioners sugar
- 4 tablespoons canned coconut milk
- ½ teaspoon coconut extract
- ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted
Pineapple Curd
- 8 ounces crushed pineapple, undrained
- Salted butter, room temperature
- Shortening
- Powdered sugar
- Coconut extract
- Pineapple juice
- Slices of pineapple (for garnish, optional)
- Maraschino cherries (for garnish, optional)
Equipment Needed
For this pina colada cupcakes recipe, you will need a few essential kitchen tools to help you create these delightful treats. Here is a list of the equipment you will need:
- Mixing bowls (various sizes)
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cupcake pans
- Cupcake liners
- Cooling rack
- Piping bag and tips (optional)
- Small saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Grater for coconut garnish
- Offset spatula (for frosting)
Having these tools ready will ensure a smooth and enjoyable baking experience while preparing these delicious pina colada cupcakes.
Prep Work
Before diving into making these delicious piña colada cupcakes, it’s essential to prepare the pineapple juice reduction and the heavenly pineapple curd for that perfect tropical flavor infusion. Let’s get started with these key components:
Pineapple Juice Reduction
To intensify the pineapple flavor in the cupcakes, begin by boiling pineapple juice for 10-15 minutes until it reduces by half. This concentrated pineapple essence will elevate the taste of the cupcakes. Ensure you use 100% fresh pineapple juice without bromelain for optimal results.
Preparing Pineapple Curd
Once the pineapple juice reduction has cooled off, it’s time to create the heavenly pineapple curd. This creamy and luscious filling will add a burst of pineapple sweetness to each bite of the cupcakes. Follow the recipe steps diligently to achieve that perfect balance of flavors.
Cupcake Instructions
Making the Batter
To kick off the cupcake creation, let’s start by creaming together sugar and butter until smooth, then adding eggs one at a time for a predictable and manageable batter consistency. Incorporate crushed pineapple for a burst of fresh flavor and a tender, moist interior. Fill the cupcake liners 3/4 full and bake for approximately 25 minutes. These cupcakes don’t dome much; instead, they are moist, dense, and rich with flavor.
Baking the Cupcakes
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line cupcake pans with 16 liners. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt, then beat butter and sugar in an electric mixer before adding eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla, milk, and rum until smooth. Fold in flaked coconut and pineapple by hand. Fill the cupcake cavities about 2/3 full and bake for 20-24 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Once baked, transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating with the delicious coconut buttercream frosting and tasty garnishes.
Frosting Instructions
Preparing Coconut Buttercream
To start making the coconut buttercream, I will whip the butter until it’s light and fluffy using an electric stand mixer. Then, I will add in the coconut milk, coconut extract, and a portion of powdered sugar, blending everything until smooth before adding the remaining sugar to achieve a fluffy consistency.
Assembling the Cupcakes
It’s time to bring together all the delightful components of these Piña Colada Cupcakes to create a tropical masterpiece that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Let’s fill the cupcakes with luscious pineapple curd and top them off with creamy coconut frosting for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Filling with Pineapple Curd
- To fill the cupcakes with the delectable pineapple curd, prepare a quart-size ziplock bag and cut off one corner for easy piping.
- Gently insert the cut corner of the bag into the center hole of each cupcake and squeeze to fill them with a generous amount of pineapple curd, ensuring a delightful surprise in every bite.
- Be careful not to overfill the cupcakes to prevent any leakage when adding the frosting.
- Begin by preparing the smooth and creamy coconut buttercream frosting. Whisk together softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, coconut extract, and a pinch of salt until light and fluffy.
- Using a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip, generously frost each cupcake with the luscious coconut buttercream, creating a crown on top.
- Enhance the visual appeal of the cupcakes by decorating them with a sprinkle of coconut flakes, a festive pineapple slice, and a vibrant maraschino cherry.
- Get creative with the decorations to give each cupcake a touch of tropical charm and make them visually enticing for your guests or a personal treat.
Storage and Serving Tips
To store these delightful pina colada cupcakes, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to preserve their freshness. If you want to enjoy them longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days, ensuring they are covered well to prevent them from drying out.
When serving these tropical treats, consider bringing them to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before enjoying them. This allows the flavors to fully develop and the textures to soften, ensuring a more enjoyable eating experience.
Conclusion
I hope this pina colada cupcake recipe has inspired you to bring a taste of the tropics into your baking adventures. By combining the sweetness of pineapple with the richness of coconut, these cupcakes offer a delightful treat for any occasion. Remember to follow the steps carefully to achieve the perfect balance of flavors in each bite. Whether you’re making them for a special event or just to satisfy a craving, these cupcakes are sure to impress with their tropical flair. So go ahead, get baking, and enjoy the delicious results of these delightful pina colada cupcakes!