Craving a taste of summer in a delightful treat? Dive into the world of coconut angel food cupcakes – a light and airy dessert topped with coconut whipped cream frosting that’s simply irresistible. As the summer whirls by with family gatherings and celebrations, these cupcakes bring a touch of tropical bliss to any occasion.
Inspired by the coconut craze, these cupcakes are a nod to the flavors of a virtual baby shower extravaganza. With a hint of coconut in every bite, these angel food cupcakes are a perfect balance of sweetness and lightness. Whether you’re preparing for a picnic or a party, these coconut-infused treats are sure to be a hit with your guests.
Indulge in the citrusy notes and beautiful colors of these jumbo orange angel food cupcakes, topped with cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of toasted coconut. With a simple yet delightful recipe, these cupcakes are a must-try for any coconut lover looking to add a tropical twist to their dessert repertoire.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes
- Shredded coconut: 2 oz (1/2 cup)
- Water, cool (approx 72°F): 10 oz (1 1/4 cups)
- Orange flavored gelatin powder: 3.25 oz (1/2 cup)
- Cream cheese, softened: 1 lb 2 oz (2 1/4 cups)
- Sifted powdered sugar: 1 1/2 cups
- Sifted cake flour or sifted all-purpose flour: 1 cup
- Egg whites (10 to 12 large, at room temperature): 1 1/2 cups
- Cream of tartar: 1 1/2 teaspoons
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Coconut extract: 1 teaspoon
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup
Required Tools
To prepare these delicious coconut angel food cupcakes, you will need a few essential tools to ensure the baking process goes smoothly. Here are the tools you need:
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls (various sizes)
- Cupcake pans
- Piping bag with a star tip
- Cooling racks
- Whisk
- Offset spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry brush
Having these tools ready before you start baking will help you create these delightful coconut angel food cupcakes effortlessly.
Prep Work
Before diving into making these delightful coconut angel food cupcakes, let’s get our prep work in order to ensure a smooth baking process. Here’s how to prepare the cupcake batter and get ready for the frosting:
Preparing the Cupcake Batter
To start off, follow the package directions for making the angel food cake batter, but with a twist – add orange-flavored gelatin powder to the mix. Be sure to deposit just a half scoop of batter into each paper-lined jumbo muffin pan to create these lovely treats. Then, bake according to instructions and allow them to cool completely before moving on to the frosting.
Prepping for Frosting
While your cupcakes are cooling, it’s time to prepare the delicious coconut cream frosting. Get your cream cheese softened and ready in the mixer bowl. Whip it up on high speed for 3 minutes until smooth and creamy. Add a touch of coconut extract and mix on medium speed for an additional 2 minutes until well combined. Once your cupcakes are cooled, top them with this luscious frosting, and they’ll be ready to delight your taste buds.
Directions
Making the Cupcakes
- Preheat the oven as directed on the cake mix box to ensure the right temperature for baking.
- Follow the instructions on the angel food cake mix box to prepare the batter, adding the orange-flavored gelatin powder for a citrusy twist.
- Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners and fill each cup no more than 3/4 full to prevent overflowing during baking.
- Bake the cupcakes according to the package directions until the tops are lightly browned and cracky.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Place the shredded coconut on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and toast it in the oven until lightly browned for about 3-4 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then separately whip the cream cheese until light and fluffy.
- Combine the whipped cream cheese with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, creating a smooth and creamy frosting.
- Once the cupcakes are cooled, pipe the whipped cream cheese frosting on top of each cupcake using a star tip.
- Sprinkle the toasted coconut on the frosting for a delightful coconut finish before serving.
Assembly
Assembling these delightful coconut angel food cupcakes is the best part! Let me guide you through frosting the cupcakes and adding the final touches to create a visually appealing and scrumptious treat.
Frosting the Cupcakes
- Prepare the frosting by combining heavy whipping cream, softened cream cheese, and powdered sugar in a bowl. Whip the ingredients together until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, generously frost each cupcake with the prepared coconut cream frosting. Make sure to cover the tops of the cupcakes evenly with the frosting for a delightful flavor in every bite.
- After frosting the cupcakes, top each one with sliced strawberries. The combination of coconut cream frosting and fresh strawberries creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
- Finish off the cupcakes with a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a tropical touch. The toasted coconut adds a crunchy element to the cupcakes and enhances the coconut flavor in every bite.
Serving and Storage
After preparing these delightful coconut angel food cupcakes, it’s essential to serve and store them correctly to maintain their freshness and flavor. Here are some steps to ensure your cupcakes look and taste their best:
Serving:
- Once the cupcakes have cooled and been frosted with the delicious cream cheese mixture, consider decorating the top with fresh berries or fruits of your choice to enhance their presentation.
- To add a delightful crunch and extra flavor, sprinkle approximately 1 teaspoon of toasted coconut on each cupcake before serving.
- For an elegant touch, use a star tip to pipe 1.5 oz of the icing mixture on top of each cupcake for a beautifully decorated finish.
- Serve the cupcakes on a decorative platter or stand to showcase their vibrant colors and inviting appearance.
- As these cupcakes contain cream cheese icing, it is important to store them in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and prevent the frosting from melting or becoming too soft.
- Place the cupcakes in an airtight container to protect them from absorbing any unwanted odors from the refrigerator.
- When storing the cupcakes, ensure they are kept away from strong-smelling foods to prevent cross-contamination of flavors.
- Properly stored, these coconut angel food cupcakes can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, allowing you to enjoy them over several servings.
Conclusion
Creating coconut angel food cupcakes is a delightful way to indulge in a light and fluffy dessert. By following the step-by-step guide provided, you can easily whip up these heavenly treats in your own kitchen. Remember to pay attention to the assembly process to ensure a beautiful presentation and a burst of coconut flavor in every bite. When serving, consider garnishing with fresh berries and a sprinkle of toasted coconut for an extra touch of elegance. Proper storage is key to preserving the cupcakes’ freshness, so be sure to keep them refrigerated in an airtight container. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy your coconut angel food cupcakes for several days, savoring the tropical taste with each bite.