This recipe calls for the classic cream cheese frosting but if you prefer a light butter cream or whipped cream frosting by all means go ahead and make the switch!

And as always, if you LOVE this recipe and want to just bake it as a cake, feel free!

One-Bowl Heavenly Coconut Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup full-fat, canned coconut milk
• 4 eggs
• 2 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
• 14 ounces sweetened coconut flakes, divided

Classic Cream Cheese Frosting

Directions

1. Adjust rack to center position of oven and preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Line muffin pans with 24 cupcake liners.
3. Set a large sifter or fine mesh sieve over the large bowl of an electric mixer.
4. Measure flour, cornstarch, sugar, baking powder, and salt into sieve and firmly hit the palm of your hand against its side to sift all of the dry ingredients together into the bowl. (If desired, repeat this process a few more times for fluffier cupcakes.)
5. To the sifted dry ingredients, add the softened butter, sour cream, coconut milk, eggs, vanilla, almond extract, and about 2 cups (7 ounces) of the coconut flakes.
6. Beat at medium speed for 30 seconds or until smooth.
7. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula and beat for 15 more seconds.
8. Evenly divide the batter between the 24 cupcake liners (I find it easiest to do this using a cookie scoop).
9. Bake for 20 to 24 minutes or until cupcakes are light golden.
10. Cool the cupcakes for a few minutes in the pans before transferring them to a wire rack.
11. When cool, frost with Classic Cream Cheese Frosting and top with remaining coconut flakes.

EXTRA BONUS~ CREAM CHEESE FROSTING RECIPE
Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3 1/2 – 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. Beat together  butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Slowly pour in the powdered sugar and vanilla, then beat until smooth.

Quick Tip: You can pipe frosting on top or use a spatula. But don’t forget the extra shavings of coconut. For extra flare, toast coconut for the top!

Photo and Recipes courtesy of Samantha at Five Heart Home