Lemon Coconut Cupcakes

Total Time Prep: 20 min. Bake: 20 min. + cooling
Yield 15 cupcakes
Test Kitchen Approved
Lemon plus coconut equals big smiles in this cupcake equation. These zesty gems are a hit with my family, friends and neighbors. —Debra Henderson, Booneville, Arkansas

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3 teaspoons grated lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • LEMON COCONUT FROSTING:
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1-1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut, divided
  • Lemon slices, optional

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in lemon zest and vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream. Beat just until combined. Fold in coconut.
  2. Fill paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 18-22 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
  3. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, lemon zest, vanilla and lemon juice until fluffy. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth; stir in 1/4 cup coconut. Frost cupcakes; sprinkle with remaining coconut. If desired, garnish with lemon slices.

Nutrition Facts

1 cupcake: 327 calories, 18g fat (12g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 262mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.

Lemon plus coconut equals big smiles in this cupcake equation. These zesty gems are a hit with my family, friends and neighbors. —Debra Henderson, Booneville, Arkansas
Recipe Creator

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