Coconut Cream Pie Cupcakes Recipe
Delight in the tropical flavors of Coconut Cream Pie Cupcakes, featuring a moist white cake infused with coconut milk and shredded sweetened coconut. Filled with a creamy coconut pudding mousse and topped with luscious cream cheese whipped cream, these cupcakes are garnished with shredded coconut for the perfect elegant finish. Ideal for coconut lovers seeking a rich yet fluffy dessert.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Cupcake
- 1 box (15oz) White cake mix
- 1 cup (120g) shredded sweetened coconut
- 3 large Egg whites
- ¾ cups (177ml) Coconut milk, mixed
- ½ cup (118ml) vegetable oil
- ½ cup (96g) light sour cream
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) coconut extract
- 1 teaspoon (3.75g) baking powder
Filling
- 1 package (3.4oz) instant vanilla pudding
- ¾ cup (177ml) milk, any type
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) coconut extract
- 1 cup (236ml) heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup (32g) powdered sugar
Frosting
- 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, cold
- 1 3/4 cups (413ml) heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup (130g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract
Garnish
- Shredded coconut for garnish
- Prepare the Cupcake Batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Stir the coconut milk well before adding. In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, shredded sweetened coconut, egg whites, coconut milk, vegetable oil, light sour cream, coconut extract, and baking powder. Beat on medium speed until well mixed, scraping down the bowl sides and stirring from the bottom to ensure even mixing.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Using a large cookie scoop, divide the batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before filling.
- Make the Coconut Pudding Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and coconut extract until fully dissolved. Refrigerate until the pudding is firm, approximately 15 to 30 minutes.
- Prepare Whipped Cream for Filling: Chill a mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes. Pour heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar into the chilled bowl. Beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, then continue until stiff peaks form.
- Combine Pudding and Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the set pudding to create a light and airy coconut mousse. Transfer the filling to a Ziplock bag and chill until ready to use.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Chill a mixing bowl for 5 to 10 minutes. Beat the cold cream cheese on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and free of lumps, scraping down sides as needed. Add 3 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream and beat until the mixture becomes liquid in texture.
- Whip Remaining Cream for Frosting: Gradually drizzle in the remaining heavy whipping cream while beating on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat until stiff peaks form. Use immediately or refrigerate until needed.
- Assemble the Cupcakes: Using a spoon, knife, or cupcake corer, remove the center of each cupcake. Cut the tip off the Ziplock bag containing the coconut mousse filling and pipe the filling into the hollow center. Top each cupcake with the cream cheese whipped cream frosting. Garnish with shredded coconut. Refrigerate cupcakes and serve chilled.
Notes
- Ensure the coconut milk is well mixed before adding to the batter to incorporate the cream and water evenly.
- Do not overfill cupcake liners; filling 2/3 full allows space for rising.
- Chilling the mixing bowl and whisk helps to achieve better whipped cream.
- Use cold cream cheese for a smoother frosting without lumps.
- Refrigerate the finished cupcakes to maintain freshness and structure.
- For dairy-free variations, substitute coconut cream-based alternatives and vegan pudding mixes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Coconut Cream Pie Cupcakes, Coconut Cupcakes, Cream Cheese Frosting, Coconut Mousse Filling, Tropical Cupcakes, White Cake Coconut