..Pineapple Coconut Cupcakes (Two Ways)

June 8, 2012


One of my bests friends birthdays just past and of course I volunteered for cupcake duty.  Her favorite cocktail is pineapple juice and Malibu rum, and I like to personalize as much as I can whenever baking for someone I love, so I thought why not make this into a cupcake flavor? I decided on making it two ways, as the flower toppers can be extremely time consuming and may not be the best option for all.  I also decided on using boxed cake as a base to save some time.

For the cupcakes
1 box of Duncan Hines pineapple upside down cake mix 

Bake according to box instructions.  I substituted out the water it called for with fresh pineapple juice
and also added about 1/4th cup crushed pineapples for a tiny bit of texture

For the coconut icing
1 package cream cheese
1 stick butter
3.5 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon coconut Extract
1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes

Cream cream cheese and butter together and add in one cup of sugar in at a time.  Add extract, and coconut flakes until smooth.

I also toasted the rest of the bag of coconut flakes as a topping.  Just pour into pan at medium heat and toast until lightly browned.

For the dried pineapple flowers I followed this Martha Stewart recipe exactly.  Warning: they are VERY time consuming but so cute!  I added a dollop of red icing to complete the flower.   Your other option would be to just place a piece of pineapple on top of the toasted coconut flakes.

***Also for DC locals I am now open for business!  Prices are on the left under "Buy."***






30 comments

  1. Those look so cool with the pineapple on top! P.s. I also love that outfit you put together for work a couple posts down! I need to find myself a cute blazer like that. Have a nice weekend :)

    http://bronsonbloopers.blogspot.com

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  2. This is so cool! I must finally try and bake some cupcakes! Never done that LOL ;)

    xoxo
    Karola
    www.karolasway.blogspot.com

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  3. Those pineapple flowers are beautiful!

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  4. Yummo :) I love a good cupcake :)

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  5. Erin, you are a master cupecake-er!! Is that a word? Well it is now! These look so freakin' fabulous! I am a pineapple and coconut nut! Thanks for sharing and congrats on opening for business in the DC area! So exciting!!
    xo,
    Shanna

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  6. Cream cheese is the way to my heart. Those look sooo delish.

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  8. oh wow... you are so good at this. These look amazing

    http://seventwentysomethings.blogspot.com/

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  9. Those cupcakes look delicious. Sprinkles here I come!

    octoberchic.com

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  10. Those look fun! And you're open for business. Congrats!!

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  11. Yummmmm!!!
    Definitely craving this now, I might have to make these tonight!
    Thanks :)

    Angela @ The Lovely Cup

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  12. these look amaze. & i love me some cupcakes!
    can you invite me over the next time you make cupcakes? please and thank you

    xxA

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  13. what a lucky, lucky friend! My birthday is in September, and I too love Malibu and pineapple ;)

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  14. That is my favorite cocktail too!

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  15. Looks so yummy. I am not a pineapple fan, I could try and make it for my mum though, she loves it :D x angie

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  16. Oh wow these really look yummy :) I love how you do this little quick helpful posts :)!

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  17. Look so delicious! Great photos

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  18. These look DELISH! Wish I lived in DC so I could try some! Thanks for sharing :)

    www.theShopaholic247.com (DIY Origami earrings!)

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  19. Erin, these are beautiful!! And look so delish! I'm dying a little just looking at them. That's one very lucky friend of yours. I'm afraid if I lived in DC that I'd be eating your cupcakes more often than I should. ;)

    xo ~
    Mendi @ Her Late Night Cravings

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  20. Mmm, cream cheese frosting! And those dried pineapple flowers are SO cool. Thanks for sharing the idea. Have a good weekend.

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  21. My mom has recently made a pineapple coconut cake, such ideas are perfect for people who like mixing these two flavours. I have to say your cupcakes look absolutely delicious and these pineapple flowers are so adorable!

    http://glamourxkills.blogspot.com

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  22. Yummy, these look so great! Wish I could try them!
    xx Katja

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  23. oh wow... the pineapple flowers are so pretty!

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  24. It look yummy and and the pineapple flower are cute. First time I see it !!!
    xoxo
    Christy

    http://www.am2pmchic.com/

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  25. That's genius, turning a drink into cupcakes! Sounds delicious.

    http://www.tamarasblend.com/

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  26. oh wow, yum!! looks delish!!!

    www.stylevoci.com

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  27. These were the best cupcakes I've ever had!!! You're so sweet and never fail to impress me with your creativeness. Anyone who is reading this needs to buy and try these!!

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Comments make my whole day, so go on and make it.

xx E.