This is a lovely subtle coconut cupcake. There is coconut and coconut milk in the cupcake and cream/custard filling. If you would like a stronger coconut flavor, you can add some coconut extract to the batter. I also love the toasted coconut on the top. I’ve added some gelatin to the whipped cream topping to help stabilize it. If it’s not too hot out and you’re eating these right away, then you can just use regular whipped cream.

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Cupcake Pan – http://amzn.to/1vLfdo8
White Cupcake Liners – http://amzn.to/1rSzdXH
Disposable Piping Bags – http://amzn.to/1wdJUoC
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Ingredients for Custard/Cream:

3/4 cup Coconut Milk
3/4 cup Half & Half
3 Egg Yolks (save the whites for the cupcakes)
1/3 cup Sugar
2 tbsp Cornstarch
1/2 tbsp Butter
3/4 cup Flaked Sweetened Coconut
3/4 tsp Vanilla Extract
1/8 tsp Salt

Method:
– Whisk coconut milk, half & half and egg yolks in a jug. Set aside.
– In a heavy-based saucepan, mix sugar and cornstarch. Over medium-low heat, slowly whisk in egg/milk mixture.
– Stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, bring to a boil and boil for 1 min.
– Remove from heat and stir in butter, vanilla, salt and flaked coconut.
– Place cling film or plastic wrap on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Cool completely.
Note: I remove the custard to a bowl to cool. If needed, you can place the bowl in an ice bath to cool more quickly.

Ingredients for Cake:

2 1/4 cups Flour
1 1/2 cups Sugar
2 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Salt
3/4 cup Coconut Milk
3/4 cup Shortening
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1/2 tsp Almond Extract
3 Egg Whites
1 cup Flaked Sweetened Coconut

1-2 cups Flaked Sweetened Coconut, for toasting

Method:
– Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line 2 – 12 cup cupcake pans with cases.
– Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, coconut milk, shortening, vanilla extract and almond extract on low and then increase to high until light.
– Add in flaked coconut.
– In a separate bowl, whip egg whites until stiff peaks form.
– Gently fold egg whites into batter.
– Evenly divide batter between cupcake cases.
– Bake for 20 – 25 min. until golden brown or toothpick inserted comes out clean.
– Cool in pans for 10 min. before removing to wire rack to cool completely.

– Place coconut for toasting on a baking tray and bake until lightly golden brown.

Ingredients for Stabilized Whipped Cream:

2 tsp Gelatin
8 tsp Cold Water
2 cups Whipping Cream
1/2 cup Confectioner’s Sugar

Method:
– In a small saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over water. Let sit 5 min.
– Over a low heat, stir to dissolve gelatin.
– Cool to room temp. Make sure gelatin doesn’t set.
– Whip cream and confectioner’s sugar until soft peaks form. Slowly add gelatin to whipped cream.

To assemble cupcakes:
– cut a small hole in the top of each cupcake.
– Fill hole with some custard (placing custard in a piping bag makes this very easy and quick).
– Cover top of cupcake with whipped cream (I use a Wilton 1M nozzle in a piping bag).
– Sprinkle toasted coconut over top.

Note: If you’re not eating these right away, then keep them refrigerated.