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Coconut-Lime Cupcakes

5 from 7 votes
These moist cupcakes are the perfect mix of tart lime and tropical coconut!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Servings24 cupcakes

Ingredients

Cupcakes

  • 1 yellow or white cake mix we’re hopelessly devoted to Duncan Hines
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons coconut extract
  • zest of 1 medium lime
  • 1 cup coconut

Coconut-Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 3 8-ounce packages full-fat cream cheese softened (normally I’d say low-fat is fine, but in this case, it would be too runny)
  • ¾ cup butter softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • juice of 1 medium lime
  • 2 teaspoons coconut extract

Garnish

  • sweetened coconut
  • lime zest

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350℉. Disregard the instructions on the cake mix box. Line 2 12-cup muffin tins with cupcake liners and set aside.
  • In a large bowl or the bowl of a heavy-duty mixer, combine all the cake ingredients except for the coconut: cake mix, eggs, oil. sour cream, vanilla and coconut extracts, and lime zest. Mix on low for 30 seconds or until all the ingredients are roughly combined and then mix on high for 3 minutes. Add the coconut and mix until just combined.
  • Evenly distribute the batter among the lined muffin tin. Bake for 16-22 minutes or until a pick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean and the tops are very lightly golden. Be SURE not to overbake these cupcakes because they will taste stale. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
  • While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. Combine the cream cheese and butter in a large bowl or the bowl of a heavy-duty mixer. Whip until light and fluffy. Add remaining ingredients and mix until well-combined. Transfer to a piping bag and swirl the icing over the cooled cupcakes. Garnish with a sprinkling of coconut and a little lime zest. Cover and refrigerate any leftovers. Makes 24 cupcakes.

Notes

  • Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator (must be refrigerated for storage due to cream cheese frosting) and enjoy within 3-4 days for best results.
  • Make sure you don't overbake your cupcakes or they will be dry. Keep a close eye on them and check for doneness as soon as they look like they are getting close!
  • If you'd like to toast your coconut before using as a garnish, spread coconut out on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish and bake for about 2-5 minutes, stirring every 30-60 seconds at 375°F until it reaches a nice golden brown. For more details see this How to Toast Coconut post.

Nutrition

Serving: 1frosted cupcake, Calories: 370kcal, Carbohydrates: 35g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 24g, Saturated Fat: 13g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0.4g, Cholesterol: 70mg, Sodium: 296mg, Potassium: 86mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 25g, Vitamin A: 647IU, Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 90mg, Iron: 1mg
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Baked Goods
Keyword: Coconut-Lime Cupcakes
Calories: 370kcal
Cost: $12
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