Lemon Coconut Cupcakes

About two weeks ago Nikki, my oldest girl, decided she wanted to learn how to cook. She really didn't like it when I was sick, because there was no unlimited supply of baked goodies. I just love the way a child's mind sometimes works.... But despite that it made me very proud when she announced she wanted to learn to cook. It isn't always easy to cook with kids, but from time to time I give it a try.

I asked her what she wanted to make and as she looooves lemons she wanted to make lemon cupcakes. Okay, no problem there. That is simple enough. But then she said she wanted lemon coconut cupcakes. And now I was facing a problem. I had never made lemon coconut cupcakes. I didn't even know if it was a known combination. I really didn't want to disappoint her so we searched for a recipe. Obviously we found one, because otherwise I wouldn't be writing about it.

We had a lot of fun. I let her do all the work (except putting the cupcakes in the oven and taking them out again). And she did a fantastic job. Of course the project took about three times as long to finish but that didn't bother me one bit. She had fun and hopefully she will continue having fun in the kitchen. I hope she will come to love it as much as I do!

The batter for these cupcakes is a little strange because of the coconut milk, but the end result is great. You can taste both the coconut and the lemon, but they are both not overwhelming.

Recipe

Lemon Coconut Cupcakes

Yield: 12 cupcakes

Ingredients:

For the cupcakes:
1 1/3 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/2 cup sugar
zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup butter
1 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup shredded coconut

For the frosting:
1 stick butter
2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 3/4 - 2 cups confectioners' sugar

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 180˚C (350˚F). Line a muffin tray with paper cups.

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.

Add the coconut and set aside.

In a small bowl zest the lemon.

Add the sugar and rub with your fingers so the sugar and zest are well mixed. Set aside.

Beat the butter in a large bowl until creamy.

Add the sugar and beat for 2 minutes.

Add the egg and beat for 3 minutes.

In four additions add the coconut milk and flour mixture until everything is mixed well.

Divide the batter into the paper cups. Bake for 18-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let the cupcakes completely cool on a rack before frosting.

For the frosting cream the butter in a large bowl of a stand mixer.

Slowly add the confectioners' sugar (the amount depending on how sweet you want it).

Add the lemon juice to taste. Beat on high speed until fluffy and smooth.

Frost the cupcakes by simply spreading it on top or by piping it.

Top of with a little extra shredded coconut.

Source: adapted from Good Life Eats