Pina Colada Cupcakes (Print)

Tropical cupcakes layered with pineapple, coconut, and rum, topped with creamy coconut frosting for a festive treat.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Cupcakes

01 - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
03 - ¼ teaspoon salt
04 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - ⅓ cup coconut milk, canned full-fat
08 - ⅓ cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
09 - ¼ cup pineapple juice
10 - 2 tablespoons light rum
11 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 - ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut

→ Coconut Frosting

13 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
14 - 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
15 - 3 tablespoons coconut milk, canned full-fat
16 - ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
17 - Pinch of salt

→ Garnish

18 - 2 tablespoons toasted shredded coconut
19 - 12 maraschino cherries
20 - Small pineapple wedges

# How To Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
04 - Beat in eggs one at a time. Mix in coconut milk, pineapple juice, rum, and vanilla extract until combined.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Fold in crushed pineapple and shredded coconut.
06 - Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
07 - Cool in tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
08 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then coconut milk, vanilla, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy.
09 - Frost cooled cupcakes generously. Garnish with toasted coconut, a cherry, and pineapple wedge if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They bring vacation vibes to your kitchen in under an hour
  • The combination of pineapple and coconut creates natural sweetness that doesnt feel heavy
02 -
  • Well drained pineapple is non negotiable, or your cupcakes will turn out dense and soggy in the middle
  • Room temperature ingredients create the smoothest batter and fluffiest frosting
03 -
  • Use fresh pineapple juice from a can or carton rather than bottled juice concentrate
  • Let frosted cupcakes sit uncovered for 10 minutes to form a slight crust on the frosting

Go Back