Coconut Lime Cupcakes

Okay, I waited as long as I possibly could before pulling out the lime desserts on you again this year, but it has begun, so if you like lime as much as I do, get excited!  If you don’t…uh, what’s wrong with you?!  I kid, I kid! 



Now I like my lime desserts super tangy, and unfortunately this one is not, but the coconut makes up for that!   There’s coconut milk, lime juice and lime zest in the cupcake base.   And the frosting, oh my!  It’s my favorite cream cheese frosting with coconut extract! I love coconut almost as much as I love lime! 

Since the lime is very light in flavor, my favorite way to eat these is to use that little garnish of lime on top and squeeze it over the frosting, then go to town on that cupcake!   I also wait to put the toasted coconut on top until just before eating because it stays crisp that way and adds a great contrast in textures with the light, fluffy cupcake, smooth creamy frosting, and the crispy, sweet coconut! 

Ingredients
Cupcake:

• 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup oil, canola/vegetable
• 2 to 3 tsp lime zest, from 1 medium lime
• 4 Tbsp lime juice, 1 medium lime
• 1 tsp coconut extract
• 3/4 cup coconut milk, from a can

Coconut Frosting & Garnishes:

• 8 oz cream cheese (I typically use Neufchatel)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 tsp coconut extract
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 to 4 Tbsp toasted coconut (Toast sweetened coconut flakes in a pan on the stovetop or in the oven, stirring frequently; once it browns it will happen quickly!)
• Lime slices cut into fourths
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Instructions

1. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
2. Whisk the eggs and sugar in a separate bowl. Then add the oil, lime zest and juice, coconut extract, and coconut milk.
3. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not over mix.
4. Line a cupcake pan with paper cups and fill each cup ⅔ full.
5. ............................................

for full instruction please see : www.dessertnowdinnerlater.com