piña colada cupcakes

In my opinion, piña coladas are the definition of the perfect summertime beverage. Whether you're enjoying one on a beach in the Caribbean (I highly recommend this option!), or making one after work in your kitchen, a piña colada is like a little piece of pineapple-coconut heaven. So, why not have one in cupcake form?

I tried out a recipe for piña colada cupcakes this past weekend for my newly-engaged friends Julie & Jeremy's housewarming party. Great food, good company, cornhole, and cupcakes with a little rum in the batter = a great way to end the summer and celebrate friends moving into a beautiful home!

Piña Colada Cupcakes

* 1/3 C coconut rum (or any rum you have on hand)
* 3/4 C coconut milk (cream of coconut works great too)
* 1/4 C pineapple juice
* 1 tsp vanilla
* 1 1/2 C all-purpose flour
* 1 tsp baking soda
* 1/4 tsp salt
* 1/2 C unsalted butter, room temperature
* 1 C
* 3 large eggs
* 1 C shredded baker's coconut
* 1 C crushed pineapple

1. In a small bowl, combine rum, coconut milk, pineapple juice, and vanilla. Set aside.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs to the sugar mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Alternately add the flour mixture and the rum mixture, beating well after each addition.
6. Fold in the coconut and pineapple.
7. Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full.
8. Bake at 350 F for 25 minutes or until cupcakes bounce back when lightly touched.

*Yields 18 cupcakes.

Whipped Cream Topping

Although the original recipe calls for a cream cheese based frosting, I decided to go with a lighter topping for these cupcakes, similar to what I've had on piña colada cake before.

1 1/2 C. heavy whipping cream
1/2 C. confectioner's sugar

Use an electric mixer to blend until stiff peaks form. Pipe or spread on cupcakes.

If desired, top cupcakes with a sprinkle of shredded baker's coconut (if you're feeling colorful, add a drop or two of food coloring to the coconut beforehand! I was in a pink mood when I made mine).

Source: The Cupcake Project