Easter Basket Cupcakes Coconut Grass (Printer-friendly)
Colorful cupcakes topped with coconut grass and candy eggs for a vibrant spring celebration.
# What You Need:
→ Cupcakes
01 - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
05 - 1/2 cup whole milk
06 - 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
07 - 1/4 tsp salt
08 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
→ Frosting
09 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 2 cups powdered sugar
11 - 2-3 tbsp milk
12 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
13 - Pinch of salt
→ Decorations
14 - 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
15 - Green food coloring
16 - 36 candy-coated chocolate eggs
17 - 12 licorice strings or candy laces, optional
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
03 - Beat butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla.
04 - Add half the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, then half the milk. Repeat with remaining dry ingredients and milk. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
05 - Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
06 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then milk, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth and spreadable, about 2-3 minutes.
07 - Place shredded coconut in a small bowl. Add a few drops of green food coloring and toss until coconut is evenly tinted. Add more coloring as needed for desired shade.
08 - Frost cooled cupcakes generously. Sprinkle with green coconut to resemble grass. Arrange three candy eggs on top of each cupcake. Insert a licorice string at both sides to form a basket handle, if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The coconut grass looks incredibly realistic and tastes way better than decorative sprinkles ever could
- Kids go absolutely wild for the tiny edible baskets, making them perfect for classroom parties or family gatherings
02 -
- Licorice handles need to be inserted while the frosting is still soft or they will not stay in place
- Gel food coloring is absolutely worth the extra trip to the store for the most vibrant grass color
03 -
- Use a small spoon to help arrange the coconut grass so it does not flatten your frosting
- Press candy eggs gently into the frosting so they do not roll off during transport