Easter Basket Cupcakes Coconut (Printer-friendly)

Charming cupcakes topped with coconut grass and colorful candies—perfect for spring festivities.

# What You Need:

→ For the Cupcakes

01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1/2 cup whole milk
06 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ For the Buttercream Frosting

09 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 2 tablespoons milk
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
13 - Pinch of salt

→ For Decoration

14 - 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
15 - 2–3 drops green food coloring
16 - 1 cup assorted mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans
17 - 12 licorice ropes or flexible candy strips for basket handles

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
05 - Mix in vanilla extract.
06 - Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until combined.
07 - Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
08 - Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
09 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then milk, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
10 - In a zip-top bag, combine shredded coconut and green food coloring. Seal and shake until coconut is evenly tinted green.
11 - Frost cooled cupcakes with buttercream, then gently press green coconut on top to resemble grass.
12 - Decorate each cupcake with 2–3 candy eggs or jelly beans nestled in the grass.
13 - Curve a licorice rope or candy strip and press the ends into each cupcake to form a basket handle.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • These cupcakes turn any spring gathering into something magical
  • The basket handles make everyone gasp when they first see them
  • They are easier to make than they look despite the fancy presentation
02 -
  • The coconut needs to dry for at least 10 minutes after coloring or it will make your frosting soggy
  • Insert licorice handles at an angle not straight up or they will topple over
  • Frosting must be completely firm before adding decorations or everything will slide off
03 -
  • Warm your knife slightly before slicing licorice if it keeps tearing
  • Place cupcakes in the fridge for 15 minutes after frosting to help everything set

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