Piña Colada Cupcakes
I don’t know about you guys, but some of my favorite things in the world to bake (and eat, of course) are cupcakes. I’m always looking for new and creative cupcakes to create whether it be for parties, for my kids or let’s be honest, for myself! This Piña Colada Cupcakes recipe is the latest creation and let me tell you: it is DELICIOUS. And super cute, might I add. They were a huge hit at the last party I hosted.
If you’re looking for a great party idea to pair with these cupcakes, I would highly recommend doing a Luau party! It’s such a blast and I’ve got a few things up my sleeve that’ll help you throw the best party ever. I’ve got a free printable Luau Party Sign that’s perfect for welcoming your guests and don’t forget to make these super delicious Lava Colada drinks or this Pomegranate Sea Breeze Cocktail that everyone is sure to enjoy.
If you’re looking for more yummy dessert options, I’ve got a bunch of them on my dessert page here.
Now, back to our recipe! I hope you enjoy these cupcakes as much as I do!
These Piña Colada Cupcakes can be made into an adult version by brushing a little rum on the cupcakes before adding the icing. They sound good, don’t they! Skip this step to have them kid-friendly.
Piña Colada Cupcakes
Prepare vanilla cake mix according to the box’s directions then fold in shredded coconut. Place in cupcake liners and bake. Allow to cool completely on a rack before decorating.
Optional: Brush a thin coat of rum on top of each cupcake before adding the icing and candy decorations.
Line a baking sheet with wax paper. In a bowl, microwave candy melts and coconut oil in 30-second intervals until completely melted. Pour into a piping bag and pipe out pineapple-leaf shapes. Allow to set in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. More piping tips here.
To make the buttercream, use an electric mixer to start beating butter, sugar, and milk on medium and gradually increase the speed to high. Add vanilla extract and pineapple juice and continue to mix. Mix in yellow food coloring. It is ready once the mixture forms stiff peaks.
Using a piping bag, frost each cupcake and then top with candy-shaped pineapple leaves. Enjoy and “cheers!”
Piña Colada Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 Vanilla cake mix plus all of the ingredients to make it
- 2/4 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 2 cups green candy melts
- 2 tsp coconut oil
- 2 sticks butter softened
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 3-4 tbsp milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp pineapple juice
- 3-4 drops yellow gel food coloring
- For alcoholic/adult-friendly option: ¼ cup of your favorite rum
Instructions
- Prepare vanilla cake mix according to the box’s directions then fold in shredded coconut. Place in cupcake liners and bake. Allow to cool completely on a rack before decorating.
- Optional: Brush a thin coat of rum on top of each cupcake before adding the icing and candy decorations.
- Line a baking sheet with wax paper. In a bowl, microwave candy melts and coconut oil in 30-second intervals until completely melted. Pour into a piping bag and pipe out pineapple-leaf shapes. Allow to set in refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.
- To make the buttercream, use an electric mixer to start beating butter, sugar, and milk on medium and gradually increase the speed to high. Add vanilla extract and pineapple juice and continue to mix. Mix in yellow food coloring. It is ready once the mixture forms stiff peaks.
- Using a piping bag, frost each cupcake and then top with candy-shaped pineapple leaves. Enjoy and “cheers!”
Nutrition
A FEW MORE LUAU PARTY IDEAS
Luau Party Sign Free Printable
Luau Party Decorations and Ideas
Summer Party Glasses