Ingredients

For the Coconut Cupcakes
• 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs at room temperature
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 4 ounces sweetened, shredded coconut
• 15 white truffles (see notes)
For the White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
• 4 oz. good quality white chocolate, melted and cooled to room temperature
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 8 oz. cream cheese, slightly colder than room temperature
• 2 1/2 cups (300g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• Extra coconut, if desired, for sprinkling

Instructions

For the Coconut Cupcakes
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs, 1 at a time, scraping down the bowl after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In 3 parts, alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined. Fold in 4 ounces of coconut.
4. Line a muffin pan with paper liners. Fill each liner 1/3 of the way with batter. Press in one truffle. Fill the liner up 3/4 of the way full, covering the truffle. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the tops are brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Remove to a baking rack and cool completely.
For the White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
5. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter for 3-5 minutes, until completely smooth and lightened in color.
6. Add in the cream cheese and mix for about 30 seconds, until there are no more lumps. Don't overmix here or you icing will be too soft to pipe. Add in the white chocolate and mix until it is just incorporated.
7. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream, and mix for about 1 minute or until the icing is creamy and smooth. Add more heavy cream if necessary.
8. Frost the cupcakes however you desire, and sprinkle with coconut. Enjoy!

Notes