Easter Basket Cupcakes Coconut (Printable)

Cupcakes decorated with coconut grass and candy, ideal for bright, festive springtime treats.

# 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 Steps:

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 until well combined.
03 - In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
05 - Mix in vanilla extract until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
06 - Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing.
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 vigorously 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 coconut grass.
13 - Curve a licorice rope or candy strip and press the ends into each cupcake to form a basket handle.

# Helpful Tips:

01 -
  • They make everyone smile before they even take a bite
  • The grass trick is easier than it looks and kids go wild for it
  • Perfect for when you want something festive but not fussy
02 -
  • Room temperature ingredients prevent curdled batter and dense cupcakes
  • Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting or the buttercream will melt right off
  • The grass needs gentle pressure or it will slide off the frosting
03 -
  • Make the cupcakes a day ahead and decorate the morning of your event
  • Extra coconut grass keeps in the fridge for weeks

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