Coconut Pecan Cupcakes

Total Time

Prep: 50 min. Bake: 20 min. + cooling

Makes

2 dozen

Updated: Oct. 22, 2022
Pecan lovers have lots to cheer about with these flavorful cupcakes. I created the recipe for my best friend, Ann, who said she loved Italian cream cake but didn't want a whole cake. They have a wonderful aroma and fabulous flavor. —Tina Harrison, Prairieville, Louisiana
Coconut Pecan Cupcakes Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 5 eggs, separated
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans
  • FROSTING:
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 3/4 cup chopped pecans

Directions

  1. Let eggs stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. In a large bowl, cream the butter, shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in extracts. Combine the flour, cornstarch, baking soda and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition.
  2. In a small bowl, beat egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold into batter. Stir in coconut and pecans.
  3. Fill paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
  4. In a large bowl, combine frosting ingredients until smooth; frost cupcakes. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 410 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 206mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.