Rum Coconut Cupcakes

Rum coconut cupcakes come together and taste like a tropical cocktail in dessert form! Coconut and rum flavor the cupcakes, which are topped with an EASY vanilla rum American buttercream.

Do you ever have a hard time choosing between after dinner drinks or dessert? I don't usually have this problem because I always choose both!🙄 If you would rather not have to make a choice, I've got you covered with these tropical cocktail inspired cupcakes.

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When I sat down to write this post, I realized that I seem to have a thing for boozy recipes. As evidenced by margarita pie, cherry bourbon crumble ice cream and fudgy Irish cream brownies. And don't worry if I haven't hit your favorite, I've got a couple more in recipe development!

what rum do I need for rum coconut cupcakes?

This recipe isn't finicky about what rum you use. My liquor cabinet usually has some version of dark rum and that is what I've used in these cupcakes. Back in my cruise ship days, I was very fond of Tortuga coconut rum and if I could get my hands on some, that is what I would use.

do I really need to use room temperature ingredients?

Yes! Room temperature ingredients will come together better, which will result in lighter and better textured cupcakes. This rum coconut cupcake recipe will still turn out if you don't have your eggs, sour cream and buttermilk at room temperature, but room temperature butter is a must! And since you are pulling that out ahead of time, just grab the other ingredients at the same time.

let's make rum coconut cupcakes!

You need the usual suspects for the cupcakes ~

• all purpose flour
• baking powder
• baking soda
• salt
• unsalted butter
• granulated sugar
• eggs
• sour cream
• vanilla
• rum
• buttermilk
• sweetened shredded coconut

Start by whisking the dry ingredients together in a medium bowl and setting them aside. Then cream the butter for 30-60 seconds before adding the granulated sugar and creaming until light in color. Scrape up and down the mixing bowl before adding the egg, followed by the egg whites and mix until incorporated.

Now you will add the sour cream, vanilla and rum. The mixture will start to look quite curdled at this point, but don't worry! It will come together when you add the dry ingredients.

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To finish the cupcake batter, alternate adding the dry ingredients with the buttermilk. I like to do ½ the flour mixture, the buttermilk and then the final flour. Be careful not to over mix the batter. Stop when you see a few streaks of flour remaining and then use a spatula to mix in the coconut.

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Finally, distribute the batter between 14 regular size cupcake liners (this brand is my favorite!). Alternately, you can make 12 regular size cupcakes and 6 mini cupcakes. Bake until a tester comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely. When the cupcakes have been moved to a wire rack, brush 2 tablespoons of rum over the tops of the cooling cupcakes (I like using a silicone basting brush).

how to make EASY vanilla rum buttercream

The vanilla rum buttercream is a variation on my not-too-sweet American buttercream. Start with room temperature butter and a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a hand-held mixer. The trick to getting this American buttercream silky is to beat the heck out of the butter.

After you've beat the butter for a full five minutes; add the powdered sugar on low until incorporated, then add the heavy cream and beat on high another full five minutes. Finally, scrape up and down the bowl, add the rum and vanilla and beat 2 final minutes.

If you want the look of the rosettes in the photos, I used a Wilton 2D tip.

I hope this finds you healthy and enjoying a bit of summer and maybe even some cocktails on the patio! I swear I've got a Coffee Talk post almost ready for you. Hopefully you'll see it in your inbox in the next week!🤞

for more coconut recipes, check out my:

• Chocolate Coconut Bites
• Coconut Cream Pie
• Coconut Pecan Tart
• Perfect Coconut Cake
• Strawberry Coconut Chocolate Bars

Remember to snap a picture and tag me @twosugarbugs on Instagram if you make these Rum Coconut Cupcakes. It warms my heart to see you bring these recipes to life! Thank you for being here and happy baking!

If you make this recipe {or any recipe!} from two sugar bugs please come back and leave a review and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating.  I read every comment, and I LOVE hearing from you!