Indulge in rich, moist chocolate cupcakes baked to create a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Each cupcake is generously adorned with a luscious, creamy coconut buttercream that adds a delightful tropical twist. Topped with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for that added crunch, these treats are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and bring a smile to your face!

Chocolate cupcakes with coconut buttercream with toasted pieces of coconut on top on a brown parchment paper on the counter.

Serves: 24
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 16-18 minutes

Ingredients:

chocolate cake mix; The ingredients needed to make the batter are typically listed on the cake mix box. You usually need to add water, eggs, and oil, but it’s best to check the specific instructions on your box for the exact quantities.
unsalted butter; softened
powdered sugar
coconut cream
coconut extract
salt
sweetened coconut flakes

Chocolate Cake Mix is absent from the photo

Get the full printable instructions with measurements at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

Step-by-Step Directions:

Step 1: Make the chocolate cupcake batter following the instructions on the back of the cake mix box. Line muffin tins with paper muffin cups. Approximately 24 muffin cups. Please make sure to bake according to the cake box instructions.

Step 2: While the cupcakes are cooling, make the coconut buttercream frosting. Add the butter, salt, coconut cream, and extract to a mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer at low speed, combine the ingredients. Gradually incorporate one cup of powdered sugar into the mixing bowl, adding one cup at a time. As you mix, do so for approximately two minutes, allowing the ingredients to blend thoroughly. Keep an eye on the consistency—your goal is to achieve a luscious, fluffy frosting thick enough to hold its shape, creating a texture that perfectly complements your baked goods.

In a large white mixing bowl is unsalted butter, coconut cream, all on the counter.

An electric hand mixer, mixing powdered sugar into butter and coconut extract and salt in a white mixing bowl on the counter.

Coconut buttercream and a black bowl surrounded by coconut flakes and a brown spatula on brown parchment paper on the counter.

Step 3: Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting. Use toasted coconut flakes to garnish the cupcakes. How to Toast Coconut (3 ways).

Chocolate cupcake, with coconut buttercream on brown parchment paper with toasted coconut on top on the counter.

For tips on adding frosting to your cupcakes without a piping bag or piping tips, click the link below to learn more. ⬇️

How to Ice Cupcakes without a Piping Bag or Tips-

Tips:

Chocolate Cupcakes with Coconut Buttercream

Indulge in rich, moist chocolate cupcakes baked to create a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Tara

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 18

Total Time 33

Servings

Equipment

mixing bowls
electric hand mixer

Ingredients

chocolate cake mix
The ingredients needed for the batter are typically listed on the cake mix box. You usually need to add water, eggs, and oil, but it’s best to check the specific instructions on your box for the exact quantities.
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
4 cups powdered sugar
4½ Tbsp coconut cream
2 tsp coconut extract
salt (pinch)
½ cup sweetened coconut flakes (toasted for garnish)

Instructions

Make the chocolate cupcake batter following the instructions on the back of the cake mix box. Line muffin tins with paper muffin cups. Approximately 24 muffin cups. Please make sure to bake according to the cake box instructions.
While the cupcakes are cooling, make the coconut buttercream frosting. Add the butter, salt, coconut cream, and extract to a mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer at low speed, combine the ingredients. Gradually incorporate one cup of powdered sugar into the mixing bowl, adding one cup at a time. As you mix, do so for approximately two minutes, allowing the ingredients to blend thoroughly. Keep an eye on the consistency—your goal is to achieve a luscious, fluffy frosting thick enough to hold its shape, creating a texture that perfectly complements your baked goods.
Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting. Use toasted coconut flakes to garnish the cupcakes. How to Toast Coconut (3 ways).