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Easter Bunny Cupcakes

Course Dessert
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 14 cupcakes

Ingredients

For the Coconut Cupcakes:

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened, 1/2 stick
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp coconut extract
  • 1/2 cup coconut cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut

For the Russian Coconut Buttercream:

  • 2 cups unsalted butter 4 sticks
  • 1 can 14 oz Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • 1/2 cup coconut cream
  • 1/2 tsp coconut extract

For Decorating:

  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 14 marshmallows
  • 1/4 cup colorful sanding sugar or sprinkles
  • Heart sprinkles
  • Black icing

Instructions

Making the Coconut Cupcakes:

  • Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F. Line 14 cupcake tins with liners.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift or whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  • Cream Butter and Sugar: In an electric mixer, beat butter on medium speed for 1 minute. Add sugar and beat for 1-2 more minutes until creamy and fluffy, scraping the sides as needed.
  • Add Eggs and Extracts: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla and coconut extracts.
  • Add Coconut Cream: Mix in the coconut cream.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour mixture and shredded coconut, mixing until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
  • Fill and Bake: Fill cupcake tins 2/3 full with batter. Bake for about 18 minutes. Check for doneness starting at 15 minutes; the cupcakes should spring back when gently pressed.
  • Cool: Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

Making the Russian Coconut Buttercream:

  • Prepare Butter: Ensure butter is at room temperature (68-72°F).
  • Beat Butter: Beat butter on medium-high speed for 5 minutes until fluffy.
  • Add Condensed Milk and Cream: With the mixer off, add sweetened condensed milk, coconut cream, and coconut extract. Beat until smooth and thick.

Decorating the Cupcakes:

  • Pipe Frosting: Place frosting in a piping bag with a large round tip. Pipe a mound of frosting on each cupcake.
  • Coat with Coconut: Dip each frosted cupcake in a bowl of shredded coconut to coat.
  • Make Bunny Ears: Slice marshmallows in half diagonally. Dip the sticky side into sanding sugar. Press the bottom of each marshmallow into the frosting to form bunny ears.
  • Add Features: Use a heart sprinkle for the nose and black icing to pipe the eyes.

Notes

  • Buttercream Tips: Ensure butter is at 72°F for best results. If the buttercream is too runny, refrigerate for 5 minutes and then re-whip until it firms up. Repeat as necessary.
  • Serving Suggestions: These cupcakes are best enjoyed immediately. If making ahead, store the cupcakes and frosting separately, then assemble on the day of serving. If using only butter in the frosting, you can store the cupcakes at room temperature for up to 2 days.