Tara's Toasted Coconut Cupcakes

These little treats are made with lots of coconut! There is coconut in the cakes themselves and then I topped them with little tuffs of toasted coconut!

I named these coconut cupcakes after my 9 year old niece Tara because they are as sweet and warm as she is!

Ingredients:

3/4 c. butter softened

1 c. sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. almond extract

1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 c buttermilk

3/4 c. sweetened flaked coconut plus

 a little extract for toasting

For the Frosting:

6 oz cream cheese softened

1/3 cup butter softened

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp. almond extract

3 1/2 c. confectioner's sugar

Method:

In automatic mixer or using a hand mixer, blend together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add the eggs one at a time mixing well after each addition. Beat in the extracts. Mix flour, baking soda and baking powder and salt and add to creamed mixture alternation with the buttermilk. Beat well after each addition. Fold in the coconut and fill baking cups until 2/3 full. Back in oven set at 350F and bake for 20-22 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool completely.

For the Frosting...

In a large bowl or automatic mixer beat together cream cheese, butter and the extracts until smooth. Gradually add the confectioner's sugar mixing well. Toast the coconut in oven proof dish until it turns golden, let cool. Frost cupcakes and top with toasted coconut.

Makes 18 cupcakes