Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 1½ cups gluten free flour
- ¾ cup + 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup coconut milk (from a can, well shaken)
- ¼ cup + 3 tbsp neutral oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp lime zest
- ½ cup shredded coconut
Frosting
- 1 cup vegan butter (cold, straight from the fridge)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3½ - 4 cups powdered sugar
- Optional: lime zest, shredded coconut, coconut milk, or lime juice for decoration and frosting adjustment
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to ensure easy removal and cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the coconut milk, neutral oil, and vanilla extract into the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cupcakes.
- Incorporate Lime and Coconut: Fold in the lime zest and shredded coconut, making sure they are evenly dispersed throughout the batter for consistent flavor and texture.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Transfer the batter into a measuring cup for easier pouring and fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 to 3/4 full to allow room for rising without overflowing.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 21 to 23 minutes, aiming for around 22.5 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the cold vegan butter with a hand mixer until creamy. Add vanilla extract and then gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth and fluffy.
- Adjust Frosting Consistency (Optional): If adding lime juice or coconut milk to the frosting for extra flavor, increase the powdered sugar accordingly to maintain the desired frosting thickness.
- Decorate: Frost the cooled cupcakes generously. Garnish with additional lime zest and shredded coconut if desired for extra texture and presentation.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your vegan coconut lime cupcakes are ready to enjoy as a zesty, tropical dessert treat!
Notes
- Use cold vegan butter for the best frosting texture.
- Filling cupcakes 2/3 to ¾ full prevents overflow while baking.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
- Adjust powdered sugar quantity when adding liquid flavorings to frosting to achieve desired consistency.
- Optional toppings like lime zest and shredded coconut add a decorative and flavorful touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan