Save to Pinterest These vibrant cupcakes feature a tender crumb enriched with vanilla, topped with a creamy butter frosting. The highlight is the green coconut grass that adds a festive touch alongside mini candy eggs nestled in the center. A sour candy handle completes the look, evoking an Easter basket feel. Ideal for easy preparation, these cupcakes bring springtime charm to any celebration, blending classic flavors with playful decorations.
Last Easter, my niece asked if we could bake something that looked like actual baskets, and I'll admit I panicked at first. These coconut grass cupcakes ended up being the perfect solution, and honestly, watching her face light up when she saw the green coconut was worth every green-stained finger in my kitchen. Now they've become this weird little tradition I actually look forward to.
I remember setting up an assembly line with my sister last year, her in charge of frosting while I handled the coconut grass situation. We had coconut everywhere, in our hair, on the counter, probably still in places we haven't discovered yet. But those baskets sitting on the Easter table, slightly imperfect and absolutely charming, made the mess totally worth it.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of these tender cupcakes, so measure correctly for the best texture
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and creates that lovely golden crumb we all want
- Unsalted butter: Room temperature is crucial here for proper creaming and fluffy results
- Large eggs: Bring these to room temperature too, they incorporate better and prevent curdling
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and richness, though you can use buttermilk for extra tang
- Baking powder: The lift that makes these cupcakes rise beautifully
- Salt: Just a pinch balances all the sweetness and enhances flavors
- Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla makes a noticeable difference in both cupcakes and frosting
- Powdered sugar: Sift it first to avoid any lumps in your silky smooth frosting
- Sweetened shredded coconut: The magic ingredient that transforms into Easter grass with minimal effort
- Green food coloring: Start with a couple drops, you can always add more for deeper grass color
- Mini candy eggs: Cadbury Mini Eggs are classic, but any egg shaped candies work beautifully
- Sour candy belts: These flexible strips create the most convincing basket handles
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 350°F and line your muffin tin with pretty Easter themed liners if you have them.
- Cream the butter and sugar:
- Beat them together until the mixture looks pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes of serious mixing.
- Add the eggs:
- Drop them in one at a time, letting each egg fully incorporate before adding the next.
- Mix in vanilla:
- Pour in that teaspoon of vanilla and give it another quick beat to distribute evenly.
- Whisk dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt so they're evenly distributed.
- Combine everything:
- Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with milk, mixing just until combined.
- Bake the cupcakes:
- Divide batter among liners and bake 18 to 20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Make the frosting:
- Beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and milk until smooth.
- Color the coconut:
- Toss coconut with green food coloring in a zip top bag, shake until it looks like grass.
- Decorate your baskets:
- Frost cupcakes, press on coconut grass, arrange candy eggs, and insert candy handles.
Save to Pinterest These have this way of making everyone at the table feel like a kid again, reaching for cupcakes with this excited energy you rarely see with adult desserts. There's something about the handmade imperfection that makes them feel special, like someone really put their heart into making Easter memorable.
Making Ahead
I've learned through holiday chaos that baking and frosting these a day ahead actually improves them, giving the flavors time to develop. Store undecorated cupcakes in an airtight container and add all the basket elements right before your celebration for the freshest appearance.
Getting Creative
Sometimes I'll swap the coconut for colored edible grass if I'm short on time, or use chocolate cupcakes instead of vanilla for this moody Easter basket vibe. The candy eggs can be customized too, pastel Jordan almonds look sophisticated while jelly beans bring back childhood memories.
Serving Suggestions
These cupcakes work beautifully displayed on a tiered stand as your Easter dessert centerpiece, surrounded by a few real flowers for this garden party effect. I love serving them with this sparkling cider cocktail for the kids and maybe something slightly stronger for the adults who survived the egg hunt.
- Set up this cupcake decorating station and let guests add their own candy eggs
- Pair with coconut cream pie for this coconut themed dessert table
- Offer chocolate and vanilla versions so everyone gets their favorite
Save to Pinterest Hope these bring this extra bit of spring magic to your Easter table this year. Happy baking, and may your coconut grass stay exactly where you put it.
Common Questions
- → How do I make the coconut grass for decoration?
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Mix shredded sweetened coconut with a few drops of green food coloring in a sealed bag. Shake until evenly tinted, then sprinkle on the frosting for a grassy effect.
- → What can I substitute for the candy eggs?
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You can use mini chocolate chips, jelly beans, or other small colorful confections to recreate the egg design.
- → Can I prepare the cupcakes in advance?
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Yes, bake and cool the cupcakes ahead, then frost and decorate them just before serving to maintain freshness.
- → How do you create the basket handle effect?
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Insert a sour candy belt or licorice rope into each cupcake's side after frosting, trimming the ends to fit neatly.
- → What alternative flour options work for a gluten-free version?
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Use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, ensuring similar texture and rise.
