{taste this} Pina Colada Cupcakes

Well, there is no doubt about it...it is definitely summer in Central Florida!  The humidity is back with a vengeance and SPF is my BFF.  And what better way to enjoy the hot summer sun than with a cupcake inspired by a sweet and tangy drink...Pina Coladas!!  Welcome to... {taste this}!

In case you missed it, we are nearing the end of a fun cupcake series...

Each cupcake started with a boxed cake mix and classic vanilla buttercream.  Oh, but they don't stay plain and classic for very long!  Now, let's get started on this week's cupcake ...

Pina Colada Cupcakes

Sweet coconut and tangy pineapple (inside and out!)  make this the perfect summer cupcake!

Just like in past weeks, I'll give you Stuff to Buy, Stuff You Have and Stuff to Do...so here you have it!

Stuff to Buy

1 box vanilla cake mix

sweetened coconut flakes (you'll need one cup to mix in the cupcakes + some to toast for the top)

1 small can crushed pineapple - drained well

Stuff You Have

regular ol' stuff to make a cake :)

yellow food coloring - optional

Stuff to Do

Whip up a batch of our classic vanilla buttercream - recipe in week 1 here

Toast some coconut for the top of these cupcakes - place coconut on a sheet pan in a 350* oven (watch for it to brown - once you can smell the coconut, it's probably close to done, so keep an eye on it)

And let's get this cupcake baking party started!

Okay...so mix up your cake mix according to the direction on the box.  Add 1 cup of your sweetened coconut flakes and most of the can of drained, crushed pineapple.  Reserve a little of the pineapple to add to the top of the cupcakes if you want :) - we did and it was delish!

*Tip from the Bakerista (one of my best friends and the creative genius behind these fun recipes):  if you find a coconut flavored cake mix, you only need to add 1/2 cup of the coconut flakes.  And if you're brave, you can replace some of the water with coconut milk.*

Now, bake up your cupcakes...here they are, waiting for their Hawaiian inspired finish:

While your cupcakes are cooling, whip up your buttercream.  We added a few drops of yellow food coloring...it is a Pina Colada after all :)  Frost your cupcakes, add a sprinkle of toasted coconut and a bit of crushed pineapple and get out of the way!  These definitely will not be around for long!


Helllooooo, Gorgeous!

And because I love my readers, I'll save you the time of searching for the rest of our inspired cupcakes...here they are, takes 1-4:

Take #1:  Key Lime Cupcakes with Raspberry Sauce (basic buttercream recipe here, too!)
Take #2:  Mini Margarita Cupcakes
Take #3:  Milk Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Buttercream
Take #4:  Milk Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Mocha Buttercream

Next week, we'll wrap up this series with the coconutty, hot fudge filled, Almond Joy cupcake - did we save the best for last?!  Maybe, just maybe!  

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