LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
And when it comes to flavor, this packs quite a punch! Mark Hagen, who's the editor of Taste of Home Magazine told Tonia's Kitchen about a recipe for Aloha Cupcakes, also called Pineapple and Coconut Cupcakes. He says the star here is tropical flavor of the cupcakes. But it's a team effort from the cake flour, which Mark says to use because of it's firmer texture to the chopped pineapple and pineapple juice the recipe calls for. Mark says it's a great treat for Valentine's Day for those looking for an alternative to chocolate. It's also a tropical dessert that'll really bring the warmth of Hawaii to your dessert tray!
1-1/4 cups cake flour
1-1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon coconut extract
1/2 cup coconut milk
1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
PINEAPPLE FROSTING:
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter
4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh pineapple
3 tablespoons unsweetened pineapple juice
TOPPING:
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted
1/2 cup coarsely chopped macadamia nuts, optional
Preheat oven to 350°. Line 12 muffin cups with paper or foil liners. Whisk first four ingredients; set aside. Beat eggs and sugar on medium speed for 1 minute. Add oil and coconut extract; beat 1 minute more. Add half the flour mixture; beat on low speed. Combine coconut milk and vinegar. Add half to batter; beat just until combined. Beat in remaining flour mixture, then remaining coconut milk mixture just until smooth. Fill prepared cups two-thirds full. Bake until cupcakes are golden brown and spring back lightly when touched, 15-18 minutes (do not overbake). Cool on wire rack. For frosting, cream shortening and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in confectioners' sugar a half-cup at a time, adding finely chopped pineapple and pineapple juice after beating in 2 cups of sugar. Add additional confectioners' sugar and pineapple juice to reach desired consistency. Spoon frosting onto cupcakes. Top with toasted coconut and, if desired, chopped macadamia nuts. Yield: 1 dozen. Editor's Note: To toast coconut, bake in a shallow pan in a 350° oven for 5-10 minutes or cook in a skillet over low heat until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
Test Kitchen tips
· Do not substitute all-purpose flour. Cake flour is so magical in a white cupcake!
· No fresh pineapple? Use canned pineapple tidbits and juice instead.
· For topping, toast 1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut by heating over medium-high heat in a small skillet for 3-4 minutes. Watch it very carefully, as it will start to toast quickly once it gets going.
