These coconut chocolate Easter cupcakes are soft, rich chocolate cupcakes with a hidden ganache center and the dreamiest coconut cream cheese frosting on top. I first made them for an Easter brunch three years ago, and they disappeared so fast I barely got one for myself. The chocolate and coconut flavor combination is incredibly satisfying, and the candy-coated eggs make them look like something from a bakery window. They're surprisingly simple to put together, even with the ganache filling, and they always get compliments.
If you're looking for a festive springtime dessert that feels special without being complicated, these are it. You might also love my Chai Latte Cupcakes Recipe for cozy spiced flavor or these Easy Coconut Macaroons if you're a coconut fan like me.
Why You'll Love These Coconut Chocolate Easter Cupcakes
These Coconut Chocolate Easter Cupcakes deliver bakery-quality results at home without any fussy techniques. The chocolate cake stays incredibly moist thanks to the hot coffee in the batter, and the ganache filling adds a luxurious surprise in every bite. The coconut cream cheese frosting is fluffy, tangy, and perfectly balanced with just the right hint of coconut flavor.
They're also great for involving kids in the kitchen. Little hands love rolling the frosted Coconut Chocolate Easter Cupcakes in coconut and placing the candy eggs on top. The recipe makes 15 cupcakes, so there's plenty to share at Easter gatherings, and they hold up beautifully if you need to make them a day ahead. Plus, chocolate and coconut is a classic pairing that appeals to almost everyone.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love These Coconut Chocolate Easter Cupcakes
- Coconut Chocolate Easter Cupcakes Ingredients
- How to Make Coconut Chocolate Easter Cupcakes
- Substitutions and Variations
- Equipment For Coconut Chocolate Easter Cupcakes
- Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Serving Suggestions
- Expert Tips
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Coconut Chocolate Easter Cupcakes
Coconut Chocolate Easter Cupcakes Ingredients
Here's what makes these Coconut Chocolate Easter Cupcakes come together with rich chocolate flavor and creamy coconut frosting.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For ingtedient Quantites
Chocolate Cupcakes:
- All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cupcakes and keeps them tender. Spoon and level your flour for the most accurate measurement.
- Unsweetened natural cocoa powder: Gives the cupcakes deep chocolate flavor. Natural cocoa powder works best here, not Dutch-process.
- Baking soda: Helps the cupcakes rise and creates a light, fluffy crumb.
- Baking powder: Works with the baking soda to give the cupcakes extra lift.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cupcakes incredibly moist and soft, even after a day or two.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create a tender texture.
- Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness. Room temperature eggs mix in more smoothly.
- Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the chocolate flavor with warmth.
- Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and keeps the crumb soft and tender. Make sure it's at room temperature so it doesn't seize the batter.
- Hot coffee or hot water: This might seem unusual, but it intensifies the chocolate flavor and makes the batter silky smooth. You can use either one.
Chocolate Ganache Filling:
- Semi-sweet chocolate: Melts into a smooth, rich filling. Chop it finely so it melts evenly.
- Heavy cream: Creates the silky ganache texture when poured over the chocolate.
Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting & Garnish:
- Full-fat brick cream cheese: Gives the frosting its tangy flavor and creamy body. Make sure it's softened to room temperature so it beats smoothly.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the frosting whip up light and fluffy. Softened butter is key here.
- Confectioners' sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
- Coconut extract: Brings coconut flavor to the frosting without changing the texture. A little goes a long way.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness.
- Sweetened shredded coconut: Coats the frosted cupcakes for texture and visual appeal. Sweetened coconut tastes better here than unsweetened.
- Candy-coated chocolate eggs: These colorful little eggs make the cupcakes look festive and Easter-ready.
How to Make Coconut Chocolate Easter Cupcakes
These Coconut Chocolate Easter Cupcakes come together in stages, but each step is simple and straightforward.
Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners, and line a second pan with 3 more liners since this recipe makes about 15 cupcakes. You can also bake in batches if you only have one pan.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until everything is evenly combined. Set this bowl aside.
Combine the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until smooth and well blended. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, then add the hot coffee or hot water. Whisk everything together until the batter is completely smooth. It will look thin, almost pourable, and that's exactly right.
Fill and bake: Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each one about two-thirds full to leave room for rising. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should look set and spring back lightly when touched.
Make the ganache: While the cupcakes bake, place the finely chopped chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer with tiny bubbles around the edges. Don't let it boil. Pour the hot cream directly over the chocolate and let it sit undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes.
Finish the ganache: Stir the mixture slowly with a spoon or spatula until the chocolate melts completely and the ganache turns smooth and glossy. Let it cool at room temperature for about 1 hour so it thickens to a spoonable consistency.
Cool the cupcakes: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack and let them cool completely, which takes about 30 to 40 minutes. If they feel sticky, pop them in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes to firm up.
Fill the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are cool, use a small knife to cut a cone-shaped piece about 1 inch deep from the center of each cupcake. Spoon the thickened ganache into the cavity, filling it as much as you like. Press the cone piece back on top to seal in the filling.
Make the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together on high speed with a mixer until smooth and creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the confectioners' sugar, coconut extract, and a small pinch of salt. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds to avoid a sugar cloud, then increase to high speed and beat for 2 full minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Frost and garnish: Frost each cooled, filled cupcake using a piping bag fitted with a Wilton #12 tip, or just spread the frosting on with a knife. Gently roll the top of each frosted cupcake in the shredded coconut, pressing lightly so it sticks. Top each one with 2 to 3 candy-coated chocolate eggs.
Serve and store: Serve the cupcakes right away, or store them covered at room temperature for up to 1 day. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. A cupcake carrier makes transporting them easy.
Substitutions and Variations
No buttermilk? Mix ½ cup of regular milk with 1 and ½ teaspoons of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and you've got a buttermilk substitute.
Skip the coffee: Use hot water instead. The coffee deepens the chocolate flavor, but water works just fine if you prefer.
Different frosting flavor: Swap the coconut extract for vanilla extract or almond extract if you want a different flavor profile.
No coconut extract? Use an extra ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract. The frosting won't taste like coconut, but it will still be delicious.
Make it nut-free: This recipe is already nut-free, so it's great for classrooms and gatherings where allergies are a concern.
Use a different chocolate: Milk chocolate or dark chocolate works for the ganache if you prefer a sweeter or more intense filling.
Equipment For Coconut Chocolate Easter Cupcakes
- 12-cup muffin pan: You'll need at least one, or two if you want to bake all 15 cupcakes at once.
- Cupcake liners: Paper or foil liners work great.
- Handheld or stand mixer: Makes the frosting light and fluffy.
- Piping bag and Wilton #12 tip: For a neat, professional-looking swirl on top. You can also use a knife or offset spatula.
- Small icing spatula: Helpful for spreading frosting if you're not piping.
- Cupcake carrier: Keeps the Coconut Chocolate Easter Cupcakes safe during transport and prevents the frosting from getting smashed.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Room temperature storage: Store frosted Coconut Chocolate Easter Cupcakes in an airtight container or under a cake dome at room temperature for up to 1 day. They're fine on the counter for short-term storage.
Refrigerator storage: Keep Coconut Chocolate Easter Cupcakes in the fridge for up to 5 days. The cream cheese frosting holds up well when chilled. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freeze the cupcakes: You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.
Make-ahead ganache: Prepare the ganache up to 2 days ahead and store it in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature and stir until spreadable before using.
Make-ahead frosting: The coconut cream cheese frosting can be made 1 day ahead. Store it covered in the fridge, then let it soften and re-whip it briefly before frosting.
Serving Suggestions
These Coconut Chocolate Easter Cupcakes are perfect for Easter brunch, spring gatherings, or any time you want a festive chocolate dessert.
Serve with coffee or tea: The rich chocolate and coconut pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk.
Make a dessert table: Pair these Coconut Chocolate Easter Cupcakes with other spring treats like my Homemade Ginger Pear Galette or Easy Baked Pears for a variety of flavors.
Easter brunch display: Arrange the Coconut Chocolate Easter Cupcakes on a tiered stand with fresh flowers around the base for a beautiful springtime presentation.
Pack them for gifts: Place a few cupcakes in a clear bakery box tied with a pastel ribbon, and you've got a lovely homemade Easter gift.
Expert Tips
Room temperature ingredients matter: Make sure your egg, buttermilk, cream cheese, and butter are all at room temperature. Cold ingredients don't mix as smoothly and can result in a lumpy batter or frosting.
Don't overfill the liners: Filling the liners only two-thirds full prevents overflow and gives you nicely domed cupcakes.
Let the ganache cool fully: If you try to fill the cupcakes with warm ganache, it will be too runny and leak out. Give it the full hour to thicken.
Use a cookie scoop for even cupcakes: A large cookie scoop helps you portion the batter evenly so all the Coconut Chocolate Easter Cupcakes bake at the same rate.
Press the coconut gently: When rolling the frosted Coconut Chocolate Easter Cupcakesin coconut, use a light touch. Pressing too hard can squish the frosting.
FAQ
How long do chocolate cupcakes take?
These Coconut Chocolate Easter Cupcakes bake for 20 to 22 minutes at 350°F. The total time from start to finish is about 3 hours, but most of that is cooling and chilling time. The active work takes around 40 minutes. My tip: let the cupcakes cool completely before filling and frosting, or the ganache and frosting will melt.
What do you put on Easter cupcakes?
For Easter cupcakes, I like to use pastel-colored frosting, shredded coconut to look like a nest, and candy-coated chocolate eggs on top. You can also use spring-themed sprinkles, edible flowers, or small fondant decorations. The coconut and candy eggs make these Coconut Chocolate Easter Cupcakes look festive and fun without any complicated decorating skills.
Does coconut go well with chocolate?
Yes, coconut and chocolate are a classic pairing. The sweet, tropical flavor of coconut balances the richness of chocolate beautifully. Think of candy bars like Almond Joy or Mounds. In these Coconut Chocolate Easter Cupcakes, the coconut cream cheese frosting complements the deep chocolate cake and ganache filling perfectly. If you're not a huge coconut fan, you can swap the coconut extract for vanilla and skip the shredded coconut topping.
How do I make my cupcakes better?
Use room temperature ingredients, measure your flour correctly by spooning and leveling, and don't overmix the batter. Adding hot coffee to chocolate batter intensifies the flavor, and filling cupcakes with ganache or frosting adds a surprise element. For a professional look, use a piping bag to frost them, and always let Coconut Chocolate Easter Cupcakes cool completely before decorating. Small touches like toasted coconut or high-quality chocolate make a big difference.
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Coconut Chocolate Easter Cupcakes
Coconut Chocolate Easter Cupcakes
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. You'll need 3 more liners for a second batch.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Once combined, add the hot coffee (or hot water) and stir until fully incorporated.
- Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry, whisking until the batter is fully smooth (it will be runny).
- Pour the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them about ⅔ full. You should have enough to make 17 cupcakes.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While cupcakes are baking, prepare the ganache by placing the finely chopped chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it starts to gently simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Afterward, stir until smooth.
- Once the ganache is smooth, let it cool at room temperature for 1 hour to thicken.
- Remove cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Afterward, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a sharp knife to cut a small circle into the center of each cupcake to create a pocket. Remove the cone-shaped piece of cake and set it aside.
- Spoon the ganache into the hollow center of each cupcake, using 1-2 teaspoons per cupcake. Once filled, place the top of the cupcake back on, trimming off the pointy part if needed.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, coconut extract, and a pinch of salt, then mix on low speed for 30 seconds before increasing to high for 2 minutes. If needed, adjust sweetness with more sugar or salt.
- Frost the cooled cupcakes using a piping bag or an icing spatula.
- Sprinkle the frosted cupcakes with the shredded coconut, gently pressing to ensure it sticks. Place 2-3 candy-coated chocolate eggs on each cupcake.
- Serve immediately or store covered at room temperature for up to 1 day, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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