Pina Colada Cupcakes Recipe

Tropical Delight: Pina Colada Cupcakes Recipe

Are you ready to bring a taste of the tropics to your kitchen? These Pina Colada Cupcakes are the perfect treat to transport you to a sunny beach paradise with every bite. Deliciously moist pineapple cake with bits of crushed pineapple topped with a luscious pineapple frosting and toasted coconut—what more could you ask for? Let’s dive into this recipe that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Food and Wine has a great article on Rum so you can choose the best–I’m here for the party so I’m a budget rum baker!

Directions: How to Make Pina Colada Cupcakes

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 335°F (170°C). Line two cupcake pans with 24 cupcake liners.

2. Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Pineapple Supreme cake mix, oil, eggs, and rum. Beat on medium speed until well blended. Add the crushed pineapple (with juice) and shredded coconut, stirring until evenly mixed.

3. Fill the Cupcake Liners

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 3/4 full.

4. Bake

Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

5. Cool

Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then top with our easy pineapple frosting recipe!

Pineapple Frosting Recipe

Ingredients for Pineapple Frosting

• 1 tub (8 oz) pineapple cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons pineapple juice (optional for extra flavor)
• Toasted coconut for garnish

Directions for Frosting

1. Whip the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened pineapple cream cheese and butter. Beat on high speed for approximately 5 minutes until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until fully incorporated.
3. Optional Pineapple Juice: For an extra pineapple kick, add 1-2 tablespoons of pineapple juice. Beat until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.

Frosting the Cupcakes

Using a piping bag fitted with a large round tip, pipe the pineapple frosting onto the cooled cupcakes. Sprinkle with toasted coconut for a delightful finish.

Expert Tips for Perfect Pina Colada Cupcakes

• Non-Alcoholic Version: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the rum with an equal amount of pineapple juice.
• Toasting Coconut: To toast coconut, spread it evenly on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
• Pineapple Juice: Use the juice from the canned pineapple for extra flavor in both the batter and the frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to crush it finely and include the juice for the best results.

2. How should I store these cupcakes? Store the frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

3. Can I freeze these cupcakes? Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

4. Is the rum necessary? No, the rum is optional. You can replace it with pineapple juice for a kid-friendly version.

5. Can I use a different type of cake mix? A vanilla or white cake mix can be used if you cannot find Pineapple Supreme, but the pineapple flavor may be less intense.

Want More Delicious Recipes?

Craving more scrumptious and healthy recipes? Dive into my Pinterest board for a treasure trove of culinary inspiration! And if you’re eager to make meal prep even simpler, don’t miss out on my cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens: 100 Easy Recipes to Learn the Basics. It’s brimming with quick, easy recipes designed to elevate your cooking game. Grab your copy today and start transforming your meals! 

By following these steps and tips, you’ll create a delightful batch of Pina Colada Cupcakes that will impress your friends and family. Enjoy the tropical flavors and happy baking!