Coconut Cupcakes

Ingredients:

For cupcakes:
 
• 1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces) butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoons vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoons pure almond extract
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 7 ounces sweetened, shredded coconut 
•  
For the frosting:
 
• 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
• 1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces) butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 3/4 pounds confectioners' sugar, sifted

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325º.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the bowl after each addition. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In 3 parts, alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined. Fold in 3 1/2 ounces of coconut.
4. Line a muffin pan with paper liners. Fill each liner to the top with batter. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until the tops are brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Remove to a baking rack and cool completely.
5. Meanwhile, make the frosting. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, on low speed, cream together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla and almond extracts. Add the confectioners' sugar and mix until smooth.
6. Frost the cupcakes and sprinkle with the remaining coconut. 
Yield: 10 cupcakes
 
Total time: 2 hours

Source: thatskinnychickcanbake.com