Coquito Cupcake Recipe That Will Wow Your Taste Buds

There’s something truly magical about combining the festive flavors of coquito—a creamy, coconutty Puerto Rican holiday drink—with the delightful convenience of cupcakes. Imagine biting into a moist, tender cupcake infused with warm spices, coconut, and a hint of rum, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting reminiscent of traditional coquito.

These Coquito Cupcakes are the perfect treat for holiday parties, family gatherings, or anytime you want to savor the cozy spirit of the season in a handheld dessert. Whether you’re a fan of classic coquito or simply love trying unique cupcake flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

In this blog post, you’ll find everything you need to know to create these irresistible cupcakes—from the list of ingredients and necessary equipment to step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and even some fun variations to try.

So put on your apron, grab your mixing bowls, and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Coquito cupcakes combine the best of two worlds: the rich flavors of a beloved Caribbean holiday drink and the easy-to-share joy of cupcakes. These cupcakes are moist and flavorful, capturing the essence of coconut, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of rum—or rum extract for a kid-friendly version.

The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that complements the spices perfectly.

What’s more, these cupcakes are surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re new to baking. The recipe uses common pantry ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Plus, they’re versatile enough to customize with your favorite nuts or garnishes.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a birthday, or just because, these coquito cupcakes will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth with their unique and indulgent flavor profile.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 cup white rum or rum extract (for non-alcoholic version)
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• Toasted coconut flakes (for garnish, optional)

Equipment

• 12-cup standard muffin pan
• Paper cupcake liners
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (stand or handheld)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack
• Mixing spoon
• Optional: piping bag and tip for frosting

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your muffin pan with cupcake liners. This ensures easy removal and cleanup.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and shredded coconut. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and coconut milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently after each addition just until combined.
6. Incorporate the rum and sweetened condensed milk: Fold these in carefully, ensuring an even distribution of flavor without overmixing the batter.
7. Fill cupcake liners: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
8. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Make the frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy.
11. Frost the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting on top.
12. Garnish: Sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes if desired, adding a beautiful texture and extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

For a kid-friendly version, use rum extract instead of white rum.

Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a delightful crunch. If you prefer a more intense coconut flavor, substitute half of the flour with coconut flour, but reduce the coconut milk slightly to maintain batter consistency.

For a festive twist, add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the dry ingredients. Alternatively, swap the cream cheese frosting with a simple coconut buttercream for a lighter topping.

Leftover cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Serve your coquito cupcakes with a warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea to enhance the cozy, spicy notes. They also pair wonderfully with a glass of chilled coquito for a fun thematic dessert experience.

For festive occasions, consider arranging the cupcakes on a holiday dessert platter garnished with fresh mint leaves, cinnamon sticks, or even edible gold dust for a touch of elegance.

These cupcakes also make excellent gifts—package them in a decorative box tied with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade present that friends and family will adore.

Conclusion

The Coquito Cupcake recipe is a delightful way to bring the beloved flavors of a traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink into a beloved handheld dessert. Moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced, these cupcakes offer a unique twist on festive baking that’s sure to impress both your family and guests.

With easy-to-follow instructions and versatile ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels. Whether you’re making them for a special celebration or simply to enjoy a cozy treat at home, coquito cupcakes are a delicious way to celebrate the season’s flavors all year round.

Give them a try and watch as they quickly become a staple in your holiday baking!

For more festive and flavorful recipes, be sure to check out our Classic Puerto Rican Coquito Recipe, Cinnamon-Spiced Pumpkin Muffins, and Tropical Coconut Cream Pie for delicious inspiration!

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