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For the cupcakes: Preheat the convection oven to 325 degrees F or a standard oven to 350 degrees F.
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In large mixer bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and butter until light and fluffy with a heavy duty mixer.
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Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix thoroughly after each addition.
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Add the coconut extract and mix well.
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Combine the flour, baking soda and salt.
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Add half of the flour to the mixer bowl along with 1/2 cup of the half-and-half.
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Mix until the flour is mixed in, scraping the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
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Add the rest of flour mixture and the other 1/2 cup half-and-half.
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Mix until the batter is smooth and all of the flour lumps are gone.
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Fold in the coconut flakes.
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Fill 24 cupcake liners half full and bake for 20 minutes in the convection oven or 28 minutes in the standard oven.
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The tops of the cupcakes should be lightly browned.
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Check the cupcakes to make sure no batter sticks to a wooden toothpick when inserted into the cupcake.
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Cool the cupcakes completely.
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For the mousse filling: In large mixer bowl, beat the heavy cream, half-and-half, coconut extract and pudding mix until light and fluffy using a heavy duty mixer.
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It should have the consistency of whipped cream.
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Gently fold in the coconut using a plastic spatula.
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Put the filling in a pastry bag or zipper bag with a corner cut off.
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For the coconut buttercream: In large mixer bowl, beat together the butter and half of the powdered sugar using heavy duty mixer.
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Add the half-and-half and the rest of the powdered sugar, along with the coconut extract, and mix well.
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If the frosting is thicker than you would like, add 1 teaspoon of additional half-and-half at a time, mixing well after each addition, until the frosting reaches the correct consistency.
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The thickness may depend on the humidity levels in your region.
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Put into a pastry bag.
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To assemble: Make a hole in the middle of each cupcake using a sharp knife.
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Be sure and leave a small amount of cake in the bottom of the hole.
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Fill the cupcakes with the mousse filling.
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Frost with coconut buttercream.
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You may top the cupcakes with more flake coconut or toasted coconut as desired.
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Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.