Getting caught in the Rain Cupcakes (Piña Colada)

'If you like Piña Coladas, getting caught in the rain...' I think of that tune during a Spring or Summer rainstorm. Recently we've had quite a few afternoon showers. Our spring showers were late, coming in May, but hopefully will bring us June flowers. In the meantime, let's sit by the window and watch the coming storm, strangely calming, and have a Piña Colada--in cupcake form of course.

I take my inspiration from and adapted a beautiful recipe by Sally's Baking Addiction. She recommends fresh pineapple juice which I agree is key. There is 100% juice in stores, but I decided to take it one step further and take it from a fresh pineapple using a wedge juicer. It was surprisingly easy and so worth it, fresh pineapple is so delicious.








Piña Colada Cupcakes
adapted from Sally's Baking Addiction
preheat oven to 375 degrees

20 oz all purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda

3/4 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup dark brown sugar

1/2 cup caster sugar
1 cup coconut milk
1 cup pineapple juice

1 tsp vanilla bean paste

1 tsp coconut extract
2 eggs

1. In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Melt butter. Whisk in sugars, egg, juice, milk, and extracts until well combined.
3. Using a wooden spoon, add flour and stir only until incorporated.

Fill liners to 3/4 full. Bake for about 15 minutes or until a tester comes out clean. Makes about 24 cupcakes. Set aside to cool.

Piña Colada Buttercream

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla bean paste
2 tsp coconut extract
1 tbsp pineapple juice
2 tbsp Kraken Dark Spiced Rum
Heavy Whipping Cream to taste

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, cream softened butter, salt, and vanilla. Mix well.
2. Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time alternating with liquids. Add cream or powdered sugar to achieve desired consistency.

Fill pastry bag with large tip and frost cupcakes. Add coconut shavings, maraschino cherries, and pineapple slices, as desired.