Bahama Mama Cupcakes
These Bahama Mama Cupcakes bring the spirit of the tropics straight to your dessert table. Inspired by the classic cocktail, they’re loaded with fruity, sun-drenched flavors like pineapple, coconut, cherry, and a hint of citrus. One bite, and you’re transported to a breezy beach with palm trees swaying overhead.
The base is a moist, tender cupcake infused with crushed pineapple, coconut milk, and the bright zest of orange. It’s the perfect tropical trio, enhanced by fragrant vanilla and coconut extracts. These cupcakes bake up light and golden with a subtly fruity aroma that will have your kitchen smelling like vacation.
What truly makes these cupcakes a standout is the coconut-infused buttercream frosting. It’s rich, creamy, and fluffy, with a delicate coconut essence that pairs beautifully with the pineapple cake. For a fun visual pop and a nod to the beachy cocktail, you can tint the frosting a soft pink and crown each swirl with toasted coconut and a glossy maraschino cherry.
These cupcakes are perfect for summer parties, luaus, baby showers, or whenever you’re craving a bit of paradise. They also make an eye-catching addition to any dessert table, thanks to their vibrant topping and fun, festive flavor.
Servings and timing:
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
For the cupcakes:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup crushed pineapple, drained
- ¼ cup coconut milk (or regular milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon coconut extract
- Zest of 1 orange
For the frosting:
-
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon coconut milk
- ½ teaspoon coconut extract
- Pink gel food coloring (optional)
Toppings:
- Toasted shredded coconut
- Maraschino cherries