Baking Bliss: Crafting Irresistible Coconut Cupcakes with Earth Balance Coconut Spread
For years, my baking journey has been a delightful exploration of ingredients, constantly seeking innovative flavors and textures. A significant part of this culinary adventure involves experimenting with different fats, each offering unique characteristics to baked goods. In my continuous pursuit of wholesome yet delicious options, I recently discovered Earth Balance Coconut Spread. Intrigued by its potential, I promptly acquired a carton, eager to test its capabilities in a classic dessert: coconut cupcakes.
This endeavor wasn’t necessarily about creating a “healthy” cupcake, but rather about finding a compelling alternative to traditional shortening and even butter. I was particularly curious to observe how this plant-based coconut spread would influence the overall texture and flavor profile of the cupcakes, hoping for a delightful deviation from my usual recipes. It’s always exciting to introduce new components to familiar recipes to see what unique qualities they bring to the table.
Exploring Earth Balance Coconut Spread: A Versatile Plant-Based Fat
Finding unique ingredients sometimes requires a bit of a treasure hunt. While my local mainstream grocer, HEB, doesn’t currently stock Earth Balance Coconut Spread, I remain optimistic that its popularity will grow, leading to wider availability. This product truly stands out in the market. Unlike conventional coconut oil, which can sometimes impart an overpowering greasiness or a very distinct, almost raw, coconut aroma, Earth Balance Coconut Spread offers a remarkably cleaner and more subtle coconut flavor. Its less greasy consistency makes it appealing for a variety of culinary applications, beyond just baking. Advertised as a versatile spread, it excels in everything from direct spreading on toast to sautéing and, of course, baking.
My first foray with this spread outside of cupcakes was in a batch of chocolate chip cookies. The cookies certainly tasted good, benefiting from the delicate coconut notes. However, the inherent softness of the spread resulted in a more cake-like texture rather than the chewy, crisp-edged cookie I typically aim for. This experience was a valuable lesson: not all fats behave the same in every recipe. While it might not be my go-to for traditional cookies, its performance in cakes and cupcakes proved to be exceptional, truly earning its “good stuff” rating. This led me to believe that its unique properties are particularly well-suited for recipes where a moist, tender crumb is desired. I’m always on the lookout for new culinary hacks, so if you’ve discovered other brilliant uses for this versatile coconut spread, I’d love to hear about them! Perhaps in a pie crust, a tropical tart, or even savory applications.
Why Choose Earth Balance Coconut Spread for Baking?
The decision to incorporate Earth Balance Coconut Spread into my baking repertoire stems from several factors. Firstly, for those navigating dietary restrictions, particularly a dairy-free or vegan lifestyle, this spread presents an excellent plant-based alternative to butter. It allows for the creation of indulgent desserts without compromising on flavor or texture. Beyond dietary considerations, the unique flavor profile of coconut spread is a major draw. It offers a distinct, yet mild, coconut essence that enhances baked goods in a way that regular butter or shortening simply cannot. This isn’t just a fat; it’s an ingredient that brings its own character to the dish, making it perfect for tropical-themed treats. Its ability to provide moisture and a delicate flavor makes it a fantastic choice for a range of recipes, especially those where coconut is meant to be a star or a subtle supporting note.
The Cupcake Baking Experience: A Delightful Discovery
With the Earth Balance Coconut Spread ready, I embarked on the journey of creating these frosted coconut cupcakes. The recipe itself is straightforward, following standard cupcake procedures. The spread creamed beautifully with granulated sugar, creating a light and airy base, much like butter would. Incorporating room temperature eggs, one at a time, infused the batter with classic richness, while the vanilla extract added a comforting sweetness. The alternating additions of dry ingredients (cake flour, baking powder, and salt) and whole milk ensured a smooth, well-emulsified mixture. This technique is crucial for developing a tender crumb. The final touch of shredded sweetened coconut folded into the batter promised an extra layer of texture and intensified natural coconut flavor, ensuring every bite would be a tropical delight.
The aroma that filled my kitchen as these cupcakes baked was nothing short of heavenly. After 25 minutes, the golden-brown tops indicated they were perfectly done, and a toothpick test confirmed their moist tenderness. Cooling them in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack was perhaps the hardest part, as the anticipation of tasting them grew with each passing minute. What truly impressed me was the texture achieved with the Earth Balance Coconut Spread. The cupcakes were incredibly moist, with a fine, tender crumb that practically melted in the mouth. This confirmed my initial hypothesis that the spread’s properties are ideal for yielding a soft, luxurious cake texture, a clear advantage over some of its other applications and a testament to its versatility in specific baked goods.
Recipe
Frosted Coconut Cupcakes Made With Coconut Spread
Cookie Madness
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cake flour or White Lily flour 170 grams
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt I used Morton Kosher — not as coarse as some kosher, but less fine than table
- 4 ounces/114 grams Earth Balance Coconut Spread cold right out of the tub
- ¾ cup 145 grams granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk at room temperature
- ⅓ cup shredded sweetened coconut
Butter Cream Frosting
- 1 stick 4 oz unsalted butter, softened
- 1 pinch of salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups powdered confectioners sugar
- Whole Milk as needed
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350º F. Line 12 to 14 muffin cups with paper liners (I used 12 )
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In a small bowl, mix together the cake flour, baking powder and salt.
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Using an electric mixer, beat the Earth Balance and sugar at medium high speed until light and creamy. Add room temperature eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla.
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With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk– flour, milk, flour, milk, flour. Scrape the bowl and beat for about 30 seconds or until batter is smooth and velvety. Stir in the coconut.
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Divide batter evenly among muffin cups 12 to 14 muffin cups. Bake for 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 5 minutes. Remove to wire rack. Cool completely before frosting.
Crafting the Perfect Buttercream Frosting
No cupcake is truly complete without a luscious frosting, and these coconut delights deserved nothing less than a classic buttercream. While the cupcakes themselves explored a dairy-free fat alternative, the recipe for the frosting opts for traditional unsalted butter, softened to perfection. The process is simple: whipping together softened butter with a pinch of salt and a generous splash of vanilla extract, then gradually incorporating powdered sugar until a smooth, spreadable consistency is achieved. A touch of whole milk can be added as needed to reach the desired creamy texture. This rich, velvety buttercream provides a beautiful contrast to the subtle coconut flavor of the cupcakes, creating a harmonious balance of sweetness and richness. For an extra touch of coconut flair, you could even mix in a small amount of coconut extract into the frosting or garnish with toasted coconut flakes, adding both flavor and visual appeal.
Tips for Success and Creative Variations
Achieving baking perfection often comes down to a few key details. When working with Earth Balance Coconut Spread, ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature for optimal emulsion and a smooth batter – cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy mixture. Overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes, so mix until just combined after adding the flour, ensuring a light and tender crumb. If Earth Balance Coconut Spread isn’t readily available in your area, the recipe thoughtfully suggests using unsalted butter with a hint of coconut extract to replicate the flavor profile, demonstrating flexibility and ensuring you can still enjoy these delicious treats. For those who prefer a less sweet option, you could easily reduce the amount of shredded sweetened coconut or opt for unsweetened varieties, adjusting to your personal taste.
Consider elevating these cupcakes with creative variations to make them truly your own. A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes on top of the frosting adds a delightful crunch and a beautiful golden-brown finish. For a vibrant tropical twist, incorporate a small amount of fresh lime zest into the batter or frosting, which pairs wonderfully with coconut. You could also fill the cooled cupcakes with a dollop of tangy lemon curd, a vibrant passion fruit puree, or a sweet pineapple compote before frosting for an unexpected burst of flavor that will surprise and delight your guests. These frosted coconut cupcakes are not just a simple treat; they’re a versatile canvas for your culinary creativity, allowing endless possibilities to tailor them to any occasion or preference.
Final Thoughts on a Delightful Dairy-Free Alternative
In conclusion, my experiment with Earth Balance Coconut Spread in these delightful coconut cupcakes was a resounding success. It proved to be an excellent fat alternative, delivering an incredibly moist and flavorful cupcake that easily rivals those made with traditional butter or shortening. Its clean coconut flavor and less greasy texture make it a standout ingredient, particularly well-suited for cake-like baked goods where tenderness and a delicate aroma are prized. For anyone looking to explore dairy-free options, or simply to infuse their baking with a delicate tropical essence, this spread comes highly recommended. It opens up a world of possibilities for delicious, tender treats that can cater to various dietary needs without sacrificing an ounce of indulgence. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the unique qualities of Earth Balance Coconut Spread for yourself. You might just discover your new favorite baking fat. Happy baking!