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    Home » Recipes » Cakes

    Coconut Passionfruit Cupcakes

    Published: Sep 15, 2020 by Michelle · 23 Comments

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    These Coconut Passionfruit Cupcakes are a fun and tropical way to enjoy flavourful coconut cupcakes topped with a passionfruit ganache.

    Close up of coconut cupcake and passionfruit frosting with coconut flakes, yellow chocolate callets in the foreground.
    Passionfruit is one of my son's favourite all-time flavours. Ever since he was very young (like 3yo), he's gravitated to tropical fruit flavours. 

    For example, we're talking dragonfruit, mango, and starfruit. These are all tropical fruits that are not native to North America.

    When we went to Hawaii 2 years ago, he got to enjoy passionfruit (lilikoi) jam and ube.

    He recently requested me to make these Coconut Passionfruit Cupcakes, so I guess he was missing those flavours. 

    And since it's my birthday, I decided to make these coconut flavoured cupcakes, topped with a tart and tangy passionfruit ganache. 

    Yellow coconut cupcake and passionfruit frosting with coconut flakes, yellow chocolate callets in the foreground, bowl of chocolate callets and more cupcakes in the background..
    Ingredients you'll need

    This coconut cupcake recipe is chock full of coconut aroma and flavour.

    Definitely for coconut lovers. I use coconut 3 ways just in the cupcakes!

    For the cupcakes, you'll need:

    • salted butter: at room temperature; I like using salted butter so I don't have to add salt; you can certainly use unsalted butter and add a good pinch of salt 
    • coconut oil: also at room temperature so the ingredients can emulsify together nicely; adds additional coconut flavour
    • granulated sugar: adds sweetness to the cupcakes
    • coconut & vanilla extract: if you don't have coconut extract, you can omit it, but don't omit the vanilla extract -- this is what gives the cupcakes its "cake" flavour
    • egg: helps bind everything together
    • cake flour: helps to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy; if you don't have cake flour, you can use all-purpose flour -- just be sure not to overmix the batter or you will end up with dense cupcakes
    • coconut milk: for more coconut flavour and moisture; you can use any type of milk you like here
    • baking powder: adds lift and lightness to the cupcakes

    How to make them

    This is a pretty simple, one-bowl recipe.

    The only thing to note is that you need to have the ingredients at room temperature.

    Why?

    Because if you've ever tried to beat a cold egg with warm coconut oil, it looks like a curdled mess. Not that there's anything inherently wrong with it -- the batter just comes together more cohesively when everything is at room temperature.

    So we'll have everything at room temperature. Beat the coconut oil, butter, sugar, eggs, coconut and vanilla extract together in a bowl.

    Sift in the cake flour and baking powder over the top, and alternate with the coconut milk, mixing in between.

    Tip: Be careful not to overmix. This causes the gluten to build up and makes the cake not as tender.

    Scoop the batter into a paper-lined muffin tray.

    Bake at 350F for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with the slightest crumbs.

    Passionfruit callets

    For the passionfruit ganache -- I used up all of my lilikoi (passionfruit) butter from our last trip to Hawaii.

    However, I was able to get some passionfruit chocolate callets from a local award-winning chocolate shop, Beta5 Chocolates. 

    What are callets?

    Chocolate callets are chocolate discs that are used for baking.

    Callets are a standard size and are equal to ⅙ oz each. 

    The passionfruit callets are made with white chocolate and freeze-dried passionfruit, which imparts an intense tart and sweet flavour. (These chocolates are so good that my kids like to snack on them!) 

    Close up of coconut cupcake with yellow passionfruit frosting and coconut flakes on two square marble trivets.
    2 ingredient frosting

    That's right, there's only 2 ingredients in the ganache frosting:

    • passionfruit chocolate callets
    • heavy cream

    How to make ganache

    Combine the passionfruit chocolate callets with an equal amount of heated heavy cream.

    As the warm cream melts the chocolate, whisk it to create a thick ganache. It's luscious and fluffy.

    Cool the ganache and frost (or pipe) it on the coconut cupcakes. 

    Ganache is my favourite way to make a frosting. It's simple and always yields good results. 

    Other recipes you may like

    If you liked this recipe, you may like:

    Rose Raspberry Lychee Cupcakes

    Coconut Cream Buns

    Matcha Coconut Loaf

    Baked Matcha Yuzu Olive Oil Doughnuts

    If you're looking for a way to taste the tropics, try these Coconut Passionfruit Cupcakes. They'll transport you with their enticing aroma, sweet and tart flavour.

    Let me know if you try out this recipe -- tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer or leave me a comment/rating below! 

    Close up of coconut cupcake with yellow passionfruit and coconut flakes, yellow chocolate callets in foreground, more cupcakes in the background.Close up of coconut cupcake with yellow passionfruit frosting and coconut flakes on two square marble trivets, yellow chocolate callets in foreground, more cupcakes in the background, with text overlay.

    Print Recipe
    5 from 6 votes

    Coconut Passionfruit Cupcakes

    A recipe for tropical and delicious coconut cupcakes topped with a tart and sweet passionfruit ganache.
    Prep Time30 mins
    Cook Time30 mins
    Total Time1 hr
    Course: Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 148kcal
    Author: Michelle

    For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.

    Ingredients

    Coconut Cupcakes:

    • 1 tablespoon coconut oil room temperature
    • 1 tablespoon salted butter room temperature
    • 3 tablespoon granulated sugar
    • 1 large egg room temperature
    • ½ teaspoon coconut extract
    • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ C + 2 tablespoon cake flour
    • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
    • ¼ C coconut milk

    Passionfruit Ganache:

    • 100 g passionfruit couverture callets
    • 100 ml heavy cream

    Garnish:

    • coconut flakes
    • passionfruit flakes optional
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    Instructions

    Make the coconut cupcakes:

    • Preheat oven to 375°F/191°C.
    • In a large bowl, whisk together the coconut oil, butter, sugar, egg, coconut and vanilla extract.
    • Sift in the cake flour and baking powder over top and alternate with the coconut milk in 2 batches, mixing with a spatula.
    • Be careful not to overmix.
    • Prepare a muffin tin with paper liners.
    • Place a large scoop (I use an ice cream scoop) of batter into the liners and bake at 375°F/191°C for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with the slightest crumbs clinging to it.

    Make the passionfruit ganache:

    • Place the passionfruit chocolate callets into a heat-safe bowl.
    • In a small saucepan, heat up the cream over medium heat until scalding hot.
    • Pour the hot cream over the callets and leave it sit for 1-2 minutes.
    • Use a spatula to stir the cream and chocolate so that it melts and becomes homogeneous.
    • Let it cool, cover and chill in the fridge.

    Assemble:

    • You can pipe or spread the ganache onto the cupcakes.
    • (Fill a piping bag with the passionfruit ganache and fit with a piping tip if piping).
    • Garnish with coconut flakes and passionfruit sprinkles.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 148kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 52mg | Potassium: 45mg | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 343IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg

    The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.

    Did you try this recipe?Mention @siftandsimmer or tag #siftandsimmer!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Dawn - Girl Heart Food

      September 15, 2020 at 9:52 am

      5 stars
      Seriously craving one of these cupcakes right about now and pretty sure they'd make my afternoon that much better! Love the tropical vibes with this one, Michelle 🙂

      Reply
      • Michelle

        September 16, 2020 at 9:43 pm

        Thanks Dawn! They definitely would cure any traveling blues! 😉

    2. Joshuadlangston

      September 15, 2020 at 10:58 am

      I have been having the hugest craving for an elevated version of subways white chocolate macadamia nut cookies! These looks really good too. I’ve been dying to try these for baking!!!!! Fingers crossed @joshuadlangston

      Reply
    3. Christie

      September 15, 2020 at 1:26 pm

      5 stars
      The coconut and passionfruit in these cupcakes sound amazing! Such a great idea Michelle. Bookmarking to try one day!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        September 16, 2020 at 9:42 pm

        Thanks Christie -- chalk it up to my son 🙂

    4. Katherine | Love In My Oven

      September 15, 2020 at 8:03 pm

      5 stars
      Happy happy birthday to you!!!! These cupcakes are a delicious way to celebrate. Your son has great taste 😉 Who doesn't love the taste of the tropics!? These make me feel a bit warmer after the chilly days we've been having!!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        September 16, 2020 at 9:42 pm

        Thanks so much Katherine!!

    5. Joselyn

      September 15, 2020 at 8:37 pm

      Those look so tasty! I would love to make frosting with those beta5 callets! <3

      Reply
    6. Melissa

      September 16, 2020 at 8:10 pm

      I LOVE passion fruit!! I'm always in search of passion fruit recipes but also sometimes have a hard time finding the fruit. Would love to try this recipe out!

      Reply
    7. David @ Spiced

      September 17, 2020 at 5:07 am

      5 stars
      Interesting! I'm not familiar with these passionfruit + white chocolate callets. We can find passionfruit puree here (frozen aisle at the grocery store), but the callets sound like they would be much easier to use. I agree that finding tropical flavors here in the States (or Canada) is a challenge. Sounds like you created an awesome birthday treat! Happy belated birthday, by the way! Laura's birthday is in 2 days, so you guys share mid-September birthdays. 🙂

      Reply
      • Michelle

        September 17, 2020 at 7:49 am

        Thanks so much David -- I'll have to admit, we've come a long way from before when you could barely find fresh banana or mangoes in grocery stores! But chocolate is definitely an easier method to use for flavouring!

        And happy early birthday to Laura! 🙂

    8. Lauren

      September 17, 2020 at 2:07 pm

      5 stars
      Happy Birthday Michelle! I'm with your son, anything with tropical fruit flavors makes me so happy! Love the flavor combination in these cupcakes!!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        September 17, 2020 at 3:22 pm

        Thanks Lauren!! He does have quite exquisite taste for a 7yo lol

    9. Rahul @samosastreet

      September 19, 2020 at 5:26 pm

      This is such an interesting combination Michelle, would love to try it. Wish you a very Happy Birthday

      Reply
      • Michelle

        September 19, 2020 at 9:54 pm

        Thanks so much Rahul! Coconut and passionfruit are such tropical flavours that go well together 🙂

    10. Josiah - DIY Thrill

      September 24, 2020 at 3:12 pm

      These coconut passionfruit cupcakes look yummy!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        September 24, 2020 at 4:46 pm

        Thanks so much Josiah! They were definitely delicious!

    11. Tasia ~ two sugar bugs

      September 27, 2020 at 9:14 am

      I hope you had the best birthday Michelle!! Your son and my girls share a love of all those tropical flavors {I love them too!}. I'm so intrigued with those white chocolate and passion fruit callets, I need to get my hands on some!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        September 27, 2020 at 10:55 am

        Thank you so much Tasia! Tropica flavours are the best! The callets are so easy to use (and even easier to snack on!) 😀 Haha!

    12. Leanne

      September 28, 2020 at 5:53 am

      5 stars
      Hope you had a lovely birthday Michelle! These tropical cupcakes are the perfect way to celebrate. Love any dessert with coconut!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        September 28, 2020 at 7:36 am

        Thanks so much, Leanne!

    13. Josiah - DIY Thrill

      October 18, 2020 at 7:30 pm

      These cupcakes look so yummy!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        October 18, 2020 at 9:58 pm

        Thanks Josiah! The kids certainly loved them!

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    My name is Michelle and Sift & Simmer is a food recipe blog featuring easy, creative and delicious recipes. I believe that the best food is made from scratch. Read More…

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