Coconut Cupcakes with Lime Buttercream Frosting

If you’re looking to bring island flavor into your baking, Coconut Cupcakes with Lime Buttercream Frosting are the perfect way to do it. These little delights are soft, moist, and bursting with tropical goodness—a combination of sweet coconut and zesty lime that creates a vibrant flavor explosion in every bite.

These cupcakes aren’t just a hit at summer barbecues and tropical-themed parties—they’re also ideal when you simply want a break from chocolate and vanilla. What makes these cupcakes so irresistible is the triple dose of coconut in the batter and a fluffy, tangy lime buttercream that’s smooth, not sour.

✅ Want your cupcakes to be light and airy? Learn how to measure flour the right way to avoid heavy, dense results.

🎨 Want them to look bakery-worthy? Check out Wilton’s top cupcake piping techniques to elevate your cupcake decorating game.

🌴 Why You’ll Love These Cupcakes

Triple coconut goodness: coconut milk, shredded coconut, and coconut extract

Zesty, creamy lime frosting that’s refreshing, not overpowering
Buttery, moist texture that holds together beautifully

Visually stunning with toasted coconut and lime garnish
Perfect for summer events, baby showers, or tropical-themed birthdays

🛒 Ingredients Breakdown For Coconut Cupcakes with Lime Buttercream Frosting

🧁 Coconut Cupcake Ingredients

½ cup shredded sweetened coconut

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt

½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp coconut extract
⅔ cup coconut milk (well mixed or blended)

🍋 Lime Buttercream Frosting Ingredients

¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
1.5 tbsp lime zest
3.5–4.5 cups powdered sugar (sifted)

2 tbsp fresh lime juice (never bottled!)
1 tbsp whipping cream (optional)
2–3 drops green food coloring (optional)

⅓ cup shredded coconut for decorating (optional)

🧑‍🍳 How to Make Coconut Cupcakes

1: Prep the Coconut

Pulse ½ cup shredded coconut in a food processor until fine.
Mix it into your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt.

2: Create the Batter

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time.
Stir in vanilla and coconut extract.

Add dry ingredients alternately with well-mixed coconut milk.

3: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Line muffin pan with cupcake liners.

Fill liners ¾ full.
Bake 15–17 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool completely before frosting.

🔥 Toasting the Coconut (Optional Garnish)

To get that golden crunch:

Spread shredded coconut evenly on a baking sheet.
Toast at 325°F for 5–10 minutes.

Stir occasionally and keep a close eye—it can burn fast!

🔥 Not sure how to toast coconut perfectly? Here’s a quick how-to from The Kitchn.

🍈 Making the Lime Buttercream Frosting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Beat softened butter until super fluffy (3–5 minutes).

Add lime zest and 1 cup powdered sugar. Mix slowly.
Add remaining powdered sugar gradually.
Add fresh lime juice one tablespoon at a time.

If the frosting is too thick, add whipping cream.
Mix in green food coloring if desired.

🎨 Decorating Tips

Use a Wilton 1M piping tip for a bakery-style swirl.

Top each cupcake with:
- A sprinkle of toasted coconut
- A slice of fresh lime

Store in an airtight container if not serving immediately.

👅 Flavor & Texture Breakdown

Coconut flavor: sweet, mellow, and slightly nutty.
Lime buttercream: smooth, slightly tangy, and ultra-creamy.

Cupcake texture: soft, moist, yet structured.

🧁 Variations to Try Of Coconut Cupcakes with Lime Buttercream Frosting

One of the best things about Coconut Cupcakes with Lime Buttercream Frosting is how easily they adapt to different dietary needs, flavor preferences, or presentation styles. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, experimenting in the kitchen, or accommodating specific diets, these creative variations will help you put a personalized twist on the tropical classic.

🌱 Vegan Coconut Lime Cupcakes

No dairy or eggs? No problem.

Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg)
Use vegan butter and plant-based coconut milk (like canned or carton)
Substitute whipping cream in frosting with coconut cream or almond milk

These still yield moist, flavorful cupcakes with a rich coconut-lime balance—just 100% plant-based.

🌾 Gluten-Free Version

Make your cupcakes gluten-free by using:

A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur)

Add ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already contain it

You’ll still enjoy the same fluffy texture and bright flavors.

🍹 Boozy Coconut Lime Cupcakes

Perfect for adult parties or tropical-themed events:

Add 1–2 tablespoons of coconut rum or lime liqueur to the batter
Add a splash to the frosting for an extra kick

Be sure to label these clearly for gatherings—kids might want one too!

🧁 Mini Cupcakes or Sheet Cake

Looking to serve more guests or create a dessert bar?

Use a mini cupcake tin and bake for 10–12 minutes
For a large group, double the recipe and bake as a 9×13 sheet cake (adjust bake time accordingly)

These variations let you keep the core tropical flavor while fitting your needs—fun, festive, and totally customizable.

Coconut Cupcakes with Lime Buttercream Frosting

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store cupcakes in an airtight container for 3–4 days at room temperature.
Refrigerate if your kitchen is warm.

Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months.
Frosting can be made ahead and refrigerated for 3 days (bring to room temp before using.

A luscious Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu layered with creamy mascarpone, rich espresso-soaked ladyfingers, tart cherries, and a hint of almond liqueur for an elegant dessert twist.

🍹 What to Serve With Coconut Cupcakes with Lime Buttercream Frosting

Pairing your Coconut Cupcakes with Lime Buttercream Frosting with the right food and drinks can turn a simple dessert into a tropical experience. The sweet coconut and zesty lime flavors in these cupcakes are bold yet balanced, making them incredibly versatile when planning a dessert spread.

🥂 Drinks That Complement

Mojitos – The mint and lime combo matches beautifully with the lime buttercream.
Piña Coladas – Coconut + pineapple = a perfect tropical duo.

Sparkling water with lime – A refreshing, non-alcoholic option that keeps the citrus notes going.
Iced herbal tea (like hibiscus or passionfruit) – Adds color and a fruity balance.

🍍 Fruit Pairings

Pineapple chunks – Juicy and tropical, they naturally enhance the coconut flavor.

Mango slices – Sweet, smooth, and a great contrast to the cupcake’s fluffy texture.
Kiwi and strawberries – Add tartness and color for a vibrant plate.

🌶 Light & Spicy Mains

If serving these cupcakes at a gathering or as part of a meal, they work wonderfully after dishes like:

Spicy shrimp tacos
Grilled jerk chicken
Coconut curry

The cool lime frosting provides the perfect finish after a rich or spicy main dish, acting almost like a palate cleanser.

Whether you’re hosting a summer party, beach-themed event, or just treating yourself, these cupcakes shine when surrounded by other fresh, colorful, and tropical elements.

🛠 Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even the best bakers hit a snag sometimes. Here are the most common problems people face when making Coconut Cupcakes with Lime Buttercream Frosting, plus how to fix them.

1. Cupcakes Turn Out Dense or Dry

This usually happens when:

You overmix the batter, which develops too much gluten.
You add too much flour due to incorrect measuring.

✅ Fix: Always spoon and level your flour. Mix until just combined.

2. Frosting Is Too Runny

Runny buttercream can result from:

Adding too much lime juice

Using melted or too-soft butter

✅ Fix: Add more sifted powdered sugar to thicken it. Chill the frosting for 15–30 minutes before piping.

3. Coconut Sinks to the Bottom

Heavy or shredded coconut can sink if not properly prepared.

✅ Fix: Process the shredded coconut in a blender to make it finer. Gently fold it into the batter at the end.

4. Cupcakes Sink in the Middle

Causes include:

Overbeating the batter

Opening the oven door too early
Underbaking

✅ Fix: Bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Resist the urge to open the oven before 15 minutes.

5. Too Much Lime Tang

Too tart? You might have overdone the juice.

✅ Fix: Balance it with more powdered sugar or a splash of whipping cream for a smoother flavor.

❓ FAQs – People Also Ask About Coconut Cupcakes with Lime Buttercream Frosting

Can I use canned coconut milk?

Yes! Just make sure to blend or shake it very well so both solid and liquid parts are evenly mixed.

Can I substitute bottled lime juice?

It’s not recommended. Fresh lime juice gives a brighter, cleaner flavor.

How can I reduce tartness in the frosting?

Use less juice and add more sugar or cream to balance the tang.

Can I make these cupcakes a day ahead?

Absolutely! Store them in an airtight container and frost just before serving.

What if I don’t have coconut extract?

You can skip it, but you’ll miss out on the intensified coconut flavor. Add more shredded coconut for compensation.

🎉 Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to elevate your baking game with something that’s both unique and refreshingly flavorful, these Coconut Cupcakes with Lime Buttercream Frosting are your go-to treat. The triple coconut base delivers a soft, moist crumb with a hint of nuttiness, while the lime buttercream adds a tangy twist that brightens every bite. Together, they create a tropical flavor explosion that’s perfect for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or simply satisfying a sweet craving.

Not only are these cupcakes visually stunning—with their toasted coconut topping and lime garnish—they’re also easy to customize. You can make them vegan, gluten-free, or even give them a boozy flair with a splash of coconut rum.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this recipe is simple, foolproof, and guaranteed to impress. With the right ingredients and a few handy tips, you’ll be serving up bakery-quality cupcakes right from your kitchen.

So preheat that oven, grab your mixing bowl, and get ready to enjoy one of the most refreshing cupcake recipes you’ll ever try. These coconut lime cupcakes aren’t just desserts—they’re a bite of paradise.