Ingredients

1 box classic white or vanilla cake mix (recommended: Duncan
Hines Moist Deluxe)
1 1/3 cups water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
2 teaspoons coconut extract (found on the baking aisle of the supermarket)
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut, finely chopped
2 to 3 cups Cupcake Icing, recipe follows, colored with your favorite
color

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 (12
portion) muffin tins with paper cupcake liners and set aside.

In a bowl, using an electric mixer, mix the cake mix, water, oil, eggs, and coconut
extract on medium speed until moistened and smooth. Stir in the chopped coconut. Divide
the batter evenly among the muffin tins. The batter will nearly fill each liner to the
top. Bake until the muffins spring back when lightly touched, or a toothpick inserted in
the center comes out clean, about 15 to 18 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool.

When cool, put the icing out with spoons or small spatulas along with bowls of the cupcake
toppings for the kids to decorate their own cupcakes. Cupcake Icing for a
Crowd:
1 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature
3 pounds confectioners' sugar (3 boxes)
1/4 cup whole milk, at room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Food coloring, such as yellow, blue, and red, or your favorite In the bowl of a
large electric mixer, using the paddle attachment, whip the butter on high speed until
very soft. Meanwhile, place a large sheet of parchment paper on a work surface. Using a

large sifter, sift a pound of confectioners' sugar onto the parchment. This helps prevent
clumping, and makes the mixing easier. Lower the speed of the mixer, and, using the
parchment as a funnel, pour the sugar into the bowl and mix slowly until combined. Add the
milk and mix until combined. Sift the second pound of sugar onto the parchment sheet.
Again at low speed, add the sugar and mix well. Once combined, sift the remaining sugar
and add it with the vanilla and mix. Once it is combined, turn the mixer speed up and beat
the icing until very light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.

If desired, divide the icing into smaller batches and color with food coloring.

Spread the icing on cooled cupcakes while at room temperature. Refrigerate any leftover
icing, but be sure to let it come back to room temperature before using. Re-whip the icing
to make it fluffy again.

Yield: about 8 cups, enough for at least 6 dozen cupcakes
Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ease of preparation: easy Cupcake toppings:
Licorice whips
Crushed peppermint candies
Crushed lemon drops
Multi-colored jimmies or nonpareils
Mini white and dark chocolate chips
Small chocolate candies
Colored decorating sugars
Cereals such as corn pops, fruit rings, or graham cracker cereal squares
or graham cracker cereal squares