Irresistible Triple Coconut Cupcakes: Your Guide to Easy, Tropical Perfection

Prepare to be utterly enchanted by these Triple Coconut Cupcakes – a recipe so incredibly simple, yet so profoundly delicious, it’s destined to become your new favorite dessert. Forget complex baking processes and endless hours in the kitchen; these delightful treats genuinely come together in literally no time at all, earning them the affectionate moniker “no-nonsense” cupcakes in my kitchen. Each and every bite delivers an exquisite explosion of pure coconut flavor, meticulously layered from the super moist cake base to the luscious and tangy cream cheese frosting, and finally crowned with a scattering of crispy, golden, toasted coconut flakes. I’m thrilled to share all my personal tips, tricks, and insights to help you master these fantastic Triple Coconut Cupcakes, complete with their signature Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting and a generous topping of toasted coconut flakes. My goal is to make your baking experience as straightforward and joyful as the tasting itself! So, let’s gather our ingredients, put on our aprons, and dive into creating some truly tropical magic together.

The Heartwarming Story Behind These Famous Coconut Cupcakes
This incredible recipe holds a special place in my heart, thanks to my dear friend Susan. I affectionately used to call them “Susan’s Coconut Cupcakes” because she was the one who first shared this gem with me, teaching me the secrets to its irresistible charm. It’s been an absolute staple in my recipe collection ever since, consistently earning rave reviews from everyone who tries them. Susan’s cupcakes are legendary! People constantly ask her to make them for their special events, a testament to their widespread appeal and deliciousness. I’m incredibly grateful to Susan for her generosity in sharing this recipe with me and for allowing me to pass on this wonderful creation to all of you. It’s truly a gift that keeps on giving, bringing smiles with every sweet, coconut-infused bite.

A True Coconut Lover’s Dream: The Triple Coconut Experience
As you can tell from the stunning visuals, these coconut cupcakes are not just delicious – they’re a feast for the eyes too! What makes them truly special is the “triple coconut” factor, meticulously layered to deliver an unparalleled flavor experience. First, you have a wonderfully moist, white cake base, infused with a vibrant coconut flavor. This is then generously topped with a rich, tangy, and impossibly smooth coconut cream cheese frosting. Finally, each cupcake is finished off with a delicate sprinkle of perfectly toasted coconut flakes, adding a delightful crunch and an extra burst of tropical aroma. For any true coconut enthusiast, this cupcake is an absolute dream come true.
However, if you’re like me and adore the flavor of coconut but aren’t keen on its fibrous texture, fear not! You can easily customize these cupcakes by simply skipping the addition of the coconut flakes to the top. They are still absolutely divine without them, allowing the creamy frosting and moist cake to shine. The real secret weapon behind the intensified flavor and incredible texture of these cupcakes is a simple yet ingenious addition: coconut pudding mix to the cake batter! This elevates the coconut profile by 100% and contributes to an exceptionally tender crumb, ensuring every bite is moist, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. You’ll find yourself reaching for “just one more” before you know it!

Effortless Perfection: The Easiest Triple Coconut Cupcakes You’ll Ever Bake
The first time I made Susan’s recipe, I was genuinely astonished by how incredibly simple these triple coconut cupcakes are to prepare. Their astounding flavor, the luxurious texture of the cream cheese frosting, and the absolutely beautiful finished presentation led me to believe it would be a complex and challenging baking endeavor. To my absolute delight and surprise, it was quite the opposite! This recipe stands as a brilliant testament to the fact that you don’t need intricate techniques, specialized tools, or countless hours slaving away in the kitchen to create a truly show-stopping dessert. The true genius of these cupcakes lies in their accessible method, combining high-quality, readily available ingredients in a clever way that consistently yields an amazing tasting treat every single time, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
A crucial ingredient that truly amplifies the coconut essence, weaving its way through both the cake and the frosting, is coconut emulsion. I highly recommend seeking out and investing in a good quality coconut emulsion, which I personally sourced from Orson Gigi. They conveniently offer it in a larger bottle, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll be making these delightful cupcakes multiple times a year (they’re that good!), so the larger size is definitely worth the investment. This potent extract ensures a consistent, rich, and authentic coconut flavor that elevates the entire cupcake experience. With all that important groundwork laid, let’s gather our ingredients, preheat our ovens, and get ready to cook up these delightful tropical treats!

Baking Bliss: Embracing the “No-Nonsense” Approach to Cupcake Decorating
I jokingly (but also quite seriously!) refer to these as “no-nonsense” cupcakes, and for good reason. The philosophy behind this recipe is to let the incredible, natural deliciousness of the coconut shine through without unnecessary fuss or elaborate presentation demands. While you absolutely can pipe the coconut cream cheese frosting onto these cupcakes for a more traditional look – and I used to do it that way myself – I’ve discovered a wonderfully simple shortcut that saves significant time without compromising on charm or taste.
Instead of intricate piping, I now simply spread the frosting generously over the tops of the cooled cupcakes with a butter knife, much like you would frost a sugar cookie. Once frosted, I gently dip the tops into my prepared toasted coconut topping. This method is incredibly easy, quick, and yields adorable, rustic-looking cupcakes that are perfect for any gathering, casual or fancy. The tops turn out charming and fun, and the entire decorating process takes literally half the time! If you’re curious about the piped look, I’ve included a shot below showing these cupcakes with piped frosting, so you can see both finished products. Ultimately, both methods work beautifully, so choose the one that best suits your style and time constraints!
Gather Your Ingredients for These Decadent Coconut Cupcakes
To embark on your journey to triple coconut bliss, here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture:
- White Boxed Cake Mix: The convenient base for our moist coconut cake. Choose your favorite brand to ensure a consistent foundation for your cupcakes.
- Eggs: Essential for structure, richness, and binding all the ingredients together, contributing to the cake’s perfect crumb.
- Oil: Contributes significantly to the cake’s tender crumb and ensures it remains wonderfully moist, preventing a dry texture.
- Water: The necessary liquid component that smoothly brings the cake batter together, creating the ideal consistency.
- Coconut Pudding Mix: The secret ingredient that truly sets these cupcakes apart! This instant pudding mix dramatically boosts the coconut flavor and enhances the cake’s moisture content, making it incredibly tender.
- Coconut Emulsion: A powerful flavor enhancer for both the cake and frosting. It provides a pure, intense, and authentic coconut aroma and taste that is superior to typical extracts.
- Cream Cheese: The star of our tangy and rich frosting. Its creamy texture and slight tartness provide a delicious counterpoint to the sweetness of the cake.
- Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this creates the smooth, light, and sweet base for the cream cheese frosting, dissolving beautifully for a silky finish.
- Butter: Adds essential richness and structure to the frosting, ensuring it’s creamy, flavorful, and perfectly spreadable.
- Coconut Flakes: Used for the irresistible toasted topping, these flakes provide a delightful crunch and an extra layer of concentrated coconut flavor. Both sweetened and unsweetened work, depending on your desired sweetness level.
- Vanilla Extract: A classic addition to the frosting, vanilla extract beautifully balances and complements the complex flavors of coconut and cream cheese, adding depth.

Craving These? Pin This Triple Coconut Cupcakes Recipe for Later!
Don’t let this delightful recipe slip away! If you’re enchanted by the idea of these easy, delicious, and beautifully tropical Triple Coconut Cupcakes, make sure to save it for your next baking adventure. Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board using the link below, and you’ll always have this fantastic recipe at your fingertips. It’s perfect for parties, potlucks, everyday treats, or simply a sweet escape to brighten your day!
Susan’s Coconut Cupcakes

The best, and easiest Coconut Cupcakes! Made with a coconut base, coconut cream cheese frosting, and topped with toasted coconut!
10 minutes
20 minutes
30 minutes
Ingredients
Coconut Cupcakes
- 1 Box White Cake Mix
- 1 package coconut pudding jello mix
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon coconut emulsion
Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 pound powdered sugar
- 1 cube butter
- 1 block cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut emulsion
Toasted Coconut Flakes
- 3 cups shredded coconut
Instructions
For the Cupcakes:
Preheat oven to 350.
In a stand mixer, add white cake mix, eggs, oil, water, and coconut pudding.
Mix until smooth, about 3 minutes.
Add in coconut extract and mix for 1 more minute on medium speed.
Line cupcake tin with foil and fill cupcakes 1/2 full. Any extra tins without batter, just drop an ice cube in them to even out the baking.
Bake for 22-25 minutes. They are finished when toothpick comes out clean. Let cool.
For the Frosting
Mix all the ingredients together in a stand mixer! You want the frosting to be thick but if it’s too thick, add a little milk until it reaches the desired consistency.
Spread frosting over cooled cupcakes with a butter knife.
For the Toasted Coconut
Preheat oven to 400. Spread coconut out onto cookie sheet. Bake for 6 minutes. Using a spatula, stir the coconut and place back into the oven for 2 minutes. Repeat 2-3 times until the coconut is toasted and browned. Let cool before topping the cupcakes.
Dip frosted cupcakes in toasted coconut and serve!
From their simple preparation to their unforgettable triple coconut flavor, these cupcakes are a true celebration of all things tropical and delicious. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, bringing a treat to a potluck, or simply craving a sweet escape on a regular Tuesday, this recipe promises to deliver pure joy with minimal effort. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to these extraordinary Triple Coconut Cupcakes. You won’t regret taking a bite of this little piece of paradise – it’s an experience that transports you straight to a sun-kissed beach!