Ingredients

1cupunsweetened coconut milk,canned

2tbsplemon juice,from 1 lemon

2cupsall purpose flour,spooned into measuring cup and leveled off

¼cupcornstarch

½tspsalt

½tspbaking soda

1cupunsalted butter,(2 sticks), at room temperature

2cupssugar

2tspvanilla extract

4large eggs,at room temperature

1cupsweetened coconut,shredded

½cupunsalted butter,(1 stick), at room temperature

6ozcream cheese,at room temperature

4cupsconfectioners’ sugar

½tspvanilla extract

¼cupunsweetened coconut milk,canned

1pinchsalt

1½cupssweetened coconut,shredded, for topping

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Line 2 cupcake pans with paper liners. Lightly spray the top of the pans with a nonstick cooking spray with flour.

In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut milk and lemon juice. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.

Beat in the vanilla, then beat in the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.

Turn the speed down to low and beat in ⅓ of the flour mixture, followed by ½ of the coconut milk–lemon juice mixture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add another ⅓ of the flour mixture, followed by the remaining coconut milk–lemon juice mixture.

Beat in the remaining flour mixture, then scrape down the bowl and beat again until the batter is just combined. Quickly mix in the shredded coconut; do not overmix.

Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake pans, filling each cup about ¾ full. Bake for 20 to 23 minutes, until the cupcakes are set, lightly golden, and a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

Let cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and cream cheese until creamy and well combined. Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar, and then beat in the vanilla, coconut milk, and salt.

When the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a butter knife or small offset spatula to swirl the frosting lavishly over the top.

Sprinkle with the shredded coconut, pressing it gently so it adheres, and serve.