Coconut Orange Cupcakes

Published June 16, 2016

This is a great dessert to take along on picnics, when the weather might be too warm for frosted treats. A cupcake without frosting? Well, if it is this Coconut Orange Cupcake you will never miss it. The cupcake batter is made with orange juice and enriched with vanilla chips and mandarin oranges. Before baking a slightly sweet coconut and butter mixture is sprinkled on the top. The end result is a cupcake with a toasted coconut topping and enough flavor and moisture to carry the day without frosting. They are also very simple to make. You can have the batter mixed and ready in the time it takes to preheat the oven.

Coconut Orange Cupcakes

1 cup sugar

2/3 cup oil, I use a light flavored olive oil

2 eggs

1 cup orange juice

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup diced fresh oranges

1 cup vanilla or white baking chips

TOPPING:

1 cup flaked coconut

1/3 cup sugar

2 tablespoons butter, melted

In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar, oil, eggs and orange juice; mix well. Combine dry ingredients; stir into orange juice mixture just until moistened. Fold in oranges and chips. Fill 24 greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Combine topping ingredients; sprinkle over cupcakes. Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Makes 24.