Pina Colada Cupcakes

These beauties were made for a night at ECFE that I was in charge of the menu. It was a luau themed night, so you know that I had to go all out for that! :) And what fits better for a treat at the end of the night than Pina Colada Cupcakes?? Adults and children alike were excited about these cupcakes!

Pina Colada Cupcakes
(Recipe found at glorioustreats.com via Pinterest)

2 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups canned crushed pineapple, drained slightly

FROSTING
1/2 cup butter (cool)
8 ounces cream cheese (directly from fridge)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons coconut extract
4 cups powdered powdered sugar
1 Tablespoon heavy cream, heavy whipping cream or milk or 1 Tablespoon Dark Rum

Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl and set aside. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until slightly thickened and a light cream color (about 2 minutes). On low speed, mix in the oil and vanilla until blended. Add in the pineapple and sour cream and mix until fully incorporated. Add the flour mixture and blend until just combined and smooth. Line a cupcake pan with 12 paper liners and fill about 2/3 full. Bake cupcakes in a pre-heated 350 oven for about 22 minutes. Remove from pan and cool on wire rack. For frosting, place butter in a large mixing bowl and blend until smooth. Add cream cheese and blend until well combined, about 30 seconds. Add vanilla extract, coconut extract and powdered sugar (1 cup at a time) and blend on low speed until combined. Increase to medium speed and beat until it begins to get fluffy. Slowly add the heavy cream or rum. Beat until fluffy, about 1 minute. Use at once or keep refrigerated. For added flavor and texture, top frosted cupcakes with toasted coconut. (To toast coconut- lay about 1 1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut on a baking sheet and bake at 375*F about 4-5 minutes - keep a careful eye, it browns quickly once it starts.)