Up until I ordered Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World , I very rarely made sweet treats for us to have around the house.  Since it arrived only about six weeks ago, I've made no less than eight dozen cupcakes, trying seven different varieties.  It's a cupcake epidemic is what it is. 

I've tried out lots of techniques and different flavors, and last week I thought I'd make a big reach and try one that contained some ingredients I'd never used before - unsweetened flaked coconut, coconut oil, and coconut extract.  Have you ever seen coconut oil?  It comes in a jar and has a consistency similar to Crisco, except that it's pearly and pretty and smells like you're poolside.


For an ingredient, I thought it was pretty pricey.  In fact, I almost didn't buy it, thinking that I would just bag the idea of making this variety.  Until I read on the back of the jar that it can also be used as a hair conditioning treatment.  As a hair product, it's a bargain, so it went into the cart.  And just so you know, I didn't try the oil as a conditioner until AFTER I'd finished the baking.  And if you do try it, you should know that it will make you want to drink pina coladas.

The recipe also calls for coconut milk, which I always have on hand.  When I'm cooking or baking, I like to let the kids help, letting them sample any ingredient that I'm measuring or chopping.  They are always enthusiastic about this part, Martin especially loves to eat flour, which of course makes no sense.  They were very excited about the coconut milk and pulled out some special glasses for the treat.  Martin spit his out on the counter, Sophie declared it gross and declined any further taste testing for the day.


Neither of the kids were very fond of the unsweetened coconut either, so I only decorated one of the cupcakes as directed in the recipe.  It looked very pretty, and I ate it immediately.  You know, so the coconut flakes wouldn't contaminate any of the other cupcakes.


The rest of the cupcakes were topped off with mounds of swirling lime buttercream frosting, which is just as delicious as it sounds.


I thought that the cupcakes were very tasty, especially when served cold.  They are not as sweet as other cupcakes we've tried, and may be better for an adult crowd.  With a side of pina coladas.