Coconut Cupcakes

Our answer

Nigella's Coconut Cake (from HOW TO BE A DOMESTIC GODDESS) is a coconut flavoured sponge cake that is made using the creaming method and usually these cakes convert quite well to cupcake form. The cake batter makes a two layer 20-21cm/8-inch cake and this quantity should make 20-24 cupcakes. Fill the paper cupcake cases about half full of batter.

The baking temperature is the same at 180c/350F. Cupcakes usually take about 20 minutes to bake at this temperature but start checking at just after 15 minutes. The cupcakes are baked when they are risen, firm to the touch and a cake tester comes out clean when inserted into the cupcakes in the middle of the cupcake pan. The buttercream icing is only enough to fill the layer cake so you are likely to need to make at least a double quantity for cupcakes (or a 3 times quantity if you want generous frosting). You may also like to omit the dessicated coconut from the frosting and toast it and use it to decorate the cupcakes, or use toasted coconut flakes instead.