Pineapple-Coconut Cupcakes with Buttermilk-Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1

Preheat oven to 325°. Place baking cups in 2 (12-cup) muffin pans, and lightly coat with cooking spray.

Step 2

Beat eggs at medium speed with an electric mixer 2 minutes. Add sour cream and next 3 ingredients, beating well after each addition. Add cake mix, and beat at low speed just until blended. Spoon batter into prepared cups, filling three-fourths full.

Step 3

Bake at 325° for 25 to 27 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from pans to wire racks, and cool completely (about 45 minutes).

Step 4

Scoop out centers of cupcakes, using a 1-inch melon baller and leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges. Discard or reserve centers for another use. Spoon a heaping tablespoonful Pineapple Filling into center of each cupcake.

Step 5

Pipe cupcakes with Buttermilk-Cream Cheese Frosting.

Step 6

TRY THIS TWIST!

Step 7

Pineapple-Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Buttermilk-Cream Cheese Frosting: Omit buttermilk and cream of coconut. Prepare recipe as directed through Step 2, adding 1 cup finely grated carrots; 1 (8-oz.) can crushed pineapple in juice, well drained; 1/2 cup finely chopped toasted pecans; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 tsp. ground cinnamon; and 1/2 tsp. ground ginger before adding cake mix, beating well after each addition. Proceed with recipe as directed.