Toasted Coconut Mango Cupcakes…and a Giveaway

, , , , 146

I’ve found it, kiddos…the perfect flavor to kick off SPRING.

I don’t know about you, but I am about sick to death of winter. I have had the fortune of being in Florida, Las Vegas, and Houston the past couple of weeks, and got a taste of summer. Pools and glorious sunshine? Yes, please. Then I come home to Virginia, have a beautiful couple of days with temps in the 60s, and then yesterday?

Snow.

I give up.

But, I was also fortunate enough to be part of Pillsbury’s Celebration Starters campaign, and upon my return from my travels, I was faced with the challenge of opening a giant box of ingredients. Whatever would I use? A box cutter? Scissors? Curse words?

I kid, I kid.

Of course I used curse words.

Seriously though, once I opened the box, I was faced with yet another dilemma…what to make! There were so many options, and wow, Pillsbury has been busy creating some flavors that are truly unexpected.

Like Mango.

mango-coconut-cupcake-2

There were 3 different mango flavored options for me – a cake mix, an icing, and a cookie mix. Mango! So tropical, and so…not what I am used to finding in mix form, you know?

I was intrigued, so I had to give it a shot! I went with the included Mango Cake Mix, the Mango frosting, and in a stroke of unexpected good fortune, a container of Fluffy Marshmallow Frosting. Not one to be a fan of canned icing for the most part, I was skeptical, but…a quick finger taste and I knew I had to try. The ease factor when it comes to store bought icing is just way up there in my book…and this marshmallow flavor was honestly extremely good. Of course, I HAD to go and make it better!

Not one to just leave things as-is, I set out to make the mango cake mix in a different way as well. I kept it pretty simple though. Instead of using the one cup of water called for on the box, I used a cup of coconut milk. Yep, the thick and creamy coconut milk you’re thinking of. I left the oil and 3 eggs the same, but did add a 1/2 teaspoon of ginger. Ginger adds that pleasant bit of heat and spice – an homage to the tropics. Perfect addition to this coconut and mango flavor combination!

For the frosting, I added a splash of coconut extract – just a splash. I added it right to the container of marshmallow frosting, stirring quickly. Then I added it into a piping bag with a large star tip. It piped beautifully, and HELD ITS SHAPE. If you’ve ever piped canned frosting before, you know what a surprise this was! I also used the mango frosting on the tops of the cupcakes, and rolled that in toasted coconut before piping on the marshmallow. They turned out gorgeous, and tasted amazing!

I love when I find a shortcut that takes something simple – like a box mix and canned icing – and turns simple into fantastic! As a busy mom, being able to wow folks with a recipe like this, in no time at all, makes me feel like I am getting away with something. Am I?

Well, you can, too.

I hope you’ll give them a try!

mango-coconut-cupcake-3

Toasted Coconut and Mango Cupcakes

makes 18

Ingredients

  • 1 Box Pillsbury Tropical Mango Cake Mix
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/3 cup oil
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger
  • 1 can Pillsbury Mango Frosting
  • 1 cup toasted coconut flake
  • 1 can Pillsbury Fluffy Marshmallow Frosting

Instructions

Preheat oven to 250. Prepare 18 cupcake liners in cupcake pans. Set aside.

Mix mango cake mix, eggs, oil, coconut milk, and ginger until smooth. Spoon evenly into prepared cupcake liners. Bake at 350 for 19-22 minutes, or until just done. Remove from oven and allow to cool.

Once cooled, roughly ice each cupcake with mango icing. Roll edges in toasted coconut. Pipe marshmallow frosting onto tops of each. Sprinkle with more toasted coconut, if desired. Serve and enjoy!

mango-coconut-cupcake

The Giveaway

How would you like to win a great gift pack from Pillsbury? Including…get this…a $100 Visa Gift Card and some great Pillsbury products?

Yes!

Just leave me a comment here letting me know your favorite way to use Cake Mix. Bam – you are entered to win!

If you’d like another chance to win, share this post with your friends on Facebook or Twitter. Just be sure to leave me a separate comment for each of the ways you share, and once again, you have an additional chance to win!

Good Luck!

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Pillsbury. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Giveaway supplied and shipped by Pillsbury. US Addresses only, please. Giveaway entry period ends April 2, 2015, at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be notified via email address provided at entry.

If you liked this article, you might like:

Spread the love