Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups Basic Gluten-Free Flour Mix (page 19)
  • 1/4 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon xanthan gum
  • 3/4 teaspoon double-acting baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup plain or vanilla vegan yogurt
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons egg replacer mixed with 3 tablespoons rice milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon coconut extract/flavor
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 recipe Coconut Frosting (recipe follows)
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 3/4 cup dairy-free, soy-free vegetable shortening
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 1/4 cups confectioners sugar
  • 3 tablespoons rice milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract/flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • (makes enough for 12 cupcakes or 2 8-inch cakes)

Method

  • Preheat the oven to 350F.
  • Line a muffin pan with 12 liners.
  • Whisk together the flour mix, xanthan gum, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Set aside.
  • Combine the vegan yogurt, coconut milk, and lemon juice.Set aside.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the coconut oil, sugar, egg replacer, vanilla, and coconut extract.
  • Beat for about 2 minutes on medium speed.
  • Sift in the flour mixture in three batches, alternating with the yogurt/coconut milk mixture, and beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
  • Beat until smooth, about 30 seconds, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
  • Fold in the shredded coconut.
  • Fill the liners three-fourths full with batter.
  • Smooth the tops of the cupcakes with a butter knife or frosting spatula.
  • Bake in the center of the oven for about 22 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through.
  • Bake until golden and a skewer inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
  • Transfer the cupcakes to a cooling rack and let cool completely before frosting.
  • To frost the cupcakes, cover the tops of the cupcakes liberally with frosting, then roll gently in the flaked coconut.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the shortening and salt on medium speed for about 2 minutes.
  • Add the confectioners sugar in three batches, beating after each addition.
  • Add the rice milk, coconut extract, and vanilla.
  • Beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
  • Spread the frosting with a butter knife or frosting spatula, mounding over the tops of the cupcakes.