Lemon Olive Oil Cupcakes With Coconut Whipped Cream Food

LEMON-OLIVE OIL CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two 12-cup muffin pans with paper liners.
• Make the cupcakes: Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Combine the olive oil and sugar in a large bowl and beat with a mixer on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about 4 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then beat in the vanilla and lemon zest. Reduce the speed to low; beat in the flour mixture in three batches, alternating with the milk. Increase the speed to medium high and beat until combined.
• Divide the batter among the muffin cups, filling them three-quarters of the way. Bake until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes in the pan, then remove to a rack to cool completely.
• Meanwhile, make the frosting: Combine the egg whites and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer and place over a small pot of simmering water (make sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water). Whisk by hand until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is warm to the touch, about 5 minutes. Remove the bowl from the pot and attach to the mixer; beat with the whisk attachment on high speed until the meringue is shiny and holds stiff peaks, about 7 minutes. Switch to the paddle attachment. With the mixer on medium speed, gradually add the butter and beat until smooth, 1 more minute. Add the vanilla and mix until just combined. Spread the frosting on the cupcakes.

LEMON COCONUT CUPCAKES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in lemon zest and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream. Beat just until combined. Fold in coconut., Fill paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake at 350° until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 18-22 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, grated lemon zest, vanilla and lemon juice until fluffy. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth; stir in 1/4 cup coconut. Frost cupcakes; sprinkle with remaining coconut. Garnish with shredded lemon zest if desired.