Voluptuous Vanilla Bean-Coconut Cupcakes

Steps

• 1

  Directions for Batter:
• 2

  In a medium saucepan bring coconut milk just to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 20 to 30 minutes or until milk is reduced to 1-1/3 cups; cool. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375°F. Line eighteen 2-1/2-inch muffin cups with paper liners; set aside. Using the tip of a small sharp knife, scrape out seeds from vanilla bean, set aside.
• 3

  In a small bowl stir together flour, ground nuts, baking powder, and salt; set aside. In a large bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar. Beat on medium to high speed for 1 minute, scraping side of bowl occasionally.
• 4

  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in half of the vanilla seed; reserve other half for frosting. Alternately add flour mixture and 1 cup of the reduced coconut milk (reserve rest of coconut milk for frosting) to butter mixture, beating on low speed after each addition just until combined.
• 5

  Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-fourths full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly touched. Cool in muffin cups on wire racks for 5 minutes. Remove from muffin cups. Cool completely on racks.
• 6

  Pipe or spread Vanilla-Coconut Frosting on tops of cupcakes. Sprinkle with toasted coconut.
• 7

  Directions for Vanilla-Coconut Frosting:
• 8

  In a large bowl beat 1 cup softened butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed or 30 seconds. Beat in the remaining 1/3 cup reduced coconut milk, the remaining vanilla seeds, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Gradually add 2-1/2 cups powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.