Key Lime Macadamia Nut Cupcakes

Yield: 16 cupcakes

Ingredients

Cupcakes

• 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon zest and 1/4 cup juice from Key limes*
• 3/4 cup canned coconut milk**
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup mild honey, preferably clover
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup macadamia nuts, chopped

Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons mild honey, preferably clover
• 4 to 5 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line muffin tins with paper liners.

Cupcakes

1. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt; set aside.
2. In a liquid measure, combine Key lime zest and juice, and coconut milk; set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, cream butter until fluffy; scraping sides of bowl, as necessary.
4. Add honey; mix well.
5. Add eggs, one at a time, scraping down sides of bowl after each addition.
6. Add half of the reserved dry ingredients to the butter mixture; mix on low until just combined.
7. With mixer running on low, slowly add the lime mixture.
8. Add remaining dry ingredients until just combined.
9. Stir in coconut and macadamia nuts.
10. Fill muffin tins 2/3 full. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in center of a muffin comes out clean.
11. Remove to wire rack; cool.
12. Frost with Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting, if desired.

Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.
2. Add lime juice and honey; mix well.
3. Add confectioners' sugar, one cup at a time, until desired spreading consistency.
4. Frost cupcakes and top with coconut.

Notes

* Regular limes may be substituted.

** Coconut milk may be found with Thai or Asian cooking ingredients.