CUPCAKE WARS HERE I COME!

Lately, I just can't get enough of Cupcake Wars and I was so inspired by the innovative creations I see on the show, that I decided to try a creation of my own. However, I did cheat a little bit. I decided not to make the cupcakes from scratch, but, instead, alter the flavor of a boxed cake mix.

I bought a white cake mix and prepared it as the directions stated, but then I added 1 tbsp of coconut extract. I love coconut, so I was going for a really coconutty (is that a word?) cake. Once the cupcakes came out of the oven, I let them cool and then cut out small holes on the top of each. I filled the holes with a coconut cream pudding I had prepared earlier and finally, I topped them off with cream cheese frosting and some toasted coconut. I also added a drizzle of raspberry purée to half of the cupcakes for a little added flavor.

Unfortunately, the coconut flavor wasn't as prominent as I would have liked; next time, I think I'll add coconut milk! But the cupcakes were still absolutely delicious!!

Just make sure to store the cupcakes in the fridge, due to the pudding filling!