🧁🍓🥥 Strawberry Colada Cupcakes

A tropical cupcake loaded with strawberries, coconut, and pineapple — the edible version of a beach vacation.

Sweet strawberries, creamy coconut, and a splash of pineapple — these Strawberry Colada Cupcakes taste like sunshine in a wrapper.

 

 

Some desserts whisper. Some desserts politely raise their hand. And then there are desserts that strut into the room wearing sunglasses and a sunhat, announcing, “HELLO DARLING, I’M HERE TO BRING THE VACATION.”

These cupcakes? Firmly category #3.

They’re:

• Fruity
• Fluffy
• Coconut‑kissed
• Strawberry‑swirled
• Pineapple‑bright
• Moist (yes, we’re using the word)
• Pretty enough for a party
• Easy enough for a Tuesday
• And honestly? A little bit irresistible

They’re the kind of cupcakes that make your kitchen smell like a tropical bakery. The kind that make your family hover like seagulls at a beach picnic. The kind that make you feel like a baking queen — even if you’re still wearing yesterday’s leggings.

💬 Reader prompt: Are you team “extra toasted coconut on top” or team “pile on the frosting like a tower”?

Lisa came home from school and told me that she had checked out a book for me from the library. It was so cute, she had brought home The Betty Crocker Big Book of Cupcakes, she thought this would help me with the blog!

How cute is that, my sixth grader is looking out for her mom. In honor of Lisa Kailey and her big heart, I’m sharing these delicious cupcakes! You will truly love this tasty treat.

Strawberry Colada Cupcakes

Ingredients:

1 cup pureed strawberries
1/2 cup canned coconut milk
1 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups cake flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/3 cups sugar
1 whole egg
2 egg whites
1/4 cup well-drained crushed pineapple

 

Frosting:
1 cup butter, softened
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon coconut extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
3 Tablespoons strawberry puree

Strawberry Colada Cupcakes

🍽 Directions

Step 1: Prep the Batter

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Line cupcake pans with wrappers.
3. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. In another bowl, cream butter + sugar until fluffy.
5. Add egg + egg whites.
6. Add strawberry puree, coconut milk, coconut extract, and vanilla.
7. Add dry ingredients.
8. Fold in pineapple gently.

Step 2: Bake

1. Fill cupcake liners ⅔ full.
2. Bake 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
3. Cool completely before frosting.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

1. Beat butter until creamy.
2. Add powdered sugar gradually.
3. Add coconut extract, vanilla, and strawberry puree.
4. Whip until fluffy and pink and perfect.

Step 4: Decorate

1. Pipe frosting generously.
2. Add toasted coconut, strawberries, or pineapple if you’re feeling extra.
3. Serve immediately.

💬 Reader prompt: Do you like your frosting silky smooth or thick and fluffy?

🔢 Calorie Count (Per Cupcake, Approx. 18 Cupcakes)

• Calories: ~285
• Protein: 2g
• Carbs: 34g
• Fat: 14g
• Sugar: 26g

 

🍓 Nutritional Facts & Fun

• Strawberries: Vitamin C + natural sweetness
• Coconut milk: Creaminess + tropical flavor
• Pineapple: Brightness + acidity
• Butter: Flavor + tenderness
• Cake flour: Soft crumb perfection

💬 Reader prompt: Should we try a mango‑colada version next?

 

 

👩‍🍳 Cooking Tips

• Extra fluffy: Don’t overmix the batter.
• Extra coconut: Add shredded coconut to the batter.
• Extra strawberry: Add diced berries inside.
• Extra tropical: Add a splash of rum extract.
• Perfect frosting: Chill 10 minutes before piping.

🔄 Recipe Variations

🍍 Piña Colada Cupcakes

Swap strawberries for more pineapple.

🍓 Strawberry Shortcake Colada

Add a layer of strawberry jam inside.

🥥 Coconut Dream Cupcakes

Add coconut flakes + coconut cream frosting.

🍋 Strawberry Lemon Colada

Add lemon zest to the batter.

🔥 Spicy Tropical Cupcakes

Add a pinch of cayenne to the frosting.

💬 Reader prompt: Which version should we test next for the blog?

🧒 Kid Tips

• Make mini cupcakes for tiny hands.
• Add sprinkles — kids love sprinkles.
• Keep frosting mild if kids don’t love coconut.
• Let kids decorate (messy but adorable).

🛒 Grocery Hacks

• Strawberries: Frozen works great for puree.
• Coconut milk: Shake the can well.
• Cake flour: DIY with flour + cornstarch.
• Butter: Buy in bulk and freeze.
• Pineapple: Canned is perfect.

💬 Reader prompt: Are you a “Costco coconut queen” or a “grab it when I need it” baker?

🎯 Reader Challenge

This week’s challenge: Make these Strawberry Colada Cupcakes, snap a pic, and share it with #LouLouGirlsColadaMagic. Bonus points if your frosting swirl is dramatic enough to deserve its own slow‑motion reel.

🥪 Leftover Remix

• Cupcake Trifle: Layer with whipped cream + fruit.
• Cupcake Milkshake: Blend with vanilla ice cream.
• Cupcake French Toast: Yes, it works.
• Cupcake Parfait: Add yogurt + berries.
• Cupcake Pops: Crumble + mix with frosting.

💬 Reader prompt: Which leftover remix should we feature next week?

💭 Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Colada Cupcakes are everything you want in a dessert: fruity, fluffy, tropical, nostalgic, comforting, and ridiculously satisfying. They’re the kind of recipe that brings people together, sparks conversation, and makes everyone feel like they’re part of the fun.

They’re simple enough for a weekday, impressive enough for a party, and comforting enough for those “I need something delicious immediately” days.

There’s something magical about a cupcake that tastes like a tropical vacation but fits in the palm of your hand. Something about strawberries, coconut, and pineapple swirling together that feels timeless, comforting, and just a little bit indulgent.

These Strawberry Colada Cupcakes are the kind of recipe that becomes a tradition — the treat your family requests again and again, the dessert you bring to neighbors, the one you whip up when you want your home to smell like happiness.

It’s the kind of cupcake that makes people linger at the table. The kind that makes your kitchen feel warm and welcoming. The kind that makes you feel like you’ve mastered the art of baking — even if you still set timers for everything.

So here’s your mission: Bake these cupcakes. Share them with your people. Tell me your twist. Did you add mango Did you add rum extract Did you sneak a warm cupcake before frosting (I support all of it.)

Until then, may your strawberries stay sweet, your coconut stay creamy, your frosting swirl beautifully, and your kitchen fill with laughter, love, and second helpings.

Strawberry Colada Cupcakes aren’t just dessert — they’re a lifestyle. 🍓🥥✨