COCONUT CREAM CUPCAKES

1 pkg (2-layer size) yellow cake mix

2 2/3 cups flaked coconut, divided
1 pkg (3.4-oz) vanilla flavor instant pudding mix
1 can (11-oz) coconut milk
1 tub (10.6-oz) Cool Whip Vanilla Whipped Frosting, thawed
2 cups fresh raspberries for garnish, optional
24 fresh mint leaves for garnish, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Prepare cake batter as directed on the package then stir in the 2/3 cup of coconut. Spoon mixture into 24 paper-lined muffin cups.

Bake cupcakes 20 to 25 minutes until a wooden toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Remove from oven in cool in pans 10 minutes; remove from the pans to wire racks to cool completely.

While cakes cool, beat pudding mix and coconut milk in a large bowl for 2 minutes using a wire whisk. Pudding will be thick! Refrigerate until ready to use.

To assemble the cupcakes:

• Gently remove cupcakes from the paper liners.
• Cut cupcakes in half horizontally.
• Place cupcake bottoms on a serving tray.
• Top each cupcake bottom with 1 tablespoonful pudding and 1 tsp of the remaining coconut; top with a cupcake top.
• Spread the frosting over tops of cupcakes.
• Garnish with the fresh berries and/or mint leaves, if desired.

Refrigerate any leftover cupcakes.

I love anything coconut cream! Got this tasty recipe from Kraft a couple years ago.