A Favorite Recipe for Easter
“Cathy walked lightly, almost dancingly around the house and into the street. The trees were breaking into leaf and a few early dandelions were in yellow flower on the lawns.”
East of Eden, John Steinbeck
Inspiration
Once I made Ina’s Coconut Cake for my mom, she was obsessed. Anytime I asked her what she wanted me to bake for her she asked for Ina’s Coconut Cake. I always thought chocolate was her favorite but for her birthday, Mother’s Day and Easter it was “that Coconut Cake”. (I held firm on Thanksgiving, that’s pie season. She knew Christmas was for cookies.) This is from a woman who routinely bought the 36 bar packages of Hershey’s with Almonds at the local big box store. Any desserts with coconut were a favorite of hers. If there was chocolate and coconut, all the better. She had no fear of making those hugely decadent Seven Layer Bars. Coconut Macaroons usually appeared during the holidays. She dipped the tops in melted chocolate chips. My mom made an apricot bar cookie that was topped with coconut streusel. I must find that recipe, it took an entire jar of apricot jam. We loved her oatmeal cookies, no raisins, she detested them and never had them in the pantry. But lots of walnuts and coconut and yes, chocolate chips. My mom has been gone a year and a half and I really miss her. The sharp edges have softened, but my heart still tightens at the most unexpected time. The last time I made this recipe was Mother’s Day 2014. I’m ready to share the recipe, its perfect for spring and Easter, the season of renewal and rebirth.
Essentials
The cake is super easy to make, either as a layer cake or cupcakes. Included are massive swirls of cream cheese frosting, no piping skills required, just lots of coconut. I’ve made it many times and have never encountered any issues with the recipe. I wouldn’t change a thing. Ina’s Coconut Cake recipe uses milk, while her cupcake recipe uses buttermilk. The recipes are published separately, in two of her cookbooks, Barefoot Contessa at Home and her first book, The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook. The recipes are widely available on the web too. With a wave of Ina’s genius wand, a touch of almond extract somehow enhances the coconut flavor. The cake is light, buttery and a must bake for the coconut lover’s fan club. If my mom and I can’t convince you, just remember there must be a reason Ina has the recipe in two of her cook books.
Deb, these cupcakes are absolutely adorable, and those bunnies on top are equally so. I can’t imagine that missing someone as important as your mom really ever gets easier, but it’s so sweet of you to share something she would have loved. Happy (belated) Easter to you! Hope it was a lovely one.
Thank you for stopping by Shannon! Loss is a part of our lives, I guess we learn to be, with it.
This is perfect–definitely something my mom would love as well. And your decorating skills are on point as always, Deb. Thanks for sharing this! I’ve just bookmarked it 🙂
Thank you for the wonderful comment Ala, much appreciated!
Oh those are So pretty! I have some recipes that when I cook them I think of my mother too. She passed away 12 years ago and I miss her every day, but making good homemade food frequently brings to mind happy times sharing a kitchen with her. Me washing up mainly! Your Mum would definitely approve of you sharing one of her favourites. So would Ina. 🙂
Thank you for the kind and gracious comment Kellie, much appreciated!
I love these cupcakes Deb and I would have loved to have some for Easter. I hope you had a lovely holiday with your family.
Thank you Gerlinde! Can’t wait to hear about your Easter holiday in Germany!
How festive and utterly sweet are these cupcakes! If they don’t put one in the mood for Easter, then nothing will. I can’t tell you how much I would love to reach into the computer and steal one away for the perfect Easter treat.
Thank you so much Mary! I am pleased you liked the Coconut Cupcakes!
These are some of the cutest Easter cupcakes I have ever seen… I am pretty sure they are quite delish. Love Ina’s recipes as well. Wishing you a very Happy Easter, Deb!
Thank you for the wonderful comment Denise, I appreciate it! Happy Easter!
So pretty, Deb! We love coconut at our house. Putting these beauties at the top of the list for baking!
Thank you for the gracious comment Carol! I know you’ll be pleased with this recipe, we love it!
What darling cupcakes, Deb! So pretty and festive, perfect for the Easter table!
Thank you for the lovely comment Laura, much appreciated! I really enjoyed making and photographing the cupcakes!