Bahama Mama Cupcakes

Table of Contents

Tropical paradise in cupcake form! Moist pineapple-coconut cupcakes with a boozy hint of rum, crowned with cherry-rum buttercream and a festive garnish.

🍍 Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs

½ cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
¼ cup coconut milk (or whole milk)
1 tsp coconut extract (or vanilla extract)

2 tbsp dark rum, coconut rum, or 1 tsp rum extract (optional but traditional)

For the Cherry-Rum Buttercream:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar

2 tbsp maraschino cherry juice (or milk)
1 tbsp dark or coconut rum (or ½ tsp rum extract)
½ tsp vanilla extract

Pinch of salt
Optional: 2–3 drops red food coloring for a pink hue

For Garnish:

Toasted coconut flakes

Maraschino cherries
Pineapple wedges or mini umbrellas

📝 Instructions

Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
Cream butter & sugar: Beat butter and sugar until fluffy (~3 mins). Add eggs one at a time, then coconut extract.
Wet mix: Alternate adding dry ingredients with pineapple (with juice) and coconut milk. Mix until just combined. Stir in rum.

Bake: Fill liners ¾ full. Bake 18–20 mins until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

Frosting:

Beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, cherry juice, rum, vanilla, and salt. Whip until fluffy. Adjust thickness with more juice/sugar.
Pipe or spread onto cooled cupcakes.

Garnish:

Top with toasted coconut, a cherry, and a pineapple wedge for a tropical vibe!

🌴 Tips & Tricks

Non-alcoholic: Skip rum or use rum extract + extra pineapple juice.

Extra coconutty? Add ¼ cup shredded coconut to the batter.
Make ahead: Store unfrosted cupcakes airtight for 2 days. Frost before serving.

These taste like a vacation in every bite—perfect for summer parties or tiki-themed gatherings! 🍹✨

Want a stronger cherry flavor? Fold chopped maraschino cherries into the frosting!