Coconut-Cream-Filled Cupcakes

Yummy! This is from the feb 2009 issue of Family Circle.

• Ready In: 32 mins
• Yields: 18 cupcakes

Ingredients

• Cupcakes

• 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1  cup  unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2  teaspoons baking powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1  cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2  tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1⁄2 cups granulated sugar
• 3  eggs
• 3⁄4 cup milk

• FIlling and Frosting

• 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1⁄4 cup shortening
• 2  cups powdered sugar
• 2  tablespoons milk
• 1  tablespoon  coconut extract
• 1 (1 lb) container  dark chocolate frosting

Directions

1. Cupcake: Heat oven to 350°F Generously coat 18 indents in two cupcake pans with nonstick spray. in a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt.
2. Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl on medium speed for 2 minutes, until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. On low speed, add flour mixture, alternating with milk, in two additions. Divide batter among indents, 1/3 cup each.
3. Bake at 350 F for 17 minutes or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool cupcakes in pan on rack for 10 minutes. Remove cupcakes to rack and let cool completely.
4. Filling and Frosting: Beat butter, shortening, powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Mix in coconut extract. Transfer cream filling to a pastry bag and fit with a small tip. Insert tip deep into cupcake and fill with cream until you can see top bulging. Spread cupcakes with prepared frosting and serve.