• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert
  • Appetizers
  • Parties
  • Shop

Cupcakes and Cutlery logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Cocktails
  • Entertaining
  • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Cocktails
    • Entertaining
    • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Dessert » Boozy Desserts » Boozy Pina Colada Cupcakes Recipe

    Published: Sep 11, 2023 · Updated: Sep 6, 2023 by Sharon Garofalow | This post may contain affiliate links. See the privacy policy linked in my footer.

    Boozy Pina Colada Cupcakes Recipe

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Text: Close up image of pina colada cupcake with vanilla rum frosting and maraschino cherry on top.

    Make this moist and tasty Boozy Pina Colada Cupcakes recipe using boxed cake mix! With all the flavors of your favorite tropical cocktail: coconut, coconut rum, and pineapple, this cocktail-inspired dessert recipe is perfect for your next party.

    Boozy pina colada cupcakes with vanilla frosting and maraschino cherries on a plate.
    You can easily make this Boozy Pina Colada Cupcakes recipe at home!
    Jump to:
    • You'll love these Coconut Rum Cupcakes!
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Spiked Pina Colada Cupcakes
    • Decorate
    • How to Make it Your Own
    • Tools
    • Top tips
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More easy coconut and pineapple recipes
    • More easy cupcake recipes
    • Boozy Pina Colada Cupcakes Recipe with Coconut Rum

    You'll love these Coconut Rum Cupcakes!

    These pina colada cupcakes with coconut rum are so easy to make and so delicious!

    Imagine eating a pina colada in cake form. This is it! I'm a big fan of cupcakes and these take the cake (pun intended).

    The cupcake itself is made using yellow cake mix, but elevated with crushed pineapple and cream of coconut for extra flavor and moisture. The addition of coconut rum takes it over the top!

    Related post: Coconut and Rum Cupcakes with Coconut Frosting

    The frosting has a bit of chew from the shredded coconut and is also spiked with coconut rum. Of course, it has to have maraschino cherries on top just like the classic pina colada drink.

    These easy-to-make boozy cupcakes are great for any special occasion! Trust me, this dessert is ALWAYS a crowd pleaser!

    Ingredients

    Ingredients needed to make rum infused pina colada cupcakes.
    The ingredients you’ll need to make pina colada cupcakes.
    • Yellow cake mix
    • Eggs
    • Vegetable oil
    • Cream of coconut
    • Coconut rum
    • Crushed pineapple
    • Vanilla frosting
    • Shredded coconut
    • Maraschino cherries

    I like to use yellow cake mix but you can use vanilla if you prefer. I just adore cake mix desserts, don't you?! Even though we are adding some other ingredients to make these taste like a cocktail, you still get a great cupcake base every time!

    Instead of milk we use cream of coconut to incorporate a rich coconut flavor and additional moisture. If you’re thinking of using coconut milk, you can, but the flavor won’t be as rich.

    Most of the time, fresh is always best. But in this case, it’s better to use canned crushed pineapple to ensure consistency in texture and taste. You’re guaranteed to get sweet pineapples and no sour ones, compared with buying fresh from the market.

    If you don't have coconut rum, you can use regular rum. You should have enough coconut flavor from the cream of coconut to not miss out on too much flavor.

    For the vanilla frosting, you can buy pre-made ones like I did or make a batch from scratch using your favorite recipe! My Very Best Vanilla Buttercream is so so so good and still super easy to make!

    See the printable recipe card for quantities and full recipe.

    How to Make Spiked Pina Colada Cupcakes

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

    Line a cupcake pan with 24 cupcake liners.

    Make the cupcakes

    Combining ingredients for boozy pina colada cupcakes.

    Step 1

    In a large bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, add the cake mix, eggs, oil, water, cream of coconut, 1 teaspoon of the coconut rum, and crushed pineapple.

    Beat on high for 3 minutes.

    Pina colada cupcake batter in a cupcake pan.

    Step 2

    Fill each of the cupcake liners ⅔ full with batter. Put the pan to the oven, and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

    Step 3

    Cool cupcakes for 1-2 hours.

    Make the coconut rum frosting

    Rum in a ramekin for boozy pina colada cupcakes.

    Step 1

    To prepare the frosting, add the store-bought vanilla frosting and the remaining 1 teaspoon of coconut rum to a bowl and beat for 2 minutes.

    *I love this hack for a quick customized frosting, don't you!

    Decorate

    Piping rum infused frosting on pina colada cupcakes.

    Add the coconut frosting to a piping bag with a 1A tip, and squeeze the frosting into the center of each of the cupcakes.

    Rum infused pina colada cupcakes with shredded coconut vanilla frosting topped with maraschino cherries.

    Top with a maraschino cherry and some extra coconut.

    How to Make it Your Own

    • Texture – If you enjoy having different textures in your baked goods, you can incorporate some nuts (like walnuts) for added crunch, or raisins for some chew!
    • Filling – Fill the cupcakes with cream cheese in the middle before baking. Each bite will be filled with luscious decadence.
    • Mini – Make mini cupcakes when you’re serving a huge crowd. Do note that you will cut the baking time in half.
    • Non-Alcoholic - You can remove the rum from this recipe and use coconut extract or rum extract to add a little more flavor.
    • Boozier - To make them even more boozy, use a skewer to poke holes in the cupcake then drizzle extra coconut rum on top before frosting.

    Tools

    I never think you need to run out and buy new tools to make my recipes. Use what you have. But these are my favorite baking tools.

    • Mixing bowl. I LOVE this batter bowl.
    • Whisk
    • Cupcake pans
    • Cupcake liners
    • Cooling rack
    • Piping bag and tip

    Top tips

    • Allow the eggs and butter to come to room temperature for easier mixing.
    • Do not overmix the batter. Otherwise, your cupcakes will turn tough and dense.
    • Always preheat the oven. You want it to be at your good cooking temperature so that the cupcakes cook and rise evenly.
    • Make sure you don't overfill the liners. Keep it to ⅔ full so they don't spill over.
    • Cool the cupcakes in the pan for a few minutes before moving them to a cooling rack.
    • Cool the cupcakes completely before frosting. Otherwise, the frosting will melt on the hot cupcakes! It’ll still be delicious though.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How to store these rum-infused pina colada cupcakes?

    Store the leftover pina colada cupcakes or made ahead boozy cupcakes in airtight containers in the fridge for up to five days. It's best to store them without frosting if you can help it.

    Can you freeze liquor cupcakes?

    Yes, you can freeze liquor cupcakes. However, just like any other cupcake, it's best to freeze them unfrosted and just frost them a day or two before serving. This will make sure that they look the prettiest when served.

    How do you keep cupcakes moist?

    The secret to moist cupcakes is the fat and sugar content. In this case, we get it from the sugar, coconut cream, eggs, and vegetable oil.

    If your cupcakes turn out to be dry after baking, you can save it by brushing simple syrup, which is a mix of equal parts of water and sugar, on to the top of the cupcake.

    Finished product of this easy boozy pina colada cupcake recipe.

    Make these yummy and oh-so-easy Pina Colada Cupcakes with coconut rum for your next party.

    Make sure you don’t lose this recipe by saving it for later! Also, for more recipes make sure you’re following me on Pinterest, Instagram and like my page on Facebook. If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a star rating and tag me in your pictures!

    More easy coconut and pineapple recipes

    • Fruity Pineapple Dump Cake with Coconut
    • Tropical Pineapple Cupcakes
    • Coconut Rum Cupcakes
    • Pina Colada Slush
    • Kahluah and Coconut Rum White Russian Recipe

    More easy cupcake recipes

    • Boozy Margarita Cupcakes
    • Moscow Mule Cupcakes infused with vodka
    • Rosé Cupcakes
    • Prosecco Cupcakes
    • Sangria Cupcakes
    Boozy pina colada cupcakes with vanilla frosting and maraschino cherries on a plate.

    Boozy Pina Colada Cupcakes Recipe with Coconut Rum

    Make these moist and tasty Boozy Pina Colada Cupcakes using boxed cake mix, cream of coconut, coconut rum, crushed pineapple, and vanilla frosting on your next get together for a tropical treat that adults surely enjoy!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 12 minutes minutes
    Down: 1 hour hour
    Total Time: 1 hour hour 42 minutes minutes
    Servings: 24 cupcakes
    Calories: 118kcal
    Author: Sharon Garofalow

    Equipment

    • Mixing bowl
    • Whisk
    • Cupcake pans
    • Cupcake liners
    • cooling rack
    • Piping bag and tip

    Ingredients

    • 1 15.25 oz box Yellow Cake Mix
    • 3 eggs
    • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
    • ½ cup water
    • ⅓ cup cream of coconut
    • 1 teaspoon coconut rum
    • 4 oz crushed pineapple in juice undrained

    Frosting:

    • 1 container vanilla frosting
    • 1 teaspoon coconut rum
    • ½ cup shredded coconut
    • Maraschino cherries for garnish

    Instructions

    Make the Cupcakes

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
    • Line a cupcake pan with 24 cupcake liners.
    • In a large bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, add the cake mix, eggs, oil, water, cream of coconut, 1 teaspoon of the coconut rum, and crushed pineapple. Beat on high for 3 minutes.
    • Fill each of the cupcake liners ⅔ full with batter, transfer the pan to the oven, and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
    • Cool cupcakes for 1-2 hours.

    Make the Frosting

    • Add the store-bought vanilla frosting and remaining 1 teaspoon of coconut rum to a bowl and beat for 2 minutes.
    • Add frosting to a piping bag equipped with the 1A tip, and squeeze frosting into the center of each of the cupcakes.
    • Top with a maraschino cherry and some coconut.

    Notes

    • Use room-temperature butter and eggs for easier mixing.
    • Do not overmix the batter to prevent the cupcakes from turning tough.
    • Make sure not to overfill the liners. Keep it to ⅔ full.
    • Cool the cupcakes completely before frosting.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cupcake | Calories: 118kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 172mg | Potassium: 30mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 32IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @CupcakesCutlery or tag #cupcakescutlery!

    More Boozy Desserts

    • Easy to make spiced rum cupcakes with alcohol pipettes.
      Easy Spiced Rum Cupcakes Recipe with Pipettes
    • A Coconut Rum Cupcakes on a plate with a fork sticking out of it.
      Coconut and Rum Cupcakes Recipe with Coconut Frosting
    • Close up of a frosted margarita cupcakes infused with tequila and topped with a lime wedge.
      Boozy Margarita Cupcakes Recipe
    • Close up of a cupcake being taken out of the cupcake liner.
      Boozy Moscow Mule Cupcakes Recipe

    Click to share!

    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Yummly
    • Flipboard
    • Mix

    About Sharon Garofalow

    Sharon lives in Southern California with her adorable family. She loves to share ideas to make mom life easier and encourage busy gals to make time for themselves too! Sharon's "me" time often includes watching Hallmark Channel movies, sipping sauvignon blanc, trying not to eat Salt and Pepper potato chips, and planning girlfriend getaways.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Welcome!
    I'm your go-to for easy, no-fuss party recipes. After hosting countless get-togethers and teaching myself to make cocktails at home, I'm sharing my secrets for how to mix drinks with ease (no bartender skills or fancy tools needed!). Plus learn my stress-free party shortcuts and favorite crowd-pleasing recipes. Email me at [email protected]

    More about Sharon →

    Posts about wine, liquor and/or cocktail recipes are expressly for people 21 years of age and older. Drink responsibly.

    It's never too early for Halloween

    • A hand holding a piece of Halloween bark made from white chocolate and red icing to look like blood splatters.
      Bloody Halloween Bark Recipe with White Chocolate
    • Green Halloween cocktail in a mason jar surrounded by plastic spiders.
      Halloween Cocktail Recipe with Tequila (Halloween Margarita)
    • Close up of a black Vodka Punch for Halloween in a glass pitcher.
      Creepy Halloween Vodka Punch Recipe [Alcoholic Black Punch]
    • Halloween dump cake topped with pretzels and candy bars in a glass dish.
      Chocolatey Halloween Dump Cake Recipe With Candy Bars

    Reader Favorites

    • Close up of a bundt cake with powdered sugar on it on a table.
      Easy 2-Ingredient Soda Cake Recipe
    • Close up of frosting in a bowl.
      The Best Quick and Easy Cool Whip Frosting Recipe
    • White baking dish with Strawberry Jello dessert with a small plate holding a serving in front of it on a table.
      Easy Strawberry, Jello and Angel Food Cake Dessert Recipe
    • Close up of dried beef cheese ball next to crackers
      Dried Beef Cheese Ball Recipe For Your Next Party

    Newest Posts

    • Top down image of a pineapple angel food dump cake in a pan, and a slice with fresh strawberries on a plate.
      Absurdly Easy Angel Food Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
    • Close up of a plate with 4 cookies stacked on top of each other.
      Apple Cookies Recipe with Butterscotch Chips
    • glass of haus spritzer on a serving tray
      Lemon Lavender Spritz Recipe (Haus Spritz)
    • Close up of a bottle on a table with a cocktail served in a wine glass next to it.
      Yummy Strawberry Basil Cocktail with Haus
    Text - Shop Now, Shop my Amazon! with food in serving dishes on a counter in a kitchen.

    Affiliate Link Disclosure

    Cupcakes and Cutlery is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Read my full disclosure policy.

    This site generates income via ads.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Accessibility Policy
    • CCPA
    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me

    © 2008-2022 CUPCAKES & CUTLERY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.