AMBROSIA CUPCAKES

Ambrosia Cupcakes image

These unbeatable cupcakes are loaded with flavor. Pineapple, apricot, coconut...your taste buds will be dancing! The addition of butter, shortening and sour cream to the batter guarantees a moist, tender crumb. Yum! -Zan Brock, Jasper, Alabama

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Desserts

Time 40m

Yield 3 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 24

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Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup butter-flavored shortening
2 cups sugar
5 large eggs, separated
1 teaspoon rum extract
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup apricot nectar
1/4 cup pineapple preserves
1/4 cup apricot preserves
2 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup chopped pecans
FROSTING:
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 cup pineapple preserves
1/4 cup apricot preserves
3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
36 maraschino cherries with stems

Steps:

In a large bowl, cream the butter, shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in extract. , In another bowl, whisk the sour cream, apricot nectar and preserves. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream mixture. Beat just until blended. Stir in pecans. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold into batter., Fill paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake at 350° for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., For frosting, in a large bowl, cream the butter, cream cheese and extracts until light and fluffy. Beat in preserves. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until blended. , Frost cupcakes; sprinkle with coconut. Garnish with cherries.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 284 calories, Fat 13g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 48mg cholesterol, Sodium 115mg sodium, Carbohydrate 41g carbohydrate (32g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.