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Coconut Meringue Cupcakes + Blood Orange Curd

October 20, 2017 by Salma Leave a Comment

Coconut Meringue Cupcakes + Blood Orange Curd | The Polka Dotter
These heavenly coconut milk cupcakes are filled with the tangy twist of blood orange curd and topped with toasted coconut ltalian meringue. I was channeling a lemon meringue pie vibe when I made them, and knew I was on to a good thing when I heard friends and family members touting these as the best cupcakes they had eaten. Ever! If curd and meringue is your thing, do yourself a favour and make a batch of these little pretties. You won’t regret a single crumb.

Coconut Meringue Cupcakes + Blood Orange Curd | The Polka Dotter
Baking Notes
(1) I’m rather partial to all things blood orange, but if your love for curd is more of the lemon variety, you can substitute the blood orange curd with my recipe for Lemon Curd.

(2) I chose to make Italian meringue with these cupcakes for it’s stability, rather than French meringue which is a little easier to make but tends to weep. If this is your first time making Italian meringue, rest assured, with a candy thermometer it’s actually a fairly simple process. Ensure you use the freshest eggs possible for the greatest volume, and that all utensils are squeaky clean, as grease will affect the quality of the meringue. Take care not to burn yourself with the hot sugar syrup, and ensure the meringue is whisked to stiff peaks for prettier piping and greater stability.

(3) The torched meringue tastes divine but it can seem a little daunting purchasing and using a blow torch (I know because it took me a long time to finally purchase one!). I would highly recommend it though, as the toasted meringue really is one of the best parts of the cupcake and the torch will come in handy for many other baked goods. Take care with the blow torch and ensure you closely follow the product safety instructions.

Coconut Meringue Cupcakes + Blood Orange Curd | The Polka Dotter
Coconut Meringue Cupcakes + Blood Orange Curd | The Polka Dotter
Coconut Meringue Cupcakes + Blood Orange Curd | The Polka Dotter
Coconut Meringue Cupcakes + Blood Orange Curd
Makes 12 standard cupcakes

Ingredients
Coconut Milk Cupcakes
60g unsalted butter, softened
220g (1 cup) caster sugar
180g (1¼ cup) plain flour
2 tsp baking powder
pinch fine sea salt
185ml (¾ cup) coconut milk
2 large eggs, at room temperature

Blood Orange Curd
4 large egg yolks
85g caster sugar
60g unsalted butter
Zest (1-2tsp) and juice (40-50ml) of one blood orange
Juice of ½ lemon (20ml)

Toasted Coconut Meringue
200g caster sugar
200ml water
4 large egg whites, at room temperature
Pinch of cream of tartar
1 tsp good-quality coconut essence

Method
Coconut Milk Cupcakes
(1) Preheat oven to 170°C (150°C fan-forced) and prepare a 12-hole standard cupcake tin with paper cases.
(2) Place flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and butter in a stand mixer with paddle attachment and beat slowly until combined, and the mixture has a sandy consistency.
(3) Slowly pour in coconut milk while beating on low-medium speed until smooth.
(4) Add egg one by one while beating on low-medium speed, scraping the bowl between each egg to ensure ingredients are well combined.
(5) Divide batter evenly between cases, then bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden and a skewer inserted comes out clean. The sponge should spring back when touched.
(6) Allow cupcakes 5-10 minutes to cool slightly in the tray, then transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely.

Blood Orange Curd
(1) Lightly whisk egg yolks and sugar together in large clean bowl until pale and thick but not frothy.
(2) Melt butter, juices and zest together in a medium saucepan over low heat.
(3) Add egg yolk and sugar mixture to saucepan and stir constantly over low-medium heat until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (approx. 7-10 minutes).
(4) Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

Toasted Coconut Meringue
(1) Place sugar and water in a small, heavy bottomed saucepan on low-medium heat, stirring gently until sugar has dissolved completely.
(2) Increase heat to medium-high, heating syrup until it reaches 121°C (hard-ball stage).
(3) Place egg whites and cream of tartar in a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, and whisk egg whites with cream of tartar to soft peaks while sugar syrup is boiling.
(4) As syrup comes to 121°C, remove from heat and carefully pour into egg whites, while continuing to whisk on medium speed. Take care not to burn yourself.
(5) Continue whisking until firm peaks, then add coconut essence to combine.
(6) Immediately pipe meringue as described below.

Assembly
(1) Using a sharp knife, melon baller or large apple corer, neatly scoop out the centre of each cupcake.
(2) Divide curd evenly between each cupcake (approx. 2 tsp curd per cupcake).
(3) Place meringue in a piping bag with the end snipped off (or fit piping bag with a round nozzle). Pipe meringue in a swirl onto each cupcake.
(4) Following the safety instructions of your blow torch, gently and carefully torch each cupcake to toast the meringue.
(5) These cupcakes, especially the meringue, taste best consumed within 24 hours.

Enjoy!

Coconut Meringue Cupcakes + Blood Orange Curd | The Polka Dotter
Credits and Sources
Coconut milk cupcake recipe adapted from The Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook by Hummingbird Bakery
Scalloped cake stand from Anna Wallace Ceramics
Azaela flower plates from Kinfolk and Co.
Napery from Red House VT
White ceramic nesting bowls from Antler and Moss

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Filed Under: Cupcakes, Mini Cakes & Brownies Tagged With: Blood orange, Coconut, Meringue, Orange

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Salma Sabdia | Food Photography

Hi, I’m Salma, and I love creating beautiful images and sweet treats. If you’re looking for a little baking inspiration, you’ve come to the right place.

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Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and rememb Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
~ Max Ehrmann

Love this quiet scene at Pappa Sven. It was actually a test shot of the lighting, my first shot of the day. The lovely Libby had handed me a bud vase filled with a casual spray of flowers picked from one of Pappa Sven’s flower pots, and I had set out a few unfrosted coconut cupcakes on a her lovely cake stand, getting them ready to glam up with roasted strawberry icing.

I never usually care too much for my test shots, they are what they are, and I often prefer my last shots of a session, when the cakes are cut, the crumbs are scattered and the drizzles have dripped in their imperfectly perfect ways. And I’ve had a sneaky chance to indulge in whatever dessert I have prepared, all in the name of good photography and recipe testing.

But it’s true what they say, there’s a first time for everything, and this photo may actually be my favourite of the whole shoot, a genuine moment of calm in such a cosy space.

And if I had it my way - I’d share the full un-cropped version with you, that included the beautiful detail of the brick wall across the top of the window, but as Instagram would have it, we are obliged to a 4:5 ratio, so alas today this crop will suffice. 

Also I am absolutely elated and humbled that the tickets to this event are selling so quickly. Thank you to those of you who have already purchased a ticket, it truly means a lot to have you share this event with us 💕

And if you missed the event details - head to my last post or click the link in my profile 😊

#thinkpink #pinkribbon #afternoonteatime #pinkcupcakes #nordiclifestyle #pappasven #fundraiserevent #nbcfaus #foodphotographyandstyling #newcastleevents
Event Announcement! 💕 Join us for an intimate Event Announcement! 💕

Join us for an intimate and heartwarming Pink Ribbon Afternoon Tea, hosted by Salma Sabdia (@thepolkadotter) in the cosy surrounds of Pappa Sven’s Apartment (@pappasvens).

We’re raising funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (@nbcfaus), a cause that’s particularly close to our hearts, and we would love for you to share this special event with us.

Immerse yourself in our much loved ‘Pappa Sven’s Apartment’ and savour a selection of delectable pink-themed cakes, cookies and more, all specially crafted for this occasion. 

Event details:
Saturday 14th October at 2pm
Pappa Sven Apartment in Cooks Hill, NSW, Australia

Click the link in profile for more details and to book your ticket through the @pappasvens website.

We can’t wait to see you there!

#thinkpink #pinkribbon #afternoonteatime #pinkcupcakes #nordiclifestyle #pappasven #fundraiserevent #nbcfaus #foodphotographyandstyling #newcastleevents
Good spring morning 💕 aren’t these blooms abs Good spring morning 💕 aren’t these blooms absolutely stunning? 

Instagram usually has a strong dislike for my floral photography. I suspect they are too much of a departure from cakes and cookies, and it’s considered they may offend my dessert-loving audience 😂

What do you think? Do you like the occasional flower or two to start your day?

#springvibes #springflorals #ranunculus #ranunculusflower #flowerphotoshoot #bridgetbodenham #handmadeceramics #australianphotographer
SAVE THE DATE! OCTOBER 14 💕 We have a VERY sp SAVE THE DATE!

OCTOBER 14 💕

We have a VERY special event coming soon to one of Newcastle’s favourite spaces.

If a little sweet indulgence in a stylish Nordic setting is your idea of a good time, mark the afternoon of Saturday October 14th in your calendars, because you’ll be sharing it with us 😊 and best of all, you’ll be supporting a very worthy cause 💕

Tickets go on sale this week, and with a very intimate gathering planned, they will be limited. Keep an eye out on our socials do you don’t miss out 😊

#strawberrycupcakes #coconutcupcakes #nordiclifestyle #pappasven #pinkribbon #afternoonteatime #fundraiserevent #nbcfaus #foodphotographyandstyling
If you’re looking for the perfect dessert to get If you’re looking for the perfect dessert to get you through this summer weekend weather (at the start of spring!) this divine layered ice cream of strawberry, macadamias and mango will do just the trick 💕

Created last summer for @ausmacadamias | Recipe link in profile

#strawberryicecream #mangoicecream #macadamiaicecream #icecreamdessert #summerdessert #weekenddessert #foodphotographyandstyling #australianmacadamias #queenslandstrawberries #aussiemangoes
SAVE THE DATE! Hey Newcastle! We have been plann SAVE THE DATE! 

Hey Newcastle! We have been planning a VERY special event for you 💕

If a little sweet indulgence in a stylish Nordic setting is your idea of a good time, mark the afternoon of Saturday October 14th in your calendars, because you’ll be sharing it with us 😊 and best of all, you’ll be supporting a very worthy cause 💕

Stay tuned and keep an eye out on our socials, where we’ll be sharing all the details early next week!

#strawberrycupcakes #pappasven #pinkribbon #newcastleevents
Blood orange season has arrived, gently floating i Blood orange season has arrived, gently floating in with the soft spring breezes. It’s always one of my favourite times of the year.

Last year’s signature blood orange cake was this delicately striped Blood Orange + Earl Grey Bundt Cake, a crowd favourite that you can find on the blog.

(Along with the other twelve blood orange recipes. Yes, I just checked and would you believe there are no less than specifically THIRTEEN blood orange recipes. And I still think there’s room for number fourteen 😂). 

What’s your favourite flavour to pair with blood oranges? And are there any blood orange recipes you’d like to see this year?

#bloodorange #bloodorangecake #earlgreycake #bundtcake #teacake #springbaking #weekendbaking #foodphotographyandstyling #harrisfarm #redbellycitrus
The days are saying Spring has arrived. The sunshi The days are saying Spring has arrived. The sunshine is glorious and warms you all the way to the tips of your toes and deep inside your heart and mind.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
And the beautiful shades of magnolia pink and wattle yellow are already starting to retreat, giving way to tiny green shoots. 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
But the nights seem to remind us that Winter will linger a little longer, and to enjoy the indulgence of cosy beverages paired with cosy knits while we still can 💕
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
What’s the weather like in your little corner of the world?

#changeofseasons #cosynights #cosyvibes #bridgetbodenham #marimekko #unikko #teaculture
The magnolias are in full bloom again. It’s alw The magnolias are in full bloom again.

It’s always such a glorious sight to witness. Last year I shared the special story behind our magnolia tree, and I can’t help but share it again after I’ve spent the better part of the last week admiring her brilliant beauty.

The first time she flowered a few years ago, we were completely in awe. We had moved into our home in the middle of a scorching summer drought, and always wondered about this sickly tree that commanded prime position in the front yard.

So imagine our surprise when nine months after living in our home, this bare thin tired tree gave rise to the most stunning, enormous magenta magnolias. 

Every year that has followed we eagerly await the first week of August to indulge in her beauty. Her fuzzy winter coats are shed and give way to the most brilliant shade of deep pink splashed against the fresh greenery of the garden.

Such a special way to welcome in the warmer weather 💕

#magnolias #magnoliaflowers #springblooms #springbaking #flowerphotoshoot
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