PREHEAT the oven to 450°F
LINE 10 compartments of a cupcake pan with papers, grease muffin papers, and set aside
In a large mixing bowl, WHISK together the dry ingredients (muffin mix, coconut, walnuts, carrots, raisins, cinnamon and baking soda) until combined
In another bowl, STIR together the wet ingredients (eggs, water, vinegar, zest or vanilla, and oil)
POUR the wet mixture into the dry one and stir to combine
DISTRIBUTE the batter evenly between the prepared muffin tins, filling each to just below the top. Sprinkle the tops of the muffins with additional shredded coconut, if desired
BAKE for 5 minutes
TURN DOWN oven to 350°F and bake an additional 12-15 minutes, until domes are solid to the touch and a tester comes out clean