Description
Delightful Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Muffins blend tropical sweetness with homestyle comfort, creating a perfect breakfast or snack companion. Warm spices and juicy pineapple chunks elevate these moist muffins, inviting you to savor a slice of island-inspired paradise.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (192 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-in Ingredients:
- 1 cup finely grated carrots
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup (40 grams) shredded coconut
Frosting:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
Garnish:
- Pineapple chunks
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and arranging paper liners in a muffin tin.
- Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, whisking flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well blended.
- In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture appears smooth and uniform.
- Gently incorporate wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing.
- Carefully fold in grated carrots, crushed pineapple, chopped walnuts, and shredded coconut, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
- Distribute the batter evenly across the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin – it should emerge clean and dry.
- Remove muffins from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare cream cheese frosting by blending cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Once muffins have cooled, generously spread cream cheese frosting over the top of each muffin.
- Enhance presentation by garnishing with fresh pineapple chunks before serving.
Notes
- Modify the recipe by using whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrition, creating a heartier texture.
- Swap out regular sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a lower glycemic index alternative that enhances the tropical flavor profile.
- Make the muffins gluten-free by using almond or oat flour, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy this delightful treat.
- Reduce the cream cheese frosting calories by using Greek yogurt mixed with powdered sugar, maintaining the creamy consistency while adding protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg