Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Muffins Recipe
These Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Muffins are a delicious tropical treat, combining the sweetness of carrots and pineapple with warm spices and a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfectly moist and packed with flavor, they’re a delightful twist on the classic carrot muffin!
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely grated carrots
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Garnish:
- Pineapple chunks (for topping)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Muffins
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the Mix-ins: Gently fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, chopped walnuts (if using), and shredded coconut (if using).
Step 2: Bake
- Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until well combined and fluffy.
Step 4: Frost and Garnish
- Frost Muffins: Once the muffins are completely cooled, frost each one with the cream cheese frosting.
- Garnish: Top each muffin with a small pineapple chunk for a tropical touch.
Step 5: Serve
Enjoy these Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Muffins with a burst of tropical flavor!
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Calories: 280 kcal per serving
- Servings: 12 muffins
Tips for Perfect Muffins
- Drain Pineapple Well: Be sure to drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Ensure the muffins are fully cooled before adding the frosting to avoid it melting.
- Customize the Nuts and Coconut: The walnuts and coconut are optional and can be left out or substituted with your favorite add-ins.
Enjoy these delightful Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Muffins as a refreshing treat with a tropical twist!