Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Muffins Recipe

Quick Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Muffins Recipe: Tropical Delight!

Tender, moist hawaiian pineapple carrot muffins spark joy with every delectable bite.

Sweet tropical notes dance alongside warm, earthy carrots in this unexpected breakfast treat.

Sunshine bursts through each carefully crafted morsel, promising pure culinary delight.

Pantry staples combine into something extraordinary, blending tropical flair with classic comfort.

Unexpected ingredients create magic that feels both familiar and adventurous.

Home kitchens will buzz with excitement as you mix these vibrant, sunshine-packed treats.

Bake a batch and watch smiles bloom like summer flowers.

Pineapple Carrot Muffins with Island Flavor

  • Quick and simple muffins that transport you to a sunny paradise with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Packed with carrots, pineapple, and optional coconut, these muffins provide a wholesome breakfast or snack loaded with natural sweetness and nutrients.
  • Kids and adults will love the moist texture, subtle spices, and fruity twist that make these muffins irresistibly delicious for all ages.
  • Perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, potlucks, or casual gatherings, these Hawaiian-inspired muffins bring a touch of tropical joy to any event.

Ingredients for Moist, Fruity Muffins

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Whole Wheat Flour: Provide structure and texture for the muffins, with whole wheat flour adding nutty flavor and extra nutrition.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the tropical and sweet profile of the muffins.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide moisture and structure.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps muffins moist and tender, ensuring a soft crumb.
  • Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Add sweetness and help with caramelization and moisture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides depth of flavor and aromatic notes.
Fruit and Vegetable Mix:
  • Crushed Pineapple, Shredded Carrots: Primary flavor components that add natural sweetness, moisture, and vibrant color.
  • Shredded Coconut: Optional ingredient for extra tropical texture and flavor.
Optional Add-Ins:
  • Nuts, Raisins: Additional mix-ins for texture and flavor variation.
Glaze (Optional):
  • Powdered Sugar, Pineapple Juice: Creates a light, sweet drizzle that complements the muffins' tropical theme.

Baking Instructions for Tropical Muffin Magic

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F (175C). Grab a muffin tin and line it with cute paper cups or give it a quick spray of cooking oil.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

In a roomy mixing bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Whole wheat flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Salt

Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Whip Up Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, get creative with:
  • Eggs
  • Vegetable oil
  • Brown sugar
  • White sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Blend everything until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Introduce Fruity Friends

Fold into the wet mixture:
  • Crushed pineapple
  • Freshly grated carrots
  • Shredded coconut (optional)

Mix until everything is happily combined.

Step 5: Create Magical Batter

Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir just until they’re friends- don’t overmix! Want some extra crunch? Toss in chopped nuts or raisins.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full with the batter. Pop the tin into the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick comes out clean.

Let the muffins rest in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 7: Add Tropical Drizzle (Optional)

Whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Reserved pineapple juice

Drizzle this sweet glaze over the cooled muffins for an extra burst of tropical joy.

Tips to Balance Sweetness and Texture

  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir the batter gently and minimally to keep muffins tender and light, stopping as soon as dry ingredients are just incorporated to avoid tough, dense texture.
  • Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use proper measuring techniques with level cups for dry ingredients and clear liquid measuring cups for wet ingredients to ensure accurate recipe results.
  • Boost Moisture Retention: Replace some oil with applesauce or mashed banana to add extra moisture while slightly reducing fat content without compromising flavor or texture.
  • Check Freshness of Leavening Agents: Ensure baking powder and baking soda are fresh and not expired, as they directly impact the muffins' rise and overall texture.
  • Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, use plant-based eggs or flax eggs, and select dairy-free alternatives to accommodate various dietary restrictions.

Storing Muffins Without Losing Freshness

  • Store muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
  • Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer-term storage.
  • Remove frozen muffins from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours or microwave briefly for a quick defrost.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore their soft, delicious texture.

Tasty Pairings for Pineapple Carrot Muffins

  • Blend fresh pineapple, banana, and coconut milk for a vibrant drink that echoes the muffins' tropical ingredients and enhances their fruity profile.
  • Choose a light roast Hawaiian Kona coffee with subtle nutty and caramel undertones that will beautifully complement the muffins' sweet and spiced flavors.
  • Whip softened cream cheese with a touch of honey and orange zest to create a luxurious spread that adds tangy richness to the moist, fruity muffins.
  • Brew a delicate ginger or chamomile tea that provides a gentle, soothing counterpoint to the muffins' robust and sweet characteristics.

Muffin Mix-Ins for Extra Flavor

  • Gluten-Free Hawaiian Muffins: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals. Maintains original tropical flavor while ensuring dietary compatibility.
  • Vegan Tropical Breakfast Treat: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or applesauce. Use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil and maple syrup in place of brown sugar. Perfect for plant-based eaters seeking a nutritious morning option.
  • Low-Sugar Pineapple Carrot Muffins: Swap granulated and brown sugars with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce total sugar content while keeping the moist, rich texture. Great for diabetic-friendly diets.
  • Nut-Protein Packed Version: Add chopped macadamia nuts or walnuts for extra protein and crunch. Include a scoop of vanilla protein powder to boost nutritional value. Excellent for fitness enthusiasts wanting a post-workout snack.

Muffin FAQ Cheat Sheet

  • Are Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Muffins healthy?

These muffins offer nutritional benefits with carrots providing vitamin A, pineapple contributing vitamin C, and whole wheat flour adding fiber. They’re a healthier alternative to traditional muffins with added fruits and moderate sugar content.

  • Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose and whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Use a 1:1 ratio replacement to maintain the muffins’ texture and structure. Ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free.

  • How do I prevent my muffins from becoming dry?

Avoid overmixing the batter, which can develop gluten and create tough muffins. Mix ingredients just until combined. The pineapple and oil also help keep the muffins moist and tender.

  • What if I don't have brown sugar?

You can replace brown sugar with granulated sugar or coconut sugar. If using granulated sugar, add a tablespoon of molasses to mimic brown sugar’s moisture and depth of flavor.

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Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Muffins Recipe

Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Muffins Recipe


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4.5 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet Hawaiian pineapple carrot muffins bring tropical sunshine to classic breakfast treats. Moist, fragrant crumbles combine island flavors with comforting home-style charm, promising you delightful morning moments.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 ¾ cups (222 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (60 g) whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup (240 ml) crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 cup shredded carrots

Dry Spices and Leavening Agents:

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Wet and Sweetening Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
  • ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (40 g) shredded coconut (optional)

Optional Add-Ins:

  • ½ cup (60 g) chopped nuts
  • ¼ cup (40 g) raisins

Optional Glaze:

  • ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
  • 12 tablespoons (180 ml) reserved pineapple juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by warming it to 350F (175C) and setting up a muffin tin with protective paper liners or a light coating of grease.
  2. Create a dry ingredient foundation by thoroughly blending whole wheat and all-purpose flours with essential leavening agents, aromatic spices, and a pinch of salt in a spacious mixing vessel.
  3. Whisk together liquid components including eggs, vegetable oil, caramel-like brown sugar, granulated sweetener, and fragrant vanilla until achieving a harmonious, smooth consistency.
  4. Introduce tropical and earthy elements by gently folding crushed pineapple, finely grated carrots, and optional shredded coconut into the liquid mixture, ensuring even distribution.
  5. Merge the wet and dry ingredients with a delicate touch, stirring minimally to prevent dense texture. Consider incorporating crunchy nuts or sweet raisins for added complexity.
  6. Distribute the batter evenly across muffin cups, filling each approximately three-quarters full to allow proper rising during baking.
  7. Slide the tin into the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, monitoring until a slender testing probe emerges clean when inserted into the muffin’s center.
  8. Allow muffins to rest in the tin for a brief five-minute cooling period before transferring to a wire rack for complete temperature reduction.
  9. For an optional luxurious finishing touch, craft a silky glaze by whisking powdered sugar with reserved pineapple juice, then artfully drizzling over the cooled muffins.

Notes

  • Swap flour for gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour to make these muffins suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Replace oil with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat content while maintaining moisture and soft texture.
  • Toast coconut flakes before adding to enhance nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunch to the muffins.
  • Use fresh pineapple instead of canned for a brighter, more vibrant tropical taste and additional natural sweetness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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