Description
Sweet Hawaiian pineapple carrot muffins blend tropical sunshine with warm spices, creating a delightful breakfast treat. Moist crumbs packed with island flavors will transport hungry people to Pacific paradise in one delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely grated carrots
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Mix-ins and Frosting:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Pineapple chunks (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners, ensuring even spacing.
- Create a dry mixture by whisking flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly integrated.
- Whisk eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until the liquid ingredients form a smooth, consistent emulsion.
- Gently incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring with minimal strokes to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender texture.
- Introduce grated carrots, drained crushed pineapple, chopped walnuts, and shredded coconut into the batter, folding carefully to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Distribute the batter uniformly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each approximately two-thirds full for optimal rising.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
- Allow muffins to cool completely on a wire rack, providing adequate time for temperature reduction.
- Prepare cream cheese frosting by blending softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Once muffins are thoroughly cooled, generously apply frosting and optionally garnish with fresh pineapple chunks for added visual appeal and flavor.
Notes
- Enhance moisture by squeezing excess liquid from crushed pineapple to prevent soggy muffins.
- Swap walnuts with pecans or almonds for varied texture and different nutty flavors.
- Use gluten-free flour blend for celiac-friendly version without compromising taste and texture.
- Create healthier alternative by reducing sugar and using Greek yogurt instead of vegetable oil for added protein and lower fat content.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 253 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 109 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 32 mg