These Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Muffins are tropical, sweet, and packed with flavor from crushed pineapple, coconut, and macadamia nuts. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, these muffins are moist and fluffy with a delicious tropical twist. The combination of pineapple, coconut, and macadamia nuts will transport you straight to the islands!
Ingredients for Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Muffins
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup crushed pineapple with juice
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)
- ½ cup chopped macadamia nuts (optional)
Instructions for Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Muffins
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the muffin cups.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, crushed pineapple with juice, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well mixed.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense muffins.
5. Fold in Coconut and Nuts (Optional)
- If using, gently fold in the shredded coconut and chopped macadamia nuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Fill the Muffin Cups
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Bake the Muffins
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Serve
- Serve the muffins warm or at room temperature. They pair well with coffee or as a tropical treat on their own!
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Pineapple Juice: Make sure to include the juice from the crushed pineapple, as it adds moisture to the muffins and enhances the pineapple flavor.
- Coconut and Nuts: The shredded coconut and chopped macadamia nuts are optional, but they add a great texture and extra tropical flavor. You can also use other nuts like pecans or walnuts.
- Storage: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Variations for Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Muffins
1. Pineapple Banana Muffins
- Add 1 mashed ripe banana to the batter for a delicious combination of pineapple and banana flavors.
2. Pineapple Cream Cheese Muffins
- Swirl 1 cup of softened cream cheese into the muffin batter before baking for a creamy and rich variation.
3. Pineapple Coconut Muffins
- For extra tropical flavor, increase the shredded coconut to 1 cup and sprinkle some toasted coconut on top of the muffins before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned crushed pineapple?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple. Just crush it in a food processor and include any juice that is released when crushing the pineapple. If needed, you can add a little pineapple juice to ensure the muffins remain moist.
2. How do I store leftover muffins?
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the muffins for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly before serving.
3. Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is formulated for baking. Follow the same instructions, and the muffins should turn out just as delicious.
A Tropical Treat in Every Bite
These Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Muffins bring the tropical flavors of pineapple, coconut, and macadamia nuts into a fluffy, moist muffin. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack, this recipe is easy to make and full of island-inspired flavor. Customize the recipe with your favorite add-ins or enjoy the classic version for a little tropical escape in every bite!