Imagine the warm, sunny flavors of the tropics packed into a delightful little muffin. These Tropical Banana Muffins are a sweet escape, combining bananas, pineapple, and coconut into a bite-sized treat. Perfect for breakfast or a midday pick-me-up!
Bananas are the base of this recipe, providing natural sweetness and moisture. Make sure they're ripe for the best flavor.
Crushed pineapple adds a juicy burst and a touch of tartness. Remember to drain it well to avoid a soggy batter.
Unsweetened shredded coconut gives a subtle, nutty flavor and texture, making the muffins irresistibly tropical.
Granulated sugar and light brown sugar balance the sweetness, while the brown sugar adds a hint of caramel.
Melted coconut oil keeps the muffins moist and enhances the coconut flavor.
Eggs help bind the ingredients together and give structure to the muffins.
Vanilla extract rounds out the flavors with its warm, sweet aroma.
All-purpose flour provides the necessary structure to keep the muffins together.
Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the muffins rise.
Salt enhances the overall flavor, balancing out the sweetness.
Ground cinnamon adds a hint of spice that pairs beautifully with the tropical flavors.
Macadamia nuts (optional) lend a delightful crunch and richness, perfect for texture lovers.
These muffins are delightful on their own, but try serving them with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a hearty breakfast. They also pair wonderfully with a tropical fruit salad or a refreshing mango smoothie.
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze.
In a large bowl, grab your ripe bananas and mash them until they're smooth. You want no big chunks here. Stir in the crushed pineapple and shredded coconut until everything is well mixed. This will be your tropical base.
Next, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted coconut oil to the mix. Stir until everything is nicely combined. The sugars will dissolve a bit, making the mixture glossy.
Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps to emulsify and incorporate everything smoothly. Add the vanilla extract for that lovely aroma.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This step ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and will be mixed easily into the wet ingredients.
Now, gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Be careful not to overmix; you want everything just combined. If you're using macadamia nuts, fold them in at this stage.
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups. Aim for about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. They're done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.