Craving a taste of the tropics? These coconut muffins are a coconut lover’s dream come true. Packed with coconut milk, coconut oil, and coconut flakes, they offer a triple dose of coconut goodness in every bite. The aroma of these muffins baking will transport you to a sunny island getaway, making them perfect for spring brunches or special occasions like Easter and Mother’s Day.
With a perfect dome and a delightful crunch from toasted coconut on top, these muffins are a true indulgence for coconut enthusiasts. This small-batch recipe yields four heavenly muffins, but feel free to double it for a larger gathering. Whether you’re a coconut aficionado or just looking to add a touch of paradise to your morning routine, these coconut muffins are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
Creating delectable coconut muffins requires a careful selection of ingredients to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Let’s dive into the essential components and optional add-ins to elevate your coconut muffin recipe.
Main Ingredients
- 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 113g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 113g (1/2 cup) oil
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 190g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 140g (1 3/4 cups) shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 240g (1 cup) whole milk, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 40g (1/2 cup) shredded unsweetened coconut
- You can customize your coconut muffins by incorporating additional ingredients such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruits. These variations can add an exciting twist to your classic coconut muffin recipe. Experiment with different combinations to create a unique and delicious treat tailored to your preferences.
Equipment Needed
For making these delightful coconut muffins, you will need some basic kitchen equipment to ensure smooth preparation. Here are the essential tools you will need:
- Mixing Bowls: Use medium-sized mixing bowls to combine the dry and wet ingredients separately before mixing them together.
- Muffin Tin: Prepare a muffin tin with liners or grease them for easy removal of the muffins after baking.
- Whisk or Hand Mixer: A whisk or a hand mixer will help in ensuring the batter is well combined and smooth.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurement of ingredients is crucial in baking, so have measuring cups and spoons on hand.
- Spatula: A spatula will help in gently folding the ingredients together without overmixing.
- Muffin Liners or Cooking Spray: Line the muffin tin with liners or use cooking spray to prevent the muffins from sticking.
- Toaster or Oven: You will need an oven to bake the muffins to perfection.
- Cooling Rack: Once the muffins are baked, allow them to cool on a cooling rack to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Preparation
Before diving into making these delicious coconut muffins, it’s essential to prepare the ingredients and equipment properly. Let’s get started!
Pre-Heat the Oven
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the muffins.
- Adjust the oven rack to the center position to allow for even baking of the muffins.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients thoroughly. This includes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients for the muffins. Gather:
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Now that the dry and wet ingredients are prepared, we’re ready to bring them together to create the perfect coconut muffin batter. Let’s proceed with the next steps.
Directions
Combining Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. In another bowl, mix 3/4 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of oil, 1 egg, 6 ounces of sweetened condensed milk, and 1 1/2 cups of sweetened shredded coconut.
Filling the Muffin Tin
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and spray muffin tin holes or insert muffin liners. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until smooth. Fold in the shredded sweetened coconut into the batter. Fill the muffin cups about 3/4 full with the batter.
Baking
Bake the coconut muffins in the preheated oven for approximately 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean. You can also gently touch the center of a muffin, and if it bounces back, they are ready to be taken out. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to prevent overcooking.
Variations
Get creative with your coconut muffins by exploring different flavor combinations and additions. Here are a few variations to kick your coconut muffins up a notch:
Adding Fruit
Enhance your coconut muffins by incorporating various fruits into the batter. For a zesty twist, add some lemon zest or orange zest to the mix. You can also experiment with mashed bananas for a tropical flavor or diced pineapple for a burst of sweetness. To elevate the fruity experience, consider mixing in rum extract for a fun and flavorful twist.
Nutty Coconut Muffins
For a delightful crunch and added depth of flavor, consider adding nuts to your coconut muffins. Mix in crushed pecans or walnuts to bring a nutty texture to your muffins. The combination of coconut and nuts creates a satisfying contrast in taste and adds extra richness to your baked treats.
Storage Tips
Properly storing your freshly baked coconut muffins will help maintain their taste and texture for longer periods. Follow these simple storage tips to ensure your muffins stay delicious.
How to Keep Them Fresh
To keep your coconut muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Leaving the container slightly open allows air circulation, preventing the muffins from becoming soggy. Enjoy your muffins within 2-3 days for the best taste and freshness.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your coconut muffins for later enjoyment, make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in an airtight container or large freezer bag. When ready to eat, simply thaw the muffins at room temperature or reheat them in the oven for a freshly baked taste. It’s a convenient way to have delicious muffins on hand whenever you need a quick snack or breakfast option.
Conclusion
I’ve shared a delectable coconut muffin recipe that’s a coconut lover’s paradise. These muffins boast a rich coconut flavor with coconut milk, oil, and flakes, offering a perfect dome and a delightful crunch from toasted coconut. Ideal for spring brunches or special occasions, this small-batch recipe caters to coconut enthusiasts. I’ve introduced essential kitchen equipment and detailed preparation steps. Explore variations like adding lemon zest, orange zest, mashed bananas, diced pineapple, or rum extract for a flavorful twist. Try Nutty Coconut Muffins with crushed pecans or walnuts for added crunch and richness. Follow the storage tips to keep these muffins fresh at room temperature or freeze them for later enjoyment while maintaining their taste and texture. Enjoy these coconut muffins and savor every coconut-infused bite!