There’s nothing quite like the scent of warm coconut and pineapple drifting from the oven. It reminds me of beachside bakeries, breezy brunches, and my grandmother’s summer kitchen. This recipe for Healthy Coconut and Pineapple Muffins combines the rich moisture of cottage cheese with the tropical sweetness of pineapple and coconut for a high-protein, naturally sweetened treat that’s perfect for spring and summer.
These muffins are soft and fluffy, yet filling enough to keep you going — whether you’re enjoying one with coffee or packing them as a snack on your next outdoor adventure.
Table of Contents
🌞 Why You’ll Love These Muffins
High in Protein – Thanks to cottage cheese and eggs
Naturally Sweet – With crushed pineapple and a touch of honey
Tropical Flavor – Coconut flakes + pineapple = beachy bliss
No Refined Sugar – Healthier than your average bakery muffin
Moist and Tender – Cottage cheese adds creamy moisture without extra fat
🕒 Prep & Bake Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 22–25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
🍽️ Yield
Makes approximately 12 standard muffins
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably low-fat)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil (or olive oil)
- ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups whole wheat flour (or white whole wheat)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ¾ cup crushed pineapple, drained
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped nuts or raisins
🧑🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven & Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with coconut oil.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, melted coconut oil, honey, and vanilla until smooth. You can blend the cottage cheese first for a smoother texture, especially if you prefer not to see curds.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and shredded coconut.
Step 4: Mix It All Together
Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix. Then fold in the crushed pineapple and optional mix-ins like nuts or raisins.
Step 5: Fill & Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the 12 muffin cups. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. These are delicious warm or at room temperature.
🧡 Health Benefits
Cottage Cheese – High in protein and calcium, adds creamy moisture and boosts satiety without excess fat.
Pineapple – Rich in vitamin C and bromelain, aids digestion and immunity while providing natural sweetness.
Coconut – Full of fiber and healthy fats, adds a chewy texture and delightful tropical aroma.
❄️ Storage & Freezing
Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for 2 days
Fridge: Keeps well for up to 5 days
Freeze: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven
🌴 Serving Suggestions
Enjoy with a smear of almond butter or Greek yogurt for extra protein
Serve alongside a tropical fruit salad for brunch
Drizzle with honey or a light coconut glaze for dessert
🥄 Nutrition Info (Per Muffin – Approximate)
Calories: 210 kcal
Protein: 7 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Sugar: 7 g (natural)
Fat: 10 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sodium: 170 mg
Note: Values may vary slightly depending on ingredients used.
❓ FAQ – Healthy Coconut and Pineapple Muffins
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, just be sure to finely chop and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix or almond flour, though texture may be slightly different.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes! Replace eggs with flax eggs (2 tbsp flaxseed meal + 5 tbsp water) and use maple syrup.
Do I need to blend the cottage cheese?
Not necessarily — blending gives a smoother muffin texture, but it’s optional.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, though it will change the protein and moisture levels slightly. Cottage cheese is ideal for best texture.
📚 More Healthy Baking Recipes from Lyndy’s Kitchen
Tropical Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Almond Flour Banana Muffins
Zucchini & Oat Snack Bars
Chia Coconut Overnight Oats
Healthy Coconut and Pineapple Muffins : Protein-Packed
- Total Time: 50
Description
There’s nothing quite like the scent of warm coconut and pineapple drifting from the oven. It reminds me of beachside bakeries, breezy brunches, and my grandmother’s summer kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably low-fat)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil (or olive oil)
- ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups whole wheat flour (or white whole wheat)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ¾ cup crushed pineapple, drained
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped nuts or raisins
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven & Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with coconut oil.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, melted coconut oil, honey, and vanilla until smooth. You can blend the cottage cheese first for a smoother texture, especially if you prefer not to see curds.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and shredded coconut.
Step 4: Mix It All Together
Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix. Then fold in the crushed pineapple and optional mix-ins like nuts or raisins.
Step 5: Fill & Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the 12 muffin cups. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. These are delicious warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Cottage Cheese – High in protein and calcium, adds creamy moisture and boosts satiety without excess fat.
Pineapple – Rich in vitamin C and bromelain, aids digestion and immunity while providing natural sweetness.
Coconut – Full of fiber and healthy fats, adds a chewy texture and delightful tropical aroma.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 standard muffins
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g (natural)
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
Keywords: Healthy Coconut and Pineapple Cottage Cheese Muffins
