15 Best Pineapple Muffin Recipes

Pineapple muffins bring tropical flavor to your breakfast or snack time. The sweet, tangy pineapple keeps the muffins super moist and adds natural sweetness so you can use less sugar. These 15 recipes give you lots of options from classic tropical combos to more surprising flavor pairings. Most pineapple muffins stay fresh for days because of the moisture from the fruit, and they freeze well too.

Pineapple Coconut Muffins

This classic tropical combo never disappoints. The sweetness of the pineapple and the nutty coconut flavor work perfectly together. Most recipes use crushed pineapple which distributes evenly through the batter, and coconut flakes that get toasty on top. Some include coconut milk or oil for triple coconut action. These make you feel like your on vacation even if your just eating breakfast at your kitchen table. Perfect for brightening up winter mornings when you need a taste of sunshine.

Crushed Pineapple Morning Glory Muffins

These are packed with good stuff – pineapple, carrots, nuts, raisins, and sometimes coconut too. The crushed pineapple adds moisture and natural sweetness. They’re like the kitchen sink of muffins but they work because morning glory muffins are supposed to be loaded with fillings. These keep you full for hours because of all the fiber from the fruits and veggies. They’re not the prettiest muffins but who cares when they taste this good and keep you full til lunch.

Pineapple Upside-Down Muffins

These clever muffins taste like the classic cake but in individual portions. You put a slice of pineapple and some brown sugar at the bottom of each muffin cup, then the batter on top. After baking, you flip them over so the pineapple is on top, just like upside-down cake. Some recipes add a maraschino cherry in the middle of each pineapple ring for the traditional look. These are more like dessert than breakfast but who’s gonna complain about that?

Hawaiian Pineapple Macadamia Nut Muffins

The macadamia nuts make these feel extra tropical and fancy. They add a buttery crunch that contrasts with the soft pineapple pieces. Some recipes include white chocolate chips too which goes really well with both the pineapple and nuts. These are a bit more expensive to make because macadamias cost more than other nuts, but worth it for something special. Great for brunch with friends or whenever you want to feel like your having breakfast in Hawaii.

Pineapple Carrot Muffins

The combo of sweet pineapple and earthy carrots works surprisingly well. Both ingredients add moisture which makes these muffins nearly impossible to dry out. Most recipes include cinnamon and sometimes nuts too. These are like a tropical twist on carrot cake but in muffin form and less sweet. The pineapple and carrot add natural sweetness so you don’t need as much sugar. Great for sneaking veggies into kids’ lunchboxes or your own breakfast.

Pineapple Banana Muffins

Adding banana to pineapple muffins makes them even more moist and sweet. The banana flavor is actually pretty subtle – it mostly adds moisture and natural sweetness. Some recipes include nuts or coconut for texture. These are a great way to use up both overripe bananas AND that can of crushed pineapple sitting in your pantry. They stay fresh for days because of all the fruit moisture. Perfect for busy weeks when you need grab-and-go breakfasts.

Pineapple Zucchini Muffins

This might sound like a weird combo but it really works! The zucchini adds moisture and texture while the pineapple brings sweetness and tangy flavor. You don’t really taste the zucchini – it just adds nutrition and keeps the muffins super moist. Some recipes add nuts or spices like cinnamon. These are a sneaky way to eat vegetables for breakfast without feeling like your eating vegetables. Great for using up summer zucchini when your garden is overflowing.

Pineapple Rum Streusel Muffins

The rum flavor in these (usually from extract, not actual rum) pairs perfectly with pineapple for a tropical cocktail vibe. The streusel topping adds crunchy contrast to the soft, moist muffin. Some recipes include a rum glaze on top for extra tropical flavor. These feel like a special treat but aren’t complicated to make. Perfect for weekend brunches when you want something a little fancy but not too much work.

Tropical Pineapple Mango Muffins

Adding mango takes the tropical flavor even further. You get bursts of both pineapple and mango in each bite. Fresh mango works best but frozen is fine too if you dice it small. Some recipes add a touch of lime zest which brightens all the flavors. These are sunshine in muffin form and perfect for summer mornings. They’re also a hit with kids who might not eat plain muffins but love the fruity flavors.

Pineapple Bran Muffins

The bran adds fiber and nutrition while the pineapple keeps them from tasting too “healthy” or dry like some bran muffins do. The sweetness of the pineapple balances the earthy bran flavor really well. These are more filling than regular muffins because of the added fiber. Some recipes add raisins or nuts too. These are good for breakfast when you need something substantial that still tastes good. And they help keep you regular, if you know what I mean.

Pineapple Cream Cheese Muffins

These have a surprise inside – a dollop of sweetened cream cheese that stays creamy after baking. The tangy cream cheese works really well with the sweet-tart pineapple. Some recipes swirl the cream cheese through the batter which looks pretty when sliced. The contrast between the fluffy muffin, creamy cheese, and juicy pineapple bits makes these special. These feel like a treat but aren’t much harder than regular muffins. Great for impressing brunch guests.

Whole Wheat Pineapple Date Muffins

The whole wheat flour makes these more nutritious and the dates add natural sweetness and chewy texture. The pineapple keeps the whole wheat from tasting too dry or “healthy.” Dates and pineapple might seem like an unusual combo but they actually complement each other really well. These are less sweet than most muffins which makes them better for everyday breakfasts. They keep you full longer than regular muffins because of the fiber from the whole wheat and fruit.

Pineapple Ginger Muffins

The spicy kick of ginger pairs surprisingly well with sweet pineapple. Some recipes use fresh grated ginger for stronger flavor while others use ground ginger for a milder taste. The combo gives these muffins a more sophisticated flavor profile than just plain pineapple. These are great for people who don’t want super sweet breakfast items. The ginger also makes these good for settling upset stomachs, if you believe in that kind of thing.

Pineapple Blueberry Yogurt Muffins

The yogurt makes these super moist and adds protein while the blueberries bring color and extra fruitiness. The combo of pineapple and blueberries isn’t common but works great – one is tropical and tangy, the other is familiar and sweet. The different colored fruits make these pretty to look at too. These stay fresh for days because of the yogurt and fruit moisture. Great option when berries are in season but you still want that tropical pineapple flavor.

Pineapple Pecan Brown Sugar Muffins

The brown sugar gives these a caramel-like flavor that works really well with both the pineapple and pecans. The pecans add a nice crunch that contrasts with the soft muffin and juicy pineapple bits. Some recipes toast the pecans first which brings out their flavor more. These are a bit sweeter than most breakfast muffins but not as sweet as cupcakes. Perfect for those mornings when you want something that feels like a treat with your coffee.