Bring a taste of the tropics to your kitchen with these Tropical Strawberry Coconut Muffins! Bursting with juicy strawberries, nutty coconut, and bakery-perfect fluffiness, they’re the ultimate fruity treat for breakfast or snacking.
Tropical Strawberry Coconut Muffins – Fresh, Fruity & Perfectly Fluffy
There’s something magical about baking with strawberries and coconut—the way the berries release their sweet juiciness as they bake, while the coconut turns toasty and fragrant, filling the kitchen with a tropical aroma that feels like sunshine in muffin form. These Tropical Strawberry Coconut Muffins – Fresh, Fruity & Perfectly Fluffy are the kind of treat that instantly brightens your morning, whether you’re savoring one with a hot cup of tea or packing them for an afternoon snack.
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. Just a handful of pantry staples, a splash of creamy coconut milk, and a pile of fresh strawberries come together to create muffins that are light, tender, and full of flavor. The coconut adds a hint of natural sweetness and a little chew, perfectly complementing the juicy bursts of berry. Sprinkle a few extra strawberries and flakes of coconut on top before baking, and you’ll get that irresistible bakery-style look and taste—without leaving home.
Perfect for a weekend bake, a spring brunch, or simply when you need a little tropical escape, these muffins are a reminder that sometimes the simplest flavors bring the most joy.
Enjoy!
What Ingredients I Need?
You don’t need anything fancy to whip up these muffins—just simple ingredients you may already have on hand:
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Egg – binds everything together and helps with structure.
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Full-fat coconut milk – adds richness and a subtle tropical flavor.
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Canola oil – keeps the muffins moist and tender.
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Vanilla extract – a touch of warmth and sweetness.
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All-purpose flour – the base of your muffin batter.
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Sugar – just enough to balance the tartness of the strawberries.
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Baking powder – gives your muffins their fluffy rise.
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Salt – enhances the flavors.
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Fresh strawberries – juicy, sweet, and bursting with flavor.
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Unsweetened flake coconut – adds texture and toasty, tropical notes. (I use this one)
What Equipment I Need to Bake the Perfect Muffins
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Mixing bowls – one large for the wet ingredients and one medium for the dry.
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Whisk & spatula – for combining ingredients without overmixing.
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Muffin tin (6-well, standard size) – the perfect fit for this small-batch recipe.
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Non-stick cooking spray (or muffin liners) – to prevent sticking.
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Measuring cups & spoons – accuracy is key in baking.
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Cooling rack – to let the muffins rest and set properly after baking.
Substitutions
Sometimes you don't have an ingredient. Below are some substitutes to help you out.
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Coconut milk → You can use regular whole milk or almond milk if you don’t have coconut milk on hand.
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Canola oil → Swap with melted coconut oil, vegetable oil, or even light olive oil.
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All-purpose flour → A 1:1 gluten-free baking blend can be used for a gluten-free version.
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Sugar → Replace with coconut sugar or light brown sugar. You may also use a sugar substitute if you prefer.
Variations
Want to mix it up a bit. Try one of these variations.
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Chocolate Twist – Add ½ cup white chocolate or dark chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
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Nutty Crunch – Stir in ¼ cup chopped pecans or macadamia nuts for texture.
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Citrus Boost – Add 1 teaspoon of fresh lime or orange zest to the batter for a zingy tropical note.
Kitchen Tips and Notes
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Don’t overmix the batter. Stir gently until just combined—this keeps the muffins soft and fluffy.
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Use ripe strawberries. The sweeter and juicier the berries, the better the flavor.
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Reserve some toppings. Sprinkling a few extra strawberries and coconut flakes on top before baking makes them look bakery-worthy.
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Watch the bake time. All ovens are different, so check at the 18-minute mark. They’re done when a toothpick comes out clean.
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Storage tip: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
🌺 Set the Mood
These muffins aren’t just a bake—they’re a little getaway. Imagine warm sunshine streaming through your kitchen window, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of toasted coconut, and a plate of these golden, fluffy muffins waiting on the table. Pair them with a cup of hot tea in the morning, or serve alongside iced lattes and fresh fruit for an easy weekend brunch spread.
They also make the sweetest addition to spring and summer gatherings—think baby showers, Mother’s Day breakfasts, or a cozy weekend picnic. The tropical flavors of strawberry and coconut feel like a vacation in every bite, turning even an ordinary Tuesday into a moment of joy.
So light a candle, put on your favorite relaxed playlist, and let these muffins transport you somewhere warm, bright, and delicious.
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💬 Let’s Chat!
Have you tried these muffins? What are your favorite flavors? Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @SliceofSouthern—I’d love to see how yours turned out!
