Tropical Strawberry Coconut Muffins – Fresh, Fruity & Perfectly Fluffy

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:

• Egg – binds everything together and helps with structure.

• Full-fat coconut milk – adds richness and a subtle tropical flavor.

• Canola oil – keeps the muffins moist and tender.

• Vanilla extract – a touch of warmth and sweetness.

• All-purpose flour – the base of your muffin batter.

• Sugar – just enough to balance the tartness of the strawberries.

• Baking powder – gives your muffins their fluffy rise.

• Salt – enhances the flavors.

• Fresh strawberries – juicy, sweet, and bursting with flavor.

• Unsweetened flake coconut – adds texture and toasty, tropical notes.  (I use this one)

What Equipment I Need to Bake the Perfect Muffins

• Mixing bowls – one large for the wet ingredients and one medium for the dry.

• Whisk & spatula – for combining ingredients without overmixing.

• Muffin tin (6-well, standard size) – the perfect fit for this small-batch recipe.

• Non-stick cooking spray (or muffin liners) – to prevent sticking.

• Measuring cups & spoons – accuracy is key in baking.

• 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.

• Coconut milk → You can use regular whole milk or almond milk if you don’t have coconut milk on hand.

• Canola oil → Swap with melted coconut oil, vegetable oil, or even light olive oil.

• All-purpose flour → A 1:1 gluten-free baking blend can be used for a gluten-free version.

• 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.

• Chocolate Twist – Add ½ cup white chocolate or dark chocolate chips for extra indulgence.

• Nutty Crunch – Stir in ¼ cup chopped pecans or macadamia nuts for texture.

• Citrus Boost – Add 1 teaspoon of fresh lime or orange zest to the batter for a zingy tropical note.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Don’t overmix the batter. Stir gently until just combined—this keeps the muffins soft and fluffy.

• Use ripe strawberries. The sweeter and juicier the berries, the better the flavor.

• Reserve some toppings. Sprinkling a few extra strawberries and coconut flakes on top before baking makes them look bakery-worthy.

• Watch the bake time. All ovens are different, so check at the 18-minute mark. They’re done when a toothpick comes out clean.

• 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!

Bridgerton Brunch: Courtship Crumbs: Strawberry Scones Worthy of a Proposal

Delicate strawberry scones fit for courtship—perfectly tender, blushing, and worthy of a proposal at your next Bridgerton-inspired brunch. 

Click here to begin your immersive experience.

A Continuing Affair: The Bridgerton Brunch Series

Dearest Reader,

With a flourish of flour and a whisper of romance, we return once more to the irresistible charms of Bridgerton Brunch—a culinary promenade where Regency refinement meets modern indulgence. Inspired by the elegance, drama, and delectable excess of the Ton, this series delivers dishes destined to grace even the most discerning of breakfast tables.

Now in its fourth installment, we follow in the dainty footsteps of our previous delights—Strawberries & Secrets: A French Toast Affair, Scandal & Spice: Lady Featherington’s Honeyed Tea Loaf, and The Duke’s Delight: Herbed Quiche with Gruyère & Asparagus. Today, however, we find ourselves swept into the tender world of pastries and proposals with a batch of blush-worthy scones.

May these Courtship Crumbs charm your guests, warm your heart, and perhaps—even win a suitor’s hand.

Yours in crumbs, courtship, and just a hint of scandal,
Slice of Southern

"Whispers abound that these strawberry scones have inspired more than one gentleman to drop to one knee. Whether it be the flaky crumb or the sweet blush of berry, one thing is certain—no teatime table shall be complete without them."

— Lady Whistledown

Courtship Crumbs: Strawberry Scones Worthy of a Proposal

In the grand theatre of the ton’s endless pursuit of romance, there are few moments as enchanting as the first shared bite of something truly delightful. It is in such simple pleasures—an exchanged glance over tea, a whispered compliment between crumbs—that hearts are won and secrets are sealed.

Allow me to draw your attention to a most delectable temptation recently causing quite the stir among the elite: Courtship Crumbs, a collection of strawberry scones so utterly divine that one might hazard a guess they were crafted with nothing less than a proposal in mind. Imagine tender, flaky layers bursting with jewel-toned berries, their sweetness rivaling that of any whispered sonnet. These scones, my dear readers, are the very embodiment of flirtation baked into buttery perfection.

Whether enjoyed beneath the dappled light of a garden party or at an elegantly appointed Bridgerton Brunch—where charm and sophistication mingle as effortlessly as the finest teas—these scones promise to turn even the most hesitant courtier into a hopeful suitor.

Take heed, for in matters of the heart, as in baking, it is the smallest details—the careful folding of dough, the ripest berries—that make all the difference between a fleeting fancy and a love worthy of a proposal.

A Toast to Elegance

In the delicate dance of romance, it’s often the smallest gestures that leave the sweetest impressions. Enter Courtship Crumbs, a batch of strawberry scones so tender, buttery, and fragrant they might just inspire a proposal—or at least a second date. Bursting with sun-ripened strawberries and kissed with a hint of vanilla, these scones offer a perfect balance of flaky elegance and cozy comfort. Whether you’re serving them at a leisurely morning tea or a secret rendezvous, these scones are your deliciously charming love letter to the heart—and the palate.

Perfect Pairings for a Bridgerton Brunch Table

To truly capture the essence of a Bridgerton Brunch, these strawberry scones deserve companions as refined and delightful as themselves. Consider these elegant pairings to elevate your table to ton-worthy heights:

• Tea Pairing:  Earl Grey with a Twist of Bergamot — The quintessential tea for delicate pastries, its citrus notes perfectly highlight the sweetness of fresh strawberries.

• Libation:  Champagne or Sparkling Rosé — For those moments when brunch calls for a touch of sparkle and celebration.

• Music Suggestion:  Classical Strings & Harp Melodies — Gentle compositions by composers like Vivaldi or Debussy provide a graceful soundtrack that evokes the elegance of the Regency era.

• Decor Tip:  Fresh Floral Arrangements & Vintage China — Think delicate roses, peonies, or lilacs in crystal vases, paired with fine china teacups and linen napkins to create a table setting worthy of the ton.

Lady Whistledown’s Final Word

Should a single treat be deemed capable of causing whispers and stolen glances across the drawing rooms of the ton, these strawberry scones would surely be the culprit. With each tender, buttery bite bursting with the sweetest hint of summer berries, they offer just the right touch of decadence to quicken a lady’s heartbeat. Share them graciously with your guests—or indulge in secret, for discretion is the soul of elegance.

Until we meet again, dear reader… may your table be as radiant and inviting as a twilight soirée beneath the chandeliers of Grosvenor Square.

Bridgerton Brunch: Strawberries & Secrets: A French Toast Affair

Whispers begin over breakfast when golden brioche meets vanilla-scented custard and a scandalous tumble of sugared strawberries. A dish so temptingly sweet, one might just forget their manners—and their corset.

Click here to begin your immersive experience.

Dearest gentle reader,

It is with great pleasure (and a silver spoon in hand) that I welcome you to Bridgerton Brunch—a culinary affair inspired by the opulence, romance, and refined mischief of everyone’s favorite Regency-era society. In this series, we’ll journey beyond the drawing room and into the heart of the kitchen, where every dish is as lovely and layered as a debutante’s ballgown.

Each recipe is crafted to bring the elegance of Bridgerton to your brunch table—think delicate flavors, luxurious ingredients, and just a hint of scandal. Whether you’re hosting a garden fête, indulging in a solo spread, or planning a themed gathering worthy of Lady Danbury herself, these dishes promise to be the talk of the ton.

So don your finest loungewear, pour the tea (or Champagne), and let’s indulge in a world where morning meals are anything but ordinary.

Yours in powdered sugar and propriety,
Slice of Southern

“There is nothing quite so powerful as a breakfast that whispers luxury and promises scandal… especially when strawberries are involved.”

– Lady Whistledown

 

Strawberries & Secrets: A French Toast Affair

The drawing-room is bathed in soft morning light, the tea has just been poured, and somewhere in the distance, a string quartet begins to play. If there were ever a dish to rival the charms of a Viscount, it would be this: Vanilla Bean Infused Strawberry French Toast, layered with sweet, ruby-red berries and kissed with the warmth of brioche.

This is no ordinary French toast—it’s a sumptuous, golden affair, infused with the floral notes of vanilla bean paste and topped with macerated strawberries that glisten like the crown jewels. One might even say it could tempt a duke to linger a little longer at the table.

A Toast to Elegance

Made with thick slices of brioche, soaked in a lightly sweetened custard, and pan-seared to a delicate crisp, this brunch dish is the very definition of refinement. Whether you're entertaining guests in a manicured garden or simply elevating your morning tea, it is sure to leave your table enchanted.

Perfect Pairings for a Bridgerton Brunch Table

• Tea pairing: Earl Grey with a hint of bergamot or a vanilla rooibos

• Libation: A delicate mimosa or sparkling rosé

• Music suggestion: Bridgerton’s instrumental cover of “thank u, next” by Ariana Grande

• Décor tip: Serve on floral china with blush pink napkins and fresh peonies or roses for Regency charm

Lady Whistledown’s Final Word

If ever there was a dish to cause a stir among the ton, this would be it.  A tender bite, a sweet kiss of strawberry, and just enough indulgence to make a lady blush. Serve it to guests—or keep it all to yourself. We won't tell.

Until next time, dear reader… may your brunch be as charming as a promenade through Mayfair.

Let’s Chat Like Ladies of the Ton 

Tried the Strawberries & Secrets French toast? Or perhaps you’ve hosted a Bridgerton Brunch of your own? Share your thoughts, tips, or twists in the comments—Lady Whistledown is all ears.

Easy Breakfasts: Blueberry and Strawberry Cornmeal Pancakes

A Southern take on the breakfast style pancake that's includes a dash of cornmeal along with your choice of blueberries, strawberries or both!

Blueberry and Strawberry Cornmeal Pancakes

I love a good pancake.  It's a comfort food that reminds me of sweet memories in the kitchen with mom making pancakes on the weekend.  A staple in our house is my great Aunt Grace's Farmstyle Buttermilk Pancakes.  They are a winner!  I also enjoy Pigs in a Blanket, Pumpkin Pancakes, Streusel Apple Pie Pancakes, and these excellent Banana Walnut Pancakes. 

Today we have a Southern take on a pancakes.  Some call them corn cakes or Johnny cakes as the names differ but they are the most delicious mix of a regular pancake with the addition of some cornmeal.  This produces out a light sweet pancake that has a bit of texture from the cornmeal.  A mix between cornbread and pancake.  With the addition of some sliced strawberries or blueberries topped with maple syrup, you will have one wonderful pancake breakfast,

These are easy to pull together.  You need one bowl, no mixer, no beaten egg whites....just simple and easy.  Just like it should be on a lazy weekend.  These are pancakes the whole family will love.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients do I need?

• butter

• flour - I used all purpose flour

• cornmeal - yellow cornmeal is often found in the US.  See Kitchen Tips and Notes for more on cornmeal

• sugar

• baking powder - this give them a nice rise

• salt

• eggs

• milk - use whole or 2%

• strawberries - I suggest using fresh strawberries

• blueberries - I suggest using fresh blueberries

• maple syrup - a great topping

Substitutions and Variations

• Milk:  try buttermilk

• Fruit:  add sliced peaches, bananas, or blackberries

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• What is cornmeal?  Coarse flour made from dried corn (maize).  It can be found in coarse, medium, and fine grinds. It can be yellow, white, or blue in color depending on the type of corn used.  Yellow is the most common type found in the US.  

• What is a good substitute for cornmeal?  
• Polenta - this is coarse and slightly gritty.  It has a similar texture to cornmeal.  I would choose this product if I can not find regular cornmeal.  You would substitute with a 1:1 ratio.  
• Corn Flour - this is a fine and smooth texture similar to flour.  This is mild and slightly sweet, with a strong corn flavor.  Good in baked goods but you won't get that gritty texture.  You would substitute with a 1:1 ratio.

• Adding fruit to your pancakes - for a more even distribution of fruit I like to add it to the top of the pancake while it's cooking in the skillet or griddle.  Adding them to the batter in the bowl usually results in getting more fruit on some of the pancakes and none in others.

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Blueberry and Strawberry Cornmeal Pancakes

1/4 cup butter, melted and cooled
1 1⁄4 cup Flour
3⁄4 cup cornmeal
1 tbsp. sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2 large eggs, beaten
1 1⁄2 cups milk
fresh sliced strawberries

fresh blueberries

maple syrup for serving

Melt remaining ¼ cup butter.  In a mixing bowl combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder and salt. Combine the slightly cooled melted butter with eggs and milk. Add the liquid ingredients to dry; stir until just combined. 

On a griddle or large skillet over medium heat make pancakes by adding batter and then adding chopped strawberries or blueberries to the top.  Flip over once 1st side is golden and bubbles form on top.  Cook the second side until golden and remove.  Serves immediately with syrup.

Red White and Blueberry Salad

Go patriotic this Memorial Day with my Red White and Blueberry Salad.  It's filled with plump red strawberries, mild feta cheese, and juicy blueberries on a bed of spring greens to make the perfect salad!

 

Red White and Blueberry Salad

Memorial Day is a day for remembrance for those that have died in service to our country.  To many it is the unofficial start of summer and the grilling season.  To honor and celebrate those we tend to have a big outdoor feast, grilling up American favorites such as hamburgers and hot dogs with all the side dishes.  Today's recipe is my Red White and Blueberry Salad which is perfect for Memorial Day, 4th of July, or Labor Day celebrations.

A based of tender spring greens is topped with the most luscious strawberries, blueberries and crumbled feta to represent the red, white, and blue.  They are also accompanied by crunchy walnuts and slices of red onion.  Then we top it off with a creamy balsamic dressing that is to die for!  The flavors blend together so well that this will become a go to salad during the summer months when berries are in season.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients do I need?

Salad:

• spring greens

• strawberries - buy ripe juicy ones

• blueberries - fresh during the season is best

• walnuts - whole or pieces will do

• red onion

• feta cheese - I always by feta in a block and then crumble it, slice it as I need it

Dressing:

• balsamic vinegar

• extra virgin olive oil

• plain Greek yogurt

• Dijon mustard

• garlic powder

Substitutions and Variations

• Nuts - for allergies, leave them out.  Try pecans or almonds for a change

• Cheese - try goat, white cheddar, or Monterey jack.  

• Greens - spinach, red leaf, or butter lettuce would all be good choices

• Onions - leave them out if you prefer or try green onions, or a sweet Vidalia onion for a change

• Use your favorite store bought dressing

• Add protein - grilled chicken or deli turkey would turn this salad in to a meal

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Great for low carb diets as the berries are low in sugar while being rich in antioxidants

• You'll get healthy fats from the olive oil and the walnuts

• You can toast your nuts in a pan for a few minutes you'll get a deeper flavor.

• Don't care for raw onion?  Soak onion slices in cold water for 5-10 minutes will reduce the pungency

• Meal prep friendly - this would be easy to divide the salad in to containers.  Just leave the salad undressed and then place dressing in a container on the side.  If using a mason jar, place the dressing on the bottom, them place the greens on that and then layer the rest of the salad.

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Red White and Blueberry Salad

serves 4

Salad

10 oz spring greens
6-8 medium strawberries hulled and sliced
1/2 pint blueberries
1/3 cup whole walnuts
1/4 medium red onion, sliced
½ cup feta cheese crumbled

Creamy Balsamic dressing

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, I use full fat
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

In a small bowl or jar make the salad dressing.  Add all the ingredients and whisk or shake vigorously until combined.

In a large bowl or platter add your spring greens and tope with the strawberries, blueberries, walnuts, onions, and feta.  Either drizzle dressing over the salad or allow each person to dress their own.