Coconut Muffins

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Warm, lightly sweet, and packed with toasty almond flavor, these Coconut Muffins show up and show off. The crumb is soft but not flimsy, the tops get that perfect golden edge, and every bite has just enough coconut to make things interesting. Why make this version? Because it’s balanced. Not overly sweet, not dry, and it actually tastes like coconut and almond, not just sugar. Also, it comes together fast, uses pantry basics, and bakes up beautifully every single time.

 

Ingredient Notes

• Sweetened shredded coconut: soft texture with a hint of sweetness
• Coconut oil: melted, gives moisture and that subtle coconut flavor without overpowering everything
• Granulated sugar: keeps the crumb tender and lightly sweet
• Egg: binds and adds structure
• Vanilla extract + almond extract: the flavor duo that makes these muffins stand out
• Whole milk: adds richness and helps create a smooth batter
• All purpose flour: sturdy enough to hold the mix-ins
• Baking powder + baking soda: lifts the muffins so they rise nicely
• Cinnamon: a small amount, but it warms up the flavor
• Slivered almonds (toasted): crunch and nutty depth

How to Make Coconut Muffins

This is a straightforward muffin method. Stir, scoop, bake. That’s it. For full recipe details, including ingredients and measurements needed, see the printable recipe card down below.

Step 1: Preheat Oven + Prep Pan

Set oven to 350° F. Line a muffin tin with paper liners.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

Stir melted coconut oil and sugar together. Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until smooth.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients + Milk

Add dry ingredients right into the bowl. Slowly pour in milk while mixing. Stir until smooth, about 20 to 30 seconds.

Step 4: Fold in Mix-Ins

Reserve a little toasted almond for topping. Stir the rest of the almonds and coconut into the batter.

Step 5: Fill + Top

Spoon batter into liners about 2/3 full. Sprinkle reserved almonds on top.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 20 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool + Serve

Let cool 5 to 10 minutes, then dig in while they’re still warm.

What You Need to Make This

You don’t need anything fancy to make this recipe, but having the right tools makes it easier and more consistent. Here’s what I recommend:

Muffin Tin
A sturdy muffin tin helps the muffins hold their shape and bake evenly. I like using one that distributes heat well so everything cooks at the same rate.
👉 Get the one I use here

Muffin Paper Liners
These save time on cleanup and keep the muffins from sticking to the pan. I like using these because you can just lift them out and you’re done.
👉 Grab them here

Large Mixing Bowl
I use a large bowl so there’s enough room to mix everything without spilling, especially when combining wet and dry ingredients. It just makes the whole process easier.
👉 See it here

Rubber Spatula
This is what I use to fold the batter and scrape the bowl so nothing goes to waste. It helps mix everything evenly without overdoing it.
👉 Get it here

Measuring Cups + Spoons
I use a basic set to keep the measurements accurate, which matters for getting the right texture. It also makes it easy to level ingredients quickly.
👉 Shop my set here

Budget vs Upgrade

Worth the Upgrade: If you bake often, investing in a better-quality muffin pan can be worth it because it holds heat more evenly and helps everything bake at the same rate. It also tends to last longer with regular use.

Tips for Success

• Toast the almonds first, it deepens the flavor fast
• Don’t overmix, stir just until smooth
• Fill muffin cups evenly so they bake at the same rate
• Use room temperature milk so the batter mixes smoothly
• Sprinkle almonds on top for that bakery-style finish

FAQ

Soft, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweet, these coconut muffins earn a permanent spot in your rotation. Bake once and you’ll get it.

Variations

• Swap almonds for chopped pecans or walnuts
• Add mini chocolate chips for a sweeter twist
• Use unsweetened coconut if you prefer less sweetness
• Stir in orange zest for a fresh citrus note

More Recipes to Try

• Banana nut muffins
• Blueberry muffins
• Lemon poppy seed muffins
• Chocolate chip muffins
• Cinnamon streusel muffins

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.