Coconut and Pineapple Cottage Cheese Muffins are the bright, protein-packed start to a busy day. As a chef behind Cook by Co, I design quick, nourishing breakfasts for busy moms and professionals who still want flavor, nutrition, and a touch of tropical sunshine. These muffins use creamy cottage cheese to stay tender, plus eggs, maple syrup, and oat flour for structure—plus pineapple and shredded coconut for island vibes. They bake in about 35 minutes to yield 12 portable muffins that travel well and taste great warm or cold. They’re a smart, satisfying option when time is tight but you won’t compromise on nutrition or taste. Enjoy the boost they bring to a hectic morning
Table of Contents
What makes this recipe special
Coconut and Pineapple Cottage Cheese Muffins are my sunny answer to busy mornings. I love how the creamy cottage cheese keeps the crumb tender, while eggs and oat flour give structure without heaviness.
With crushed pineapple and shredded coconut, every bite tastes like a little tropical vacation—perfect when you need a mood boost before you sprint out the door. These muffins travel well, reheat easily, and stay moist without a fuss, making them ideal for meal prep, school lunches, or a post-workout bite. They’re protein-packed, satisfying, and flexible for dairy-free or gluten-free needs. I reach for them on chaotic mornings, knowing I’m giving my body good fuel. Plus, the tropical flavors never fail to put a smile on my face.
Ingredients
Gather the basics for Coconut and Pineapple Cottage Cheese Muffins; these ingredients forge the tropical, protein-packed crumb.
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- Cottage cheese: adds creaminess and keeps the muffins tender while boosting protein.
- Eggs: bind the batter and give structure.
- Maple syrup or honey: natural sweetness and moisture.
- Melted coconut oil: rich flavor and a soft crumb.
- Vanilla extract: rounds flavors with warmth.
- Oat flour: gluten-free base that keeps crumbs light.
- Baking powder and baking soda: gentle lift and rise.
- Salt: balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Crushed pineapple: provides tropical moisture and bright sweetness.
- Shredded unsweetened coconut: texture and island aroma.
Notes: For a printable version, exact quantities are listed at the bottom of the article. Optional ingredients include a pinch of cinnamon or a few chopped nuts for extra crunch; dairy-free substitutions are noted in the notes. If you’re avoiding gluten, make sure your oat flour is certified gluten-free.

How to Make Coconut and Pineapple Cottage Cheese Muffins
Here’s how I pull Coconut and Pineapple Cottage Cheese Muffins together in my kitchen. They come together quickly and yield a protein-packed breakfast you can grab on the go.
Step 1: Preheat and prepare
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with liners. If you don’t have liners, lightly grease the cups for easy removal. This setup keeps the muffins clean and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Blend cottage cheese until smooth
I blend cottage cheese in a blender until silky. This keeps the crumb tender and uniform.
Step 3: Whisk wet ingredients
In a large bowl, I whisk cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla. Whisk until glossy.
Step 4: Stir in dry ingredients
I stir in oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until just combined. A few lumps keep the muffins light.
Step 5: Fold in pineapple and coconut
Fold in crushed pineapple and shredded coconut until evenly distributed. These add tropical flavor and moisture.
Step 6: Fill muffin cups
Divide batter evenly, filling cups about 3/4 full. This prevents domed tops.
Step 7: Bake and test
Bake at 350°F for 22–25 minutes. Look for a clean toothpick; rotate pan if browning unevenly. These Coconut and Pineapple Cottage Cheese Muffins smell amazing as they bake.
Step 8: Cool and serve
Cool in the pan 5 minutes. Then move to a rack to finish cooling. Enjoy your Coconut and Pineapple Cottage Cheese Muffins.

Tips for Success
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for extra creaminess, or opt for a dairy-free option if needed to keep moisture.
- Drain pineapple well to prevent soggy muffins; pat dry with a paper towel, or squeeze briefly.
- Don’t overmix wet and dry ingredients; a few small lumps keep the crumb tender and light.
- Line or lightly grease the muffin tin for easy removal; silicone liners reduce sticking and cleanup.
- Cool completely before storing to maintain moisture balance and prevent condensation from affecting texture.
Equipment Needed
- Muffin tin with liners, or plain nonstick spray if you’re short on liners
- Blender or food processor for silky cottage cheese
- Large mixing bowl and whisk
- Spatula and measuring cups/spoons
- Cooling rack
- Optional: hand mixer to speed batter
Variations
- Dairy-free option: use dairy-free cottage cheese and coconut oil for Coconut and Pineapple Cottage Cheese Muffins.
- Gluten-free variant: ensure oat flour is certified gluten-free for a clean crumb.
- Nutty upgrade: add 1–2 tablespoons chopped almonds or walnuts for extra crunch and texture.
- Citrus twist: fold in 1 teaspoon orange or lemon zest to brighten flavor.
- Spice tweak: a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom can lift the tropical notes.
Why You’ll Love This Coconut and Pineapple Cottage Cheese Muffins
As a busy home cook, I reach for Coconut and Pineapple Cottage Cheese Muffins when mornings sprint at me. They come together in minutes, pack protein, and stay tender thanks to cottage cheese. The tropical notes feel like a vacation.
They travel well, reheat easily, and adapt to dairy-free or gluten-free needs with simple swaps. I love that pineapple and coconut brighten every bite without extra sugar, making breakfast feel sunny.
Serving Suggestions
These muffins pair with bright accompaniments, making mornings feel doable.
- Pair with unsweetened yogurt or a small fruit salad.
- Serve with a glass of light cold brew or herbal tea.
- Present muffins on a platter with a light dusting of coconut.
- Pack with fresh pineapple chunks for a tropical touch.
Coconut and Pineapple Cottage Cheese Muffins Meal Prep and Storage Ideas
Coconut and Pineapple Cottage Cheese Muffins are a busy-morning lifesaver I rely on weekly. I love how they stay tender, thanks to cottage cheese, and travel well for smart meal prep. I reach for Coconut and Pineapple Cottage Cheese Muffins when mornings sprint.
Here’s how I prep in advance for peak weekdays.
- Bake a full pan of 12 muffins and cool completely.
- Freeze muffins on a parchment-lined tray until solid.
- Transfer to freezer bags or containers; stack with parchment between muffins.
- Label with date and use within 3 months for best texture.
When you’re ready to eat, here are easy reheating methods.
- From frozen: 8–10 minutes at 350°F in a conventional oven.
- From thawed: 5–7 minutes until warm and tender.
- Microwave option: 20–30 seconds for a quick warm-up, though texture can soften.
Storage and freshness tips help you plan ahead.
- Fridge storage: 3–4 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer storage: up to 3 months for best flavor.
To keep things simple, choose dairy-free or gluten-free options and plan substitutions.
- Use certified gluten-free oat flour for a clean crumb.
- For dairy-free, swap to dairy-free cottage cheese and oil; maintain moisture balance.
Packaging and daily use ideas keep mornings smooth.
- Pack muffins with a piece of fruit or yogurt cup for a balanced breakfast.
- Store in small, labeled containers to grab on the go.
- Keep extras in the freezer for emergencies or snack time.

FAQs
Q1: Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, you can make Coconut and Pineapple Cottage Cheese Muffins dairy-free. Use dairy-free cottage cheese and melted coconut oil. Keep the batter thick but moist; you might add a splash of dairy-free milk if needed.
Q2: Are these muffins gluten-free? Yes, they can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oat flour. Always check labels for cross-contact and choose certified gluten-free ingredients.
Q3: How should I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for four days. These Coconut and Pineapple Cottage Cheese Muffins freeze well for longer storage. Reheat gently in a toaster oven or microwave to restore tenderness.
Q4: Can I substitute maple syrup with honey? Yes, honey works well; use it in the same quantity. You may adjust to taste because honey is sweeter.
Final Thoughts
These Coconut and Pineapple Cottage Cheese Muffins bring sunshine to a hectic morning. I love how they blend protein and bright tropical flavors without adding stress. The cottage cheese keeps the crumb tender, and the pineapple and coconut twirl in every bite.
They’re friendly to dairy-free or gluten-free needs with simple swaps. Make a batch on Sunday, freeze them, and grab a quick, nourishing breakfast on the run for busy mornings.
If you’re chasing balance, these muffins fit. They travel well, reheat softly, and give you steady energy. Bake, freeze, and enjoy a tropical morning any day of the week.
Print
Coconut and Pineapple Cottage Cheese Muffins deliver 12 delicious muffins for a protein breakfast.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Coconut and Pineapple Cottage Cheese Muffins deliver tropical sunshine with a protein-packed bite. Creamy cottage cheese keeps them tender while eggs, maple syrup, and oat flour bake to light, moist perfection. Pineapple chunks and shredded coconut add island flavor, making these muffins ideal for breakfast, post-workout snacks, or holiday gatherings. Ready in about 35 minutes to yield 12 portable muffins—great for busy mornings and smart meal prep. They travel well, taste delicious cold or warm, and provide sustained energy without loaded sugar.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with liners.
- Blend cottage cheese until completely smooth.
- In a large bowl, whisk blended cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla.
- Stir in oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
- Fold in crushed pineapple and shredded coconut.
- Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
- Bake for 22–25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute dairy-free cottage cheese and oil, keeping the same ratios.
- To keep muffins gluten-free, ensure oat flour is certified gluten-free.
- Store leftovers in a fridge-safe container for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
- You can adjust sweetness by varying maple syrup or honey to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 35
Keywords: Coconut muffins, Pineapple muffins, Cottage cheese muffins, High protein breakfast muffins, Tropical muffins, Healthy snack muffins, Dairy breakfast muffins, Egg muffins, Oat flour muffins