If you’re looking for a delightfully sunny treat that tastes like a tropical vacation in muffin form, look no further than this Ambrosia Muffins Recipe. These muffins are soft, tender, and absolutely loaded with bursts of pineapple, mandarin orange, sweet coconut, and juicy cherries. Each bite is a celebration of color and flavor, making them just as perfect for breakfast as they are for an afternoon pick-me-up. The Ambrosia Muffins Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen when I want something cheerful, moist, and easy that brings a smile to everyone’s face.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about the Ambrosia Muffins Recipe is how each simple ingredient works together to build layers of flavor and texture. Every item in your mixing bowl contributes something special—fruity notes, creamy moisture, tender crumb, or eye-popping color.

All-purpose flour: The foundation for soft, bakery-style muffins.
Granulated sugar: Lends classic sweetness and helps the tops turn golden.
Light brown sugar (packed): Adds extra moisture and a subtle hint of caramel.
Baking powder: Gives the muffins a lovely rise and lightness.
Baking soda: Ensures a fluffy crumb, balancing out the dairy’s acidity.
Salt: Brightens all the other flavors and keeps things well-balanced.
Shredded sweetened coconut: Adds chew, sweetness, and a delightful tropical touch.
Crushed pineapple (drained): Brings juiciness and bold tropical flavor without overwhelming the batter.
Mandarin orange segments (drained and chopped): Create little citrusy pops and keep muffins moist.
Chopped maraschino cherries: For a playful, colorful twist and that classic ambrosia salad flair.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and ensure a rich, tender texture.
Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream: Adds tang, moisture, and keeps muffin interiors soft.
Vegetable oil: Contributes a light, tender crumb and prevents dryness.
Milk: Loosens the batter and creates a melt-in-your-mouth result.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the fruit flavors with cozy, aromatic warmth.
Orange zest (optional): Elevates the Ambrosia Muffins Recipe with fresh fragrance and zing.

How to Make Ambrosia Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Your Muffin Pan

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners, or lightly grease it with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures your muffins release easily and bake evenly, so you can focus on the fun part—filling and savoring!

Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sweetened coconut. Thorough whisking here is key, creating a uniform blend and perfectly dispersing the coconut, so every bite gets a taste of paradise.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until they’re just combined. Add Greek yogurt or sour cream, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is silky-smooth—this winning combo is what keeps the Ambrosia Muffins Recipe so exceptionally moist and flavorful.

Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry—Just Until Mixed

Pour the wet ingredients over your bowl of dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—stopping with a few visible streaks of flour ensures muffins come out supremely tender.

Step 5: Fold in Fruit & Flavor

Gently fold in the crushed pineapple, chopped mandarin oranges, cherries, and orange zest if using. The key is being gentle so you don’t squash the fruit, creating bites of juicy, fruity goodness throughout the muffins.

Step 6: Fill & Bake

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma that fills your kitchen is absolutely irresistible—your first bite will be even better!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. This brief wait (as hard as it may be!) ensures your Ambrosia Muffins Recipe comes out with a soft crumb and holds its tropical treasures inside each bite.

How to Serve Ambrosia Muffins Recipe

Garnishes

For a simple finish, you can dust the muffins with extra shredded coconut or a light drizzle of glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice. A few extra maraschino cherry halves on top make each muffin look bakery-worthy and feel extra festive.

Side Dishes

The Ambrosia Muffins Recipe is sunny and sweet, making them perfect alongside a bowl of fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, or a cup of hot coffee. If you’re planning a brunch, consider pairing them with savory egg bakes or crispy bacon for a crowd-pleasing spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, arrange the muffins on a tiered dessert stand and garnish the platter with slices of fresh pineapple and orange. You can even tuck the muffins into a picnic basket alongside little jars of fruit jam or orange marmalade for a picturesque, portable treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cool, store your Ambrosia Muffins Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better as they rest together, so don’t be surprised if tomorrow’s muffin is even tastier than today’s.

Freezing

If you want to keep these muffins longer, you absolutely can! Place the cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, then freeze for up to two months—perfect for emergency brunches or anytime tropical cravings hit.

Reheating

To enjoy from the freezer or just bring back a fresh-baked warmth, simply microwave a muffin for about 20–30 seconds or pop it in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. The fruity aroma and soft crumb will be restored, just like magic.

FAQs

Can I make the Ambrosia Muffins Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Double check your other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well, and you’ll still enjoy that moist, fruity goodness with just the right texture.

Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned for the ambrosia muffins?

You can use fresh pineapple and orange segments if you chop them small and drain very well. The classic flavors come from canned fruit and maraschino cherries, but a fresh take works wonderfully if you want to control the sweetness and texture a bit more.

How do I keep my muffins extra moist?

The combination of Greek yogurt (or sour cream), vegetable oil, and juicy fruits makes this Ambrosia Muffins Recipe almost foolproof for moisture. Avoid overbaking and make sure not to overmix the batter—both steps help lock in the tender crumb you want.

Can I add nuts or other add-ins?

Definitely! Chopped toasted pecans, walnuts, or even white chocolate chips make fantastic additions to the Ambrosia Muffins Recipe. Just fold in your chosen add-ins gently at the same time as the fruit.

What’s the best way to transport these muffins for a picnic or potluck?

Let the muffins cool completely and line them up in a sturdy container, separating layers with parchment paper if needed. This helps them travel safely and ensures every bite is as delicious as when they came out of the oven.

Final Thoughts

If there’s ever a time to treat yourself (or your loved ones!) to something cheerful, easy, and bursting with fruit, the Ambrosia Muffins Recipe is the one to try. It’s wonderfully nostalgic, brilliantly simple, and truly a crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a go—I think you’ll fall in love with every colorful, tropical bite!

Ambrosia Muffins Recipe

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4.7 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Ambrosia Muffins are a delightful tropical twist on classic muffins, bursting with flavors of coconut, pineapple, mandarin oranges, and cherries. Easy to make and perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
1/2 cup mandarin orange segments (drained and chopped)
1/3 cup chopped maraschino cherries
2 large eggs
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin pan with liners or grease.
Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and coconut.
Prepare wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat eggs, then add yogurt, oil, milk, and vanilla.
Combine: Mix wet ingredients into dry, then gently fold in fruits and zest.
Bake: Divide batter into muffin cups and bake for 18–22 minutes.
Cool: Let muffins cool in the pan before transferring to a rack.

Notes

Flavors develop over time, taste better next day
Can be topped with glaze or coconut for extra appeal
Store in airtight container at room temp for 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American