Honestly, I could eat this every single day and still love it. It's just so amazing.

In the heart of the Midwest, where fields stretch as far as the eye can see, there's a delightful recipe that brings a bit of tropical sunshine to our kitchens: Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Muffins. This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of the days when we'd gather around the kitchen table, savoring the sweet, tangy flavors that transported us to a warmer place. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a dessert, these muffins are a lovely way to bring a touch of Aloha to our traditional Midwestern fare.

These Hawaiian Pineapple Cake Muffins pair beautifully with a simple side of fresh fruit, enhancing their tropical notes. They're also delicious with a dollop of vanilla yogurt for breakfast or a scoop of ice cream if you're serving them for dessert. For a cozy afternoon treat, enjoy these muffins with a cup of hot tea or a nice, cold glass of milk.

Servings: 12 muffins

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup crushed pineapple with juice
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts (optional)

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In another bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then add the crushed pineapple (with juice), vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. If using, fold in the shredded coconut and chopped macadamia nuts.

Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For a fun twist, you can add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or ginger for a bit of spice. If you're not a fan of macadamia nuts, you can substitute with chopped walnuts or pecans. Feeling indulgent? Try adding a handful of white chocolate chips to the batter. And for a healthier take, you can replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar by a third.