Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Frosting:

• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp butter, softened
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• Extra grated carrot and diced pineapple for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease with cooking spray.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   • In another bowl, whisk together sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well blended.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated.
5. Add Carrots and Pineapple:
   • Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and walnuts (if using) into the batter.
6. Bake:
   • Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
   • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
7. Prepare the Frosting:
   • While the muffins are baking, beat together cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
8. Cool and Frost:
   • Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
   • Once cooled, frost the muffins and garnish with extra grated carrot and pineapple.

Conclusion:

These carrot pineapple muffins offer a wonderful combination of sweet and tangy flavors, enhanced by the creaminess of the frosting. They are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even as a dessert. The pineapple adds a unique twist that sets these muffins apart from your standard carrot cake. Enjoy them freshly baked for the best experience!