Name: Kiwi Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium kiwis (peeled and diced to 1/2″ size, approximately 1 cup total); 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; Turbinado sugar (for dusting); 2 eggs (slightly beaten); 2 cups milk (can substitute cow’s milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk); 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup canola oil

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 82 reviews

If you’re looking for a refreshing twist on your typical muffin, this Kiwi Muffins Recipe brings a burst of juicy, tangy kiwi flavor into every bite. These muffins are light, fluffy, and packed with natural sweetness, making them perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a delightful dessert. Combining the vibrant green kiwi with warm notes of cinnamon and a slight crunch from the turbinado sugar topping, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to keep making again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up view of eight golden-brown muffins with rough tops and soft texture, arranged closely on a wooden surface. The muffins have light golden tops with some darker brown spots and slight cracks, showing a fluffy inside with bits of what seems like fruit or nuts. To the right side, there are five bright green slices of kiwi fruit with a fresh and juicy look, arranged in a slightly overlapping line. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Kiwi Muffins Recipe plays a vital role—from the fresh kiwi providing that unique fruity zing to the baking powder ensuring a lovely rise. These essentials come together effortlessly, delivering texture, flavor, and a beautiful pop of color that you cannot resist.

4 medium kiwis, peeled and diced: Adds juicy sweetness and a vibrant green hue that makes the muffins visually stunning and deliciously moist.
4 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds everything together, contributing to the muffin’s tender crumb.
2 tbsp baking powder: Helps the muffins rise beautifully, giving them a light, fluffy texture.
1 tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffins gently without overpowering the kiwi’s fresh taste.
1/2 tsp cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with kiwi.
2 eggs, slightly beaten: Binds the ingredients and adds richness to the muffins.
2 cups milk (or plant-based alternative): Provides moisture and helps to activate the leavening agents for fluffiness.
2 tsp vanilla extract: Brings a sweet, fragrant note that complements the fruitiness of the kiwi.
1/2 cup canola oil: Ensures the muffins stay moist and tender without any heaviness.
Turbinado sugar (for dusting): Sprinkled on top for a delightful crunch and a touch of caramelized sweetness.

How to Make Kiwi Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and lining your muffin tins with paper cupcake liners. This step ensures your muffins bake evenly and come out perfectly shaped, ready to wow your taste buds.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients well helps distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly, so each muffin has a consistent flavor and rise.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, beat the eggs lightly and then whisk in the milk, canola oil, and vanilla extract. The wet ingredients bring richness and moisture, which are essential for creating tender, melt-in-your-mouth muffins.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix, or your muffins might turn out tough. Once the batter is just coming together, fold in the chopped kiwi. Folding in rather than stirring preserves the delicate kiwi pieces and keeps the muffins fluffy.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each one to the top for that perfect muffin dome. Sprinkle the turbinado sugar on top — this will melt slightly and form a delightful crunchy crust. Pop the muffins into the oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are slightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

How to Serve Kiwi Muffins Recipe

The image shows a group of golden brown muffins with slightly cracked tops sitting directly on a wooden surface. The muffins are wrapped in white paper liners that have subtle vertical ridges. Positioned to the right of the muffins, there are several bright green kiwi slices stacked neatly in a small pile, showing their vibrant, juicy texture and tiny black seeds. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Serve your Kiwi Muffins Recipe with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a smear of vanilla buttercream for extra indulgence. Fresh kiwi slices or a sprig of mint can also brighten the presentation and add a touch of freshness.

Side Dishes

These muffins make a fantastic partner to a cup of hot tea or coffee, and they pair beautifully with fresh fruit salads or yogurt for a balanced, energizing breakfast or snack.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch parties or special occasions, consider serving your muffins atop a platter lined with edible flowers or kiwi leaves. You can also transform them into mini sandwiches by slicing in half and adding cream cheese or fruit jam for a fun, bite-sized treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover kiwi muffins fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain their softness and fruity flair without drying out.

Freezing

Kiwi muffins freeze wonderfully! Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking, and store for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To refresh your muffins, warm them in a 350-degree oven for about 5-7 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This will revive their fluffy texture and bring back that fresh-baked aroma that makes the Kiwi Muffins Recipe so enticing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen kiwi instead of fresh?

Fresh kiwi is ideal for this recipe because it provides the best texture and flavor. However, if you must use frozen, thaw and drain it well to prevent adding excess moisture to the batter.

Are these muffins suitable for dairy-free diets?

Absolutely! You can substitute cow’s milk with almond, coconut, or oat milk without compromising flavor or texture. Just make sure your milk alternative is unsweetened to keep the sweetness balanced.

Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the granulated sugar slightly if you prefer less sweetness. Keep in mind that kiwi adds natural sugar, so a moderate reduction usually works well without affecting the rise or texture.

What makes these muffins different from regular fruit muffins?

Kiwi Muffins Recipe stands out due to the fresh, tangy kiwi chunks that provide moisture and a unique flavor twist, paired with warming cinnamon and a sweet crunch on top. It’s a delightful departure from the usual berry or banana muffins.

Can I add nuts or other fruits to the batter?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries would be lovely additions. Just fold them in gently alongside the kiwi to maintain the texture and prevent overmixing the batter.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the way kiwi brightens up these muffins, transforming a simple baked good into a delightful experience bursting with fresh, tangy flavor and tender crumb. I genuinely hope you give this Kiwi Muffins Recipe a try—it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a fruity treat any time of day while impressing your friends and family with something a little different. Happy baking and even happier tasting!