Bring the Island Vibes Home: Low-Carb, High-Protein Key Lime Coconut Muffins
If you’ve ever been to Key West, you know this little island has a vibe all its own — salty breezes, roosters crowing, and key lime pie around every corner.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need a plane ticket to enjoy those iconic tropical flavors. With this quick bread recipe, you can bring that zesty lime flavor right to your kitchen and whip up a treat that tastes like vacation — no souvenir shop required!
These Low-Carb, High-Protein Key Lime Coconut Muffins are the perfect balance of tangy key lime juice, sweet coconut, and a fluffy texture that makes them downright irresistible. They’re easy to make, packed with protein, and much healthier than traditional sweet lime bread, zucchini bread, or even banana bread. Plus, they make a great grab-and-go breakfast or snack when stored in an airtight container.
And if you can only find regular limes at your local grocery store, no worries! This recipe works beautifully with those, too — but if you happen to score key limes, your taste buds will thank you.
Why You’ll Love These Muffins
- Tropical taste of home: Coconut + lime = pure paradise.
- Packed with protein: About 8g protein per muffin — perfect for starting your day or post-workout.
- Low-carb goodness: Only about 6g net carbs while still satisfying your sweet tooth.
- Easy clean-up: Just one large mixing bowl for the dry ingredients and one medium bowl for the wet ingredients.
Pro tip: Toast your coconut flakes before adding them for a deeper, nuttier flavor!
The Recipe: Low-Carb, High-Protein Key Lime Coconut Muffins
Makes: 12 muffins
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 18-22 minutes
Total Fat: 13g | Dietary Fiber: 3g | Total Carbohydrate: 6g net carbs | Protein: 8g
Dry Ingredients (Flour Mixture)
- 2 ½ cups almond flour (can substitute ½ cup of all-purpose flour for a slightly lighter texture)
- ½ cup vanilla whey protein powder
- ¾ cup unsweetened coconut flakes (plus a little extra for topping)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp teaspoon salt
- ¼ tsp baking soda
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅓ cup melted butter or coconut oil
- ⅓ cup key lime juice (or juice from regular limes)
- Zest of 3–4 limes (about 1 Tbsp packed lime peel)
- ½ cup unsweetened Greek yogurt or sour cream
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup (reduce to 2–3 Tbsp for even lower carbs)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Coconut-Lime Glaze
- 2 Tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 1–2 Tbsp tablespoons lime juice
- 1–2 tsp honey
- Sprinkle of shredded coconut or coconut extract
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour mixture: almond flour, protein powder, shredded coconut, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, melted butter, lime juice, zest, Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla until smooth.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture, folding gently until combined.
- Pour batter evenly into muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Sprinkle extra coconut flakes on top.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes. Test with a wooden pick, cake tester, or toothpick — it should come out clean.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- If desired, top with lime glaze for a bakery-style finish.
Recipe notes:
- These muffins are best stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
- The muffins taste amazing next day after the flavors blend together overnight.
Pro Tip: Coconut Upgrade
If you really want to impress, try mixing in a splash of coconut milk or coconut extract into the glaze. It adds even more tropical flavor and makes this your new favorite muffin recipe!
Check out more of our Island-Inspired Recipes – here.
Nutrition Estimate (Per Muffin, No Glaze)
- Calories: ~170 (based on a 2,000 calorie diet)
- Protein: 8g
- Total Fat: 13g
- Total Carbohydrate: 6g net carbs
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
Why This Will Be Your Next Favorite Quick Bread Recipe
If you’ve ever made key lime bread, coconut lime bread, or even lime cake, you know how fun and versatile these tropical flavors can be. These muffins take all the magic of a key lime loaf and transform it into bite-sized, protein-packed perfection.
Whether you’re baking for brunch, gifting a batch wrapped in plastic wrap, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers a taste of paradise. They’ll quickly become your new favorite quick bread recipe — and maybe even compete with your beloved cinnamon roll or banana bread.
Bring Key West Into Your Kitchen
Bake these muffins and you’ll almost hear the roosters crowing and the ocean waves lapping at the shore.
Pair with a cup of coffee, and you’ve got your own slice of island life — no boarding pass required.
