If you have a soft spot for wholesome, flavorful baked goods that feel like a warm hug, then this Morning Glory Muffins Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. These muffins are bursting with the natural sweetness of grated carrots and apples, the comforting aroma of cinnamon, and the satisfying crunch of nuts and coconut. Perfectly moist and subtly spiced, they make a fantastic grab-and-go breakfast or a nourishing snack anytime. Let me take you through how simple yet special this Morning Glory Muffins Recipe truly is.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, coming together to create those perfectly textured, balanced muffins. From the flour that forms the tender crumb to the fresh fruits and nuts that provide delightful bursts of flavor and texture, every component is essential.
- All-purpose flour: Provides a soft, tender base for your muffins.
- Whole wheat flour: Adds nuttiness and a hearty texture, plus fiber.
- Brown sugar: Packed for moisture and adds that deep caramel sweetness.
- Baking soda: Helps your muffins rise to fluffy perfection.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and spice that complements the fruit.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Shredded coconut: Adds a chewy texture and tropical hint.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans: Brings crunch and a toasty richness.
- Raisins: Offer bursts of chewy sweetness within each bite.
- Grated carrots: Keep the muffins moist while adding natural sweetness.
- Grated apple: Adds juicy texture and a subtle tang.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and enrich the batter.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps muffins tender and moist.
- Orange juice: Contributes a fresh citrusy brightness and helps activate the baking soda.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor with a sweet aroma.
How to Make Morning Glory Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups to ensure your muffins come out effortlessly. This step guarantees even baking and easy cleanup, so you can focus on the fun part: mixing all those wholesome ingredients.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your flours, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until combined and fragrant. This dry mixture sets the stage for a perfectly spiced muffin base that holds all the delicious add-ins.
Step 3: Add the Coconut, Nuts, Raisins, Carrots, and Apple
Fold in the shredded coconut, chopped nuts, raisins, grated carrots, and grated apple right into the dry ingredients. Stir carefully to ensure these mix-ins are evenly distributed—this is what gives your muffins their signature texture and bursts of flavor that keep every bite interesting.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, orange juice, and vanilla extract. These wet ingredients bring moisture and richness, helping the muffins stay soft while enhancing their sweet and zesty notes.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here; a few lumps are perfectly fine and will keep your muffins tender, rather than dense.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly among your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Pop them in the oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool for five minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Morning Glory Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
These muffins are delightful on their own, but for extra charm, try sprinkling a bit of shredded coconut or chopped nuts on top before baking. When serving, a simple pat of butter or a drizzle of honey elevates their natural sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
A cup of your favorite morning coffee or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice pairs wonderfully with these muffins. For a heartier breakfast, serve alongside creamy yogurt or a fruit salad to round out the meal with fresh flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking outside the muffin tin? Slice your Morning Glory Muffins and use them as a base for a healthy breakfast parfait layered with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit. Alternatively, create a sweet sandwich by slicing a muffin in half and spreading your favorite nut butter inside.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover muffins, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them moist and fresh, so you can enjoy your Morning Glory Muffins Recipe anytime without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
Morning Glory Muffins freeze beautifully. Pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll keep their magic for up to two months. When you’re ready, just thaw them overnight in the fridge or warm them gently in the microwave for a freshly baked taste.
Reheating
To bring your muffins back to life, reheat them at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes if they’re thawed. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds does the trick—soft, warm, and ready to enjoy all over again!
FAQs
Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?
Absolutely! Pecans are a fantastic alternative to walnuts, offering a similar crunch and buttery flavor. You could also use almonds or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the flours listed. Just be sure your blend includes xanthan gum or another binder to keep the muffins from crumbling.
Can I use honey instead of brown sugar?
Honey can add wonderful flavor and moisture, but since it’s liquid, you’ll want to reduce other liquids slightly to keep the batter balanced. A good starting point is to use about 2/3 cup honey and reduce the orange juice by a couple of tablespoons.
Are these muffins suitable for freezing?
Yes! Morning Glory Muffins freeze really well. Just store them in an airtight container or freezer bag and thaw overnight before enjoying them, or warm them quickly for a fresh-baked feel.
Can I customize the fruit mix in this recipe?
Definitely. The raisins can be swapped with chopped dates, dried cranberries, or even chopped dried apricots. Feel free to experiment to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
Making the Morning Glory Muffins Recipe is like giving yourself a little gift of wholesome goodness wrapped in sweetness and spice. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, bursting with fresh flavors and textures that will brighten any morning. I encourage you to try this recipe and share these delightful muffins with family and friends—the perfect way to start any day with a smile and a nutritious treat.
Print
Morning Glory Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Morning Glory Muffins are a wholesome and delicious breakfast treat packed with grated carrots, apple, raisins, nuts, and coconut. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and sweetened naturally, they offer a nutritious start to your day with a moist, tender crumb.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins
Fresh Ingredients
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 2 medium)
- 1 apple (peeled and grated)
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Add Mix-ins: Stir in shredded coconut, chopped walnuts or pecans, raisins, grated carrots, and grated apple to the dry mixture, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean, indicating they are fully baked.
- Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- These muffins freeze well; thaw overnight in the refrigerator or warm gently in the microwave before serving.
- Raisins can be substituted with chopped dates or dried cranberries for variety.
- For added texture and visual appeal, sprinkle oats or seeds on top of each muffin before baking.
