If you’re on the lookout for a wholesome, flavorful, and delightfully moist treat to brighten your mornings, look no further than this Morning Glory Muffins Recipe. Bursting with carrots, zucchini, warm spices, and a perfect touch of sweetness, these muffins are the cozy breakfast companion everyone will love. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursts of texture from nuts and dried fruit, this recipe strikes a wonderful balance between nutritious and indulgent, making your morning truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Morning Glory Muffins comes from its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, lending moisture, texture, color, or just the right amount of natural sweetness to make every bite a joy.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for tender muffins with a delicate crumb.
- 1 cup whole wheat flour: Adds heartiness and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the veggies.
- 1 cup grated carrots: Brings natural sweetness and a vibrant orange hue to brighten the muffins.
- 1/2 cup grated zucchini: Adds moisture and a slight earthiness, keeping muffins wonderfully soft.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce: A natural sweetener and binder that also enhances moistness.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Infuses rich, caramel notes for a cozy touch of sweetness.
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup: Adds depth and a subtle floral sweetness, perfect for balancing flavors.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the muffins tender and luscious with a silky texture.
- 3 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give structure and lift.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the muffins rise beautifully for a light texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda to create that perfect fluffiness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a comforting spice note throughout.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Provides a delightful crunch and nutty accent.
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries: Offers bursts of chewy sweetness for added texture.
How to Make Morning Glory Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your muffin tin with paper liners to make clean-up easy and ensure your muffins come out perfectly shaped without sticking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together both the all-purpose and whole wheat flours, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. This dry mix is the foundation that brings structure and flavor to the muffins.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients Separately
Take another bowl and whisk the eggs, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, vegetable oil, and unsweetened applesauce until the mixture is smooth and properly combined. This step is essential for evenly distributing the sweetness and moisture.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, folding gently to combine. Then fold in the grated carrots, grated zucchini, and if you’re including them, the chopped nuts and dried fruit. Be careful not to overmix; your batter should be just combined to keep the muffins tender.
Step 5: Fill Muffin Tin and Bake
Divide the batter evenly into the prepared muffin liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Use a toothpick to check doneness—when it comes out clean, your morning glory muffins are ready to delight!
Step 6: Cooling
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. This step helps maintain their perfect texture and prevents sogginess from trapped steam.
How to Serve Morning Glory Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
These muffins are fantastic on their own, but if you want to elevate them, a light spread of softened butter or cream cheese complements the warm spices and sweetness beautifully. Sprinkling a few chopped nuts on top before serving adds a rustic charm.
Side Dishes
Morning Glory Muffins pair perfectly with a fresh fruit salad or a hot cup of tea or coffee. For a more substantial breakfast, serve alongside yogurt or cottage cheese to add a creamy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing these muffins in half and adding a layer of almond butter or your favorite nut spread for a fun twist. They also work beautifully with savory sides like scrambled eggs or a mild cheese platter for a brunch spread that feels special and satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Morning Glory Muffins can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them moist and tasty, perfect for grabbing a quick breakfast or snack.
Freezing
For longer storage, these muffins freeze wonderfully. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They stay fresh for up to three months, ready to thaw whenever you need a nourishing bite.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave a muffin for 20 to 30 seconds or warm it in a toaster oven until heated through. This brings back the fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth, making each bite just as delightful as the first time.
FAQs
Can I make Morning Glory Muffins Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based oil. Ensure your honey is replaced with maple syrup for a fully vegan version.
What can I use instead of whole wheat flour?
If you prefer, you can substitute whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour or a gluten-free flour blend to suit dietary needs, keeping in mind the texture and flavor might be slightly lighter.
Are nuts required for this recipe?
Nuts are entirely optional in this Morning Glory Muffins Recipe. Leaving them out will yield softer muffins, and it’s a great way to make the recipe nut-free if needed.
Can I swap raisins for other dried fruits?
Yes! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even dried cherries work beautifully as substitutes. Just use the same quantity to maintain the balance of moisture and sweetness.
How long do the muffins stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these muffins stay fresh for about three days. Refrigeration can extend their life up to a week but may slightly change the texture.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this fantastic Morning Glory Muffins Recipe in your culinary arsenal, there’s no reason to settle for plain muffins anymore. They are a delightful, nourishing way to start any day, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as your personal morning treat. I can’t wait for you to try them and see how these little bundles of deliciousness brighten your breakfast table and warm your heart!
Print
Morning Glory Muffins Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Morning Glory Muffins are a wholesome and delicious baked treat packed with grated carrots, zucchini, nuts, and dried fruit. Sweetened naturally with honey and applesauce, they offer a moist, flavorful muffin perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Fresh Produce
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1/2 cup grated zucchini
Add-ins (Optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners to prepare for baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, vegetable oil, and unsweetened applesauce until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Fold in the grated carrots and zucchini along with the optional chopped nuts and dried fruit. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the muffins.
- Fill muffin tins: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins, filling each liner about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the nuts lightly before adding.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup to make them vegan-friendly, but remember to use a flax or chia egg instead of regular eggs for strict vegan baking.
- These muffins freeze well; wrap them individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the muffins tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
