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If you’re on the lookout for a deliciously moist and nourishing treat to brighten up your mornings, this Morning Glory Muffins Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with the natural sweetness of carrots, zucchini, and raisins, these muffins are a vibrant celebration of wholesome ingredients in every bite. They bring together the perfect balance of cinnamon-spiced warmth and tender crumb, making them an all-time favorite breakfast companion or snack that fuels your day with joy and energy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each play an important role in creating the perfect Morning Glory Muffins Recipe. From the hearty flours to the fresh veggies and warm spices, every component contributes to the muffins’ inviting texture, rich flavor, and lovely golden color.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a light crumb to balance the whole wheat’s density.
- Whole wheat flour: Adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber, making the muffins heartier and more satisfying.
- Grated carrots: Give natural sweetness, moisture, and a pop of bright orange color.
- Grated zucchini: Infuses moisture without overpowering the taste, keeping muffins tender.
- Unsweetened applesauce: A natural sweetener and moistening agent that reduces the need for oil.
- Brown sugar: Enhances sweetness with a subtle molasses flavor that complements the spices.
- Honey or maple syrup: Adds a natural and rich sweetness that boosts the muffins’ aroma.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the muffins soft and tender with a light crumb.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help the muffins rise.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Work in tandem to give the muffins a perfect lift and fluffy texture.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses warming spice that pairs beautifully with the sweet veggies and fruit.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the muffins well-rounded and delicious.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Add crunch and a nutty bite, elevating the texture.
- Raisins or dried cranberries: Provide bursts of sweetness and chewy texture throughout.
How to Make Morning Glory Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, get your oven warmed to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This prep ensures even baking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the leavening agents and spice so each muffin gets that perfect rise and flavor.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), vegetable oil, and unsweetened applesauce until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This blend will add natural sweetness and ensure moist, fluffy muffins.
Step 4: Combine and Fold in Fresh Goodies
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry, mixing gently. Then fold in the grated carrots, zucchini, nuts if using, and raisins or dried cranberries. Mix just enough to incorporate everything—overmixing can make the muffins dense.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tins
Spoon the batter evenly into each prepared muffin liner, filling about two-thirds full. This gives the muffins room to rise without spilling over.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack before enjoying your creation.
How to Serve Morning Glory Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light spread of honey on warm muffins can enhance their natural sweetness and make them look irresistible. For an indulgent touch, a smear of cream cheese or almond butter pairs beautifully with their rustic, wholesome flavors.
Side Dishes
These muffins shine as a quick breakfast or snack, but pairing them with a chilled yogurt parfait or a fresh fruit salad adds freshness and balances out their richness. For a brunch spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a vibrant green smoothie for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Morning Glory Muffins Recipe in cute mini muffin tins for bite-sized treats at gatherings or pack them up in decorative tins for thoughtful homemade gifts. You can also slice them in half and layer with nut butter and banana slices for an easy, nourishing snack pack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these muffins stay fresh for up to three days. Keeping them sealed ensures they remain soft and retains their delightful moisture.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, these muffins freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months, perfect for quick mornings on the go.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen or refrigerated muffins, warm them in the microwave for about 20 seconds or toast them lightly to revive that fresh-baked aroma and texture. The slight crisp on the outside will make each bite extra satisfying.
FAQs
What makes these muffins “Morning Glory” muffins?
The name “Morning Glory” comes from the bright, colorful, and nutrient-packed ingredients like carrots, zucchini, nuts, and raisins that bring energy and sunshine to your morning. They are a wholesome, tasty way to start your day.
Can I substitute ingredients in the Morning Glory Muffins Recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap the vegetable oil for coconut or avocado oil, use maple syrup instead of honey, or try different nuts and dried fruits based on what you have on hand. Just keep moisture levels similar for the best result.
Are these muffins gluten-free?
This Morning Glory Muffins Recipe calls for wheat flours, so it is not gluten-free as written. However, you could experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking to make a gluten-free version.
How healthy are Morning Glory Muffins?
They’re a nourishing choice packed with fiber, vitamins, and natural sweetness from real fruits and vegetables, making them far better than many store-bought muffins. Still, they’re a treat and best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
Can I make these muffins vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, replace the eggs with flax or chia egg substitutes (1 tablespoon ground seed + 3 tablespoons water per egg), and use a plant-based milk or yogurt alternative in place of applesauce if desired.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Morning Glory Muffins Recipe, it’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen. The mix of fresh veggies, warm spices, and sweet dried fruit creates a harmony of flavor and texture that feels like a warm hug in muffin form. Give these a whirl on your next morning and watch them disappear in no time!
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Morning Glory Muffins Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Morning Glory Muffins bursting with wholesome ingredients like grated carrots, zucchini, nuts, and dried fruit for a nutritious, flavorful start to your day. These moist muffins are lightly sweetened with honey and brown sugar, offering a perfect balance of taste and healthfulness.
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 brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
Produce
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1/2 cup grated zucchini
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 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 together until evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, vegetable oil, and unsweetened applesauce until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently. Fold in the grated carrots, grated zucchini, chopped nuts (if using), and dried fruit until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fill Muffin Tins: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow space for rising.
- Bake Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Remove from oven and transfer muffins to a wire rack to cool before serving.
Notes
- To keep muffins moist, do not overbake; start checking at 20 minutes.
- Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch but can be omitted or substituted with seeds for nut-free versions.
- Use unsweetened applesauce to reduce added sugars.
- These muffins freeze well for up to 3 months—thaw before serving.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
