Morning Glory Muffins Recipe

These Morning Glory Muffins are a delightful powerhouse of nutrition and flavor that will transform your breakfast routine! Packed with carrots, apples, nuts, and wholesome ingredients, these muffins deliver a perfect balance of sweetness and spice while keeping you energized throughout the morning. The beauty of these muffins lies in their versatility – they’re equally wonderful for a grab-and-go breakfast, a midday snack, or even a healthier dessert option when those sweet cravings strike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Whole Wheat Flour: Creates a hearty base that adds fiber and nutrients while giving these muffins a satisfying texture.
• Baking Soda: Provides the perfect rise to create that beautiful muffin dome.
• Cinnamon and Ginger: These warming spices are key to the signature Morning Glory flavor profile.
• Ground Flaxseed: An optional but recommended addition that brings healthy omega-3s and a pleasant nutty undertone.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent while adding protein and structure to the muffins.
• Brown Sugar and Honey: Work together to provide just the right level of sweetness while keeping the muffins moist.
• Oil: Brings necessary moisture; feel free to use vegetable, canola, or coconut oil based on your preference.
• Applesauce: Reduces the need for extra oil while adding natural sweetness and moisture.
• Orange Zest and Juice: Brightens the flavor profile with citrusy notes that balance the earthy ingredients.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors and adds warmth to the taste profile.
• Carrots: The star ingredient that adds natural sweetness, moisture, and a beautiful color.
• Apple: Brings natural sweetness and moisture while adding textural interest.
• Raisins: Provide little bursts of concentrated sweetness throughout each muffin.
• Pecans: Add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Variations

Want to make these Morning Glory Muffins your own? Here are some delicious ways to customize:

• Tropical Twist: Swap the raisins for dried pineapple and add 1/4 cup shredded coconut.
• Extra Nutty: Use a mix of pecans, walnuts, and sunflower seeds for varied texture and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom or nutmeg for an additional layer of warmth.
• Gluten-Sensitive: Try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the whole wheat flour.
• Extra Protein: Add 2 tablespoons of hemp seeds or your favorite protein powder.

How to Make Morning Glory Muffins

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 425°F and prepare your muffin pan with either non-stick spray or muffin liners. Since this recipe makes 14-16 muffins, you’ll need either two pans or plan to bake in batches.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and ground flaxseed until thoroughly combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, brown sugar, and honey until smooth. Add the oil, applesauce, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla, whisking until well incorporated. Stir in the shredded carrots and apple.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just a few times with a wooden spoon. Before the mixture is fully combined, add the raisins and pecans, then fold everything together until just incorporated. Remember, overmixing leads to tough muffins!

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin cups, filling them all the way to the top. Bake at 425°F for the first 5 minutes, then – without opening the oven door – reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue baking for about 18 more minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling. This resting time allows the muffins to set properly.

How to Serve

These versatile muffins can be enjoyed in multiple ways:

Breakfast Pairing

Serve warm with a spread of almond butter or cream cheese alongside fresh fruit and yogurt for a complete breakfast.

Afternoon Snack

Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a satisfying afternoon pick-me-up.

Lunchbox Addition

Pack one in your child’s lunchbox for a nutritious treat that doesn’t seem “too healthy.”

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully! Place completely cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving. Alternatively, wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These Morning Glory Muffins truly live up to their glorious name! They’re the perfect balance of wholesome ingredients and delicious flavor, making them an ideal addition to your baking repertoire. What I love most about them is how they transform everyday ingredients into something special that nourishes both body and soul. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, give these muffins a try – I’m confident they’ll become a regular feature in your kitchen!

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