These wholesome Cinnamon Breakfast Muffins are a nutritious twist on the beloved Morning Glory classic. Packed with juicy apple, sweet carrots, crunchy walnuts, and chewy raisins, they deliver a moist and flavorful bite every time. Perfect for breakfast or a midday snack, their soft crumb and spiced aroma are a true comfort food experience.
The best part? They’re not overly sweet just enough to keep your morning balanced and energized. These muffins store beautifully and freeze well, making them ideal for meal prepping. Add a pat of salted butter while still warm, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate grab-and-go treat!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
Add-ins:
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3/4 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
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2 cups shredded carrot (lightly packed, unpeeled)
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1 1/4 cups shredded Granny Smith apple (lightly packed, unpeeled, with juice)
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1/2 cup desiccated coconut (unsweetened)
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3/4 cup raisins (or sultanas or other dried fruit)
Dry Ingredients:
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2 cups wholemeal flour (or all-purpose)
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1 3/4 tsp baking soda
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2 tsp ground cinnamon
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1 tsp ground ginger
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1/2 tsp kosher salt
Wet Ingredients:
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3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
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3 large eggs, room temperature
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2/3 cup olive oil (not extra virgin)
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1/4 cup orange juice (or any fruit juice or milk)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 190°C / 375°F (170°C fan-forced).
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Toast walnuts for 8 minutes on a baking tray. Let cool, then chop roughly.
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Grate the carrot and apple using a box grater (no need to peel).
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In a large bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients.
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In another bowl, whisk wet ingredients until combined.
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Pour wet ingredients into the dry mix. Add all grated and chopped add-ins.
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Gently fold everything together using a rubber spatula just until flour is no longer visible. Do not overmix.
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Grease or line a 12-hole muffin tin. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, mounding slightly above the rim.
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Bake for 25 minutes, or until muffins are deeply golden and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool for at least another 5 minutes.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 358 kcal | Servings: 12 muffins
A Wholesome Start: The Story and Soul of Cinnamon Breakfast Muffins
When it comes to breakfast, many of us are caught in a daily tug-of-war between convenience and nourishment. We crave the warmth and comfort of a fresh-baked treat but dread the sugar crash that often follows. Enter the Cinnamon Breakfast Muffin a recipe that balances wholesomeness with flavor, indulgence with nutrition, and simplicity with satisfaction.
Inspired by the classic Morning Glory Muffins, these cinnamon-spiced bites are more than just another breakfast bake. They’re a celebration of thoughtful ingredient choices, mindful baking, and the little rituals that make mornings feel a bit more intentional.
The Philosophy Behind the Muffin
What makes a muffin “breakfast-worthy”? It’s not just about tossing in oats or slashing sugar. It’s about curating ingredients that nourish your body without sacrificing the joy of eating. This recipe manages that beautifully. It’s created with a sincere understanding of how flavor, texture, and health can intersect perfectly balancing earthy, naturally sweet fruits and vegetables with hearty grains and healthy fats.
The muffin is lightly sweet, coming in at only around 12 grams of sugar per serving less than a quarter of what’s in many store-bought cereals. But don’t mistake that for blandness. The natural sweetness from carrots, apples, and raisins works in harmony with the warmth of cinnamon and ginger, producing a muffin that feels comforting yet light enough to enjoy first thing in the morning.
A Symphony of Textures and Flavors
One bite into a Cinnamon Breakfast Muffin and you’ll immediately notice the play of textures. There’s the slight crunch of toasted walnuts, the moistness from shredded carrots and juicy apples, the chewy tug of raisins, and a gentle fluffiness that holds it all together. These muffins are intentionally not over-processed or overly refined. They’re rustic in the best way hearty and filling, yet soft and tender in the center.
The star, of course, is the cinnamon. It’s the unifying thread that pulls everything together. More than just a spice, cinnamon evokes a kind of warmth and nostalgia that turns a simple breakfast into something cozy and special. Paired with subtle hints of ginger, the flavor profile gains depth without becoming overpowering.
Nutrition That Doesn’t Compromise on Taste
Health-conscious eaters will appreciate what these muffins don’t have just as much as what they do. There are no refined white flours, overly processed oils, or excessive sugar. Instead, they’re based on wholemeal flour, which adds fiber and a slightly nutty taste. The use of olive oil or a light neutral oil keeps them moist and heart-healthy.
The muffins also boast a hidden richness in nutrients. Carrots bring beta-carotene, apples contribute antioxidants and natural fiber, walnuts provide omega-3 fats, and raisins add iron and potassium. Even the desiccated coconut, though optional, offers a little healthy fat and satisfying texture.
You could easily pair one with a cup of yogurt and a drizzle of honey, or a smoothie on the go, and have a well-rounded, energizing meal.
Flexible and Family-Friendly
One of the most beautiful things about this recipe is its adaptability. Whether you’re catering to picky kids, managing food allergies, or just using what you have in the pantry, this muffin is forgiving and flexible.
You can substitute the nuts for seeds if you’re going nut-free, or swap raisins for chopped dates, dried cranberries, or apricots. Want to skip coconut? No problem just add a little more flour to maintain the balance. If you prefer a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk in place of orange juice. If you’re craving more warmth, feel free to add nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice.
These tweaks don’t just make the recipe inclusive they also allow home bakers to feel creative and in control, which is part of the joy of baking.
Tips for Perfect Muffins Every Time
While we’re avoiding the technical steps here, it’s worth sharing a few practical insights that elevate this muffin from good to great:
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Don’t overmix. Like most quick breads, overmixing leads to dense, rubbery muffins. Mix until just combined.
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Use an ice cream scoop. For even muffin sizes and domed tops, this trick is your best friend.
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Let them rest. Once out of the oven, give them a few minutes to cool. This helps the muffins set fully and prevents crumbling when you remove them from the tin.
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Enjoy them warm. A warm muffin with a pat of softened salted butter is pure bliss.
These muffins stay fresh for up to five days in a sealed container and freeze wonderfully. Pop one in the microwave for 15–20 seconds, and it’s like it just came out of the oven.
When to Serve Cinnamon Breakfast Muffins
Although “breakfast” is in the name, these muffins are multipurpose. They make excellent mid-morning snacks, after-school bites, or lunchbox treats. Their portability makes them perfect for meal prep especially when you want something homemade but don’t have time to cook each morning.
They’re also a lovely option for brunch spreads, picnics, or coffee gatherings. Because they’re not overly sweet, they won’t outshine other pastries or desserts but will certainly stand out in their own subtle, hearty way.
Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Rotation
There are countless muffin recipes out there, but this one stands apart for its balance of nutrition, flavor, and approachability. It’s not just a “healthy muffin” a term often associated with dry, flavorless bites you eat out of guilt. This is a muffin you want to eat. It feels like a treat, but gives you everything your body needs to start the day well.
Moreover, it’s from a source known for kitchen-tested reliability. Developed by RecipeTin Eats a blog loved for its practical, flavorful, and globally inspired dishes this recipe benefits from careful development and a deep understanding of home cooks’ needs.
There’s something truly grounding about taking a few minutes in the morning to unwrap a muffin baked with intention. It’s an act of self-care that nourishes both the body and the mind, a quiet ritual that can brighten even the busiest of days.
Conclusion:
If you’re searching for a go-to muffin that brings both comfort and health to the table, this Cinnamon Breakfast Muffin is your answer. It’s the kind of bake that doesn’t shout for attention but earns it through consistent goodness. It’s simple, satisfying, and versatile the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again, whether you’re feeding a family, planning ahead for the week, or just craving a cozy start to your day.
Whether enjoyed straight from the oven, frozen and reheated for a busy weekday, or savored with coffee on a slow Sunday, these muffins are a quiet celebration of all that’s good about home baking.