These Morning Glory Muffins are the perfect combination of sweetness and spice, with a delightful mix of shredded carrots, raisins, walnuts, and coconut. Their fluffy texture and warm flavors make them the ideal breakfast treat to start your day on the right note.
These muffins are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily make them vegan by swapping out eggs for flax eggs and using non-dairy milk. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some extra veggies, making them a wholesome and satisfying breakfast option for everyone!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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2 large eggs
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1/2 cup vegetable oil
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 cup shredded carrots
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1/2 cup shredded coconut
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1/2 cup chopped walnuts
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1/2 cup raisins
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1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
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1 apple, peeled and grated
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
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In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
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Fold in the carrots, coconut, walnuts, raisins, pineapple, and grated apple.
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Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 230 kcal per muffin | Servings: 12 muffins
Morning Glory Muffins: A Perfect Start to Your Day
Morning Glory Muffins have earned their place as one of the most beloved breakfast treats, and for good reason. These muffins are more than just a baked good; they are a burst of wholesome ingredients wrapped in the comfort of a soft, spiced muffin. They provide a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them a versatile choice for anyone looking to enjoy a satisfying, healthy start to the day. Packed with carrots, nuts, raisins, coconut, and a hint of cinnamon, these muffins are not only delicious but are also a great source of fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness.
The Origins of Morning Glory Muffins
Though their exact origins remain somewhat of a mystery, Morning Glory Muffins are thought to have been invented at a bakery in New York City in the early 1980s. These muffins quickly became a local favorite, and their popularity spread across the country due to their delicious combination of ingredients. The bakery where they were first created was known for its innovative approach to baking, and the Morning Glory Muffin was no exception, standing out from traditional muffin recipes at the time.
Over the years, these muffins have become a staple in bakeries and home kitchens alike. Their unique flavor profile and the ability to combine nutritious ingredients with indulgent textures made them an instant hit. Today, Morning Glory Muffins are considered a go-to recipe for a hearty, wholesome breakfast or snack.
A Wholesome, Flavorful Recipe
The beauty of Morning Glory Muffins lies in their rich blend of flavors and textures. Each bite is a perfect combination of sweet, nutty, and spiced ingredients, all of which complement each other beautifully. The base of the muffin is made with all-purpose flour, which gives it a soft texture. However, it’s the addition of grated carrots that adds both moisture and natural sweetness. Carrots are a great source of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin A, which supports eye health, skin health, and immune function.
In addition to the carrots, these muffins are packed with a variety of other ingredients that enhance their flavor and nutritional profile. Shredded coconut adds a slight tropical sweetness, while raisins provide bursts of chewiness and an extra dose of natural sugar. Chopped walnuts give the muffins a satisfying crunch and a boost of healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for heart health.
The inclusion of crushed pineapple in the recipe is one of the elements that makes these muffins so moist. Pineapple adds a natural sweetness and tropical flair that contrasts beautifully with the spiciness of cinnamon and nutmeg. These warm spices provide the muffins with a cozy, comforting flavor that’s perfect for chilly mornings.
Why These Muffins Are So Nutritious
What makes Morning Glory Muffins so appealing is their ability to deliver a balanced mix of macronutrients in every bite. The combination of whole foods like carrots, walnuts, and raisins ensures that these muffins are high in fiber, which helps keep you full longer and supports digestive health. The healthy fats from the walnuts, along with the natural sugars from the carrots and pineapple, make these muffins a great option for sustaining energy throughout the day.
Carrots, a key ingredient, are known for being rich in antioxidants, which protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants also support overall skin health, helping to keep your skin looking youthful and glowing. Pineapple, with its high vitamin C content, boosts immunity, while the cinnamon and nutmeg provide anti-inflammatory properties that help with digestion and general well-being.
Another bonus of this recipe is that it’s easily customizable to meet dietary preferences. If you’re looking for a vegan option, simply swap the eggs for flax eggs or another plant-based egg substitute. You can also use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a slightly different flavor and texture. Additionally, you can play around with the nuts and dried fruit to make these muffins your own. If you prefer pecans over walnuts or dried cranberries instead of raisins, you can easily make substitutions without compromising the taste or texture.
The Perfect Muffin for Any Occasion
Morning Glory Muffins are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for a variety of occasions. They’re ideal for breakfast, but they’re also a fantastic snack option when you need a quick pick-me-up during the day. Whether you’re heading to work, running errands, or just enjoying a cozy weekend morning at home, these muffins are an excellent choice. They’re also perfect for packing into lunchboxes or taking on-the-go.
For those who love meal prep, Morning Glory Muffins can be made in advance and stored for several days. They freeze well, so you can easily make a big batch and enjoy them over the course of weeks. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or oven for a few minutes. This makes them an excellent option for busy mornings when you need a quick and healthy breakfast.
Not only are they perfect for breakfast or snacks, but Morning Glory Muffins are also a wonderful addition to brunch gatherings. Their unique combination of ingredients makes them stand out from traditional muffin recipes, offering a fresh and flavorful option for your guests to enjoy.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Morning Glory Muffins
Baking the perfect batch of Morning Glory Muffins is easy if you follow a few simple tips. The first step is to make sure you thoroughly mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately before combining them. This ensures that the baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
It’s also essential to avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can result in dense, tough muffins. Stir the batter gently until just combined, and don’t worry if it’s a bit lumpy this is perfectly normal for muffin batter. The texture of the muffins should be light and fluffy.
When filling the muffin tin, be sure to fill each cup about three-quarters full. This will allow the muffins to rise evenly and form a beautiful dome shape as they bake. Keep an eye on them while they bake; the muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
Lastly, if you want to add an extra touch of sweetness or flavor, try topping your muffins with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of cream cheese frosting. While not necessary, these additions can make the muffins feel a bit more indulgent when served at special occasions.
Conclusion:
Morning Glory Muffins are a delightful and healthy way to start your day. Their rich flavor profile, packed with wholesome ingredients like carrots, coconut, raisins, and walnuts, makes them not only delicious but also a nutritious breakfast option. With their versatility, these muffins can easily be customized to suit different dietary preferences, and they are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a family breakfast or preparing a batch to freeze for later, these muffins are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
So the next time you’re craving a baked good that’s both satisfying and nourishing, reach for the Morning Glory Muffins. Their combination of spices, fruits, and nuts will provide you with a fulfilling breakfast or snack that supports your health and satisfies your taste buds. They are the perfect way to start the day, and their bright, warm flavors are bound to put a smile on your face. Happy baking!