Rise & Shine with this Heartwarming Morning Glory Muffins Recipe

Baking morning glory muffins can transform a simple breakfast into a delightful culinary adventure.

Packed with wholesome ingredients, these treats burst with natural sweetness and incredible texture.

Carrots, nuts, and fruit combine to create a hearty morning delight that feels both indulgent and nutritious.

Each bite tells a story of comfort and warmth, inviting you to savor every crumb.

Kitchen novices and seasoned bakers alike will appreciate the straightforward preparation of this classic recipe.

Perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying, these muffins promise to brighten even the dreariest morning.

Morning Glory Muffins That Start Your Day Right

  • Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with wholesome ingredients like carrots, zucchini, and whole wheat flour, these muffins deliver a serious nutritional punch for health-conscious eaters.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows you to add nuts, dried fruits, or swap ingredients based on personal preferences or pantry availability.
  • Kid-Friendly Breakfast Solution: Sneaks vegetables into a delicious morning treat that children will love, making healthy eating fun and enjoyable for the whole family.
  • One-Bowl Wonder: Minimal cleanup with simple mixing technique that combines wet and dry ingredients quickly, perfect for busy mornings or quick baking sessions.

Ingredients for Perfectly Moist Morning Glory Muffins

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Whole Wheat Flour: Provide the base structure and texture for the muffins.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Help the muffins rise and create a light, fluffy texture.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, sweet spice flavor to the muffins.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the muffins.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide moisture.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, moist texture.
  • Honey or Maple Syrup: Provide natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • Vegetable Oil, Applesauce: Contribute to the moisture and tenderness of the muffins.
Fruits and Nuts:
  • Carrots, Zucchini: Add moisture, natural sweetness, and nutritional value to the muffins.
  • Nuts, Dried Fruit: Optional ingredients that provide extra texture and flavor complexity.

How to Bake Morning Glory Muffins with Love

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and grab your muffin tin. Line it with cheerful paper liners that will cradle your delicious morning treats.

Step 2: Create the Dry Mixture

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Whole wheat flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whip up a smooth mixture by whisking together:
  • Eggs
  • Brown sugar
  • Honey or maple syrup
  • Vegetable oil
  • Applesauce

Mix until everything looks creamy and well combined.

Step 4: Combine and Fold

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Gently fold in:
  • Grated carrots
  • Grated zucchini
  • Chopped nuts (optional)
  • Dried fruit (optional)

Stir just until everything is incorporated – don’t overmix!

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Liners

Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin tin. Fill each liner about two-thirds full to give your muffins room to rise and shine.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let the muffins cool on a wire rack before diving in.

Tips for Morning Glory Muffins You’ll Want Again

  • Swap whole wheat flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Add extra nutrition by incorporating different seeds such as chia or flaxseed into the batter for a protein boost.
  • Reduce sugar content by using ripe mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce as natural sweeteners.
  • Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or freeze for up to one month to extend freshness.
  • Choose unsweetened dried fruits like cranberries or raisins to control added sugar and enhance natural flavors.

Creative Versions of Morning Glory Muffins to Try

  • Gluten-Free Morning Glory Muffins: Replace all-purpose and whole wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Morning Glory Muffins: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and replace honey with maple syrup for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Morning Glory Muffins: Reduce brown sugar, use stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and increase applesauce for natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Nut-Free Protein Boost Morning Glory Muffins: Eliminate nuts, add seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, and incorporate protein powder for extra nutrition.

Pairings That Pair Nicely with Morning Glory Muffins

  • Brew a rich, medium-roast coffee that complements the muffins' cinnamon notes, enhancing the warm, comforting flavors.
  • Choose a tangy Greek yogurt to balance the muffins' sweetness, adding a cool, refreshing contrast to the dense, spiced treat.
  • Create a simple honey butter by whipping softened butter with local honey, spreading it on the warm muffin for an extra layer of decadent sweetness.
  • Select a chamomile or rooibos tea to provide a gentle, soothing accompaniment that highlights the muffins' wholesome, earthy ingredients.

Keeping Morning Glory Muffins Fresh and Delicious

  • Refrigerate: Store muffins in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and moist in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for long-term storage.
  • Room Temperature: Keep muffins in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, maintaining their soft texture.
  • Reheating: Warm refrigerated or frozen muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

  • Are Morning Glory Muffins healthy?

These muffins are packed with nutritious ingredients like carrots, zucchini, whole wheat flour, and optional nuts, providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They offer a healthier alternative to traditional sweet muffins.

  • Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose and whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free, and the texture might slightly change.

  • What makes these muffins so moist?

The combination of applesauce, vegetable oil, and grated vegetables like carrots and zucchini creates a naturally moist and tender muffin texture. These ingredients help prevent dryness and add subtle sweetness.

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Morning Glory Muffins Recipe


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4.8 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Morning glory muffins offer a delightful breakfast treat packed with carrots, apples, and nuts. Moist and wholesome, these hearty muffins provide energy to start your day with a nutritious and satisfying bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup grated carrots
  • 1/2 cup grated zucchini
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and arrange paper liners in a muffin tin.
  2. Create a dry ingredient base by thoroughly blending whole wheat and all-purpose flours, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Craft a smooth wet mixture by whisking eggs, brown sugar, honey, vegetable oil, and applesauce until well integrated.
  4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, ensuring minimal stirring to maintain a light texture.
  5. Incorporate grated carrots, zucchini, optional nuts, and dried fruit into the batter, mixing until just combined to prevent overmixing.
  6. Distribute the batter evenly into muffin liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full to allow proper rising.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
  8. Remove muffins from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before serving, enabling them to set and develop full flavor.

Notes

  • Customize your muffins by swapping whole wheat flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Control sugar levels by reducing brown sugar and using natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for a diabetic-friendly version.
  • Add extra protein by incorporating chia seeds, ground flaxseed, or a scoop of protein powder to boost nutritional value.
  • Extend shelf life by storing muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator, which keeps them fresh for up to 5 days and maintains their moist texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 188 kcal
  • Sugar: 11 g
  • Sodium: 160 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 37 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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