Morning Glory Muffins: A Nutritious Start to Your Day

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Morning Glory Muffins are a delightful and nutritious way to start your day. Packed with wholesome ingredients like grated carrots, apples, raisins, and nuts, they strike the perfect balance between flavor and health. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying breakfast, an energy-packed snack, or something to bring to a brunch gathering, these muffins are the answer. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through step-by-step instructions, helpful baking tips, and creative variations. Looking for more nutritious breakfast ideas? Check out our healthy morning recipes.

Ingredients for the Best Morning Glory Muffins

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option)
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 3 large eggs
  • ⅔ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Add-ins:

  • 1 ½ cups grated carrots (about 2-3 medium carrots)
  • 1 cup grated apple (1 large apple, peeled if desired)
  • ½ cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
  • ½ cup raisins or chopped dates
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds (optional)

How to Make Morning Glory Muffins

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups lightly.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

  1. In another large bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, applesauce, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Add the Add-Ins

  1. Gently fold the grated carrots, grated apple, coconut, raisins, nuts, and sunflower seeds into the wet mixture.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

  1. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.

6. Portion and Bake

  1. Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. Cool the muffins in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

For more tips on baking, read our ultimate muffin-making guide.

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Tips for Perfect Morning Glory Muffins

  1. Substitute Freely: Swap the raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dates, and experiment with different nuts or seeds.
  2. Make It Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. For more guidance, check out our gluten-free baking tips.
  3. Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  4. Freezing: These muffins freeze beautifully! Wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Need more snack ideas? Explore our top 10 healthy snack recipes.

Variations of Morning Glory Muffins

  1. Low-Sugar Option: Use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or reduce the sugar by half.
  2. Extra Protein: Add a scoop of unflavored protein powder to the dry ingredients. Check out our protein-packed recipes for more ideas.
  3. Vegan Adaptation: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use dairy-free applesauce.
  4. Nut-Free: Skip the nuts and use additional seeds, like chia or sunflower seeds, for crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze Morning Glory Muffins?
Yes! Allow them to cool completely, then wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. For more tips, read our guide to freezing baked goods.

2. What can I substitute for applesauce?
You can use mashed banana or Greek yogurt for a similar moist texture.

3. Do I have to peel the apple?
Peeling is optional; leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and nutrients. Learn more about the benefits of baking with apples.

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Conclusion

Morning Glory Muffins are the perfect combination of nutrition and flavor. Packed with fruits, veggies, and nuts, they make a delicious breakfast or snack option for all ages. Try the recipe, experiment with the variations, and don’t forget to explore our muffin recipe collection for more wholesome ideas. Share your results with friends and family for a nutritious and tasty treat!!

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