Morning Glory Muffins Recipe
Full of warm spice, tender sweetness, and delightful bursts of fruits and nuts, Morning Glory Muffins are the ultimate treat to kick-start your day—or give any ordinary afternoon a cozy uplift. These classic American muffins are packed with carrots, apples, coconut, raisins, and crunchy nuts, all bound together with a moist, gently spiced batter. When you need a muffin that’s equal parts nourishing and indulgent, look no further than these golden, flavor-loaded beauties!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Morning Glory Muffins plays an essential role, blending together to create a muffin that’s moist, colorful, and bursting with texture. There’s nothing fancy here—just a wonderful mix of everyday staples and a few sweet surprises that come together effortlessly.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the muffins their classic crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that just-right golden top.
- Baking soda: The leavening that makes your muffins beautifully tall and fluffy.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings a cozy warmth that pairs perfectly with fruit and vegetables.
- Ground nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg deepens the spice profile just enough.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and pulls all the flavors together.
- Grated carrots: Essential for moisture, natural sweetness, and pretty orange flecks.
- Grated apple: A hint of tart freshness that makes each bite juicy and light.
- Shredded sweetened coconut: Adds chewy texture and a subtle tropical note.
- Raisins: Little pockets of sweetness that surprise in every bite.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans: Crunch and nutty depth—toast them if you want even more flavor.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and richness, holding everything together.
- Vegetable oil: Makes these muffins ultra-moist without weighing them down.
- Orange juice: A sunny touch of brightness that perfectly complements the spices.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds off all the flavors with its classic, comforting aroma.
How to Make Morning Glory Muffins
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Muffin Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners for easy release and minimal cleanup. This little prep step ensures your Morning Glory Muffins come out fluffy and perfectly formed every time.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This even distribution of leavening and spice guarantees each muffin gets the perfect rise and count on that irresistible warm flavor throughout.
Step 3: Add Fruits, Veggies, and Add-ins
Stir in your grated carrots, grated apple, sweetened coconut, raisins, and chopped nuts. This step is where the batter really starts to look and smell like Morning Glory Muffins—vivid colors and amazing aromas all come together!
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, orange juice, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. This ensures an even distribution of moisture and the sweet citrusy undertone that makes these muffins so distinct.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix! You want a thick, lumpy batter—this keeps the muffins tender, not tough.
Step 6: Fill and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Slide the pan into your heated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are golden and springy.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This final step sets the crumb and ensures every bite is moist and flavorful—making your Morning Glory Muffins bakery-worthy right at home.
How to Serve Morning Glory Muffins
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, sprinkle the muffin tops with a little powdered sugar or extra chopped nuts after cooling. Sometimes I like to finish with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream—simple upgrades that highlight the homey, comforting flavors of Morning Glory Muffins.
Side Dishes
Pair these muffins with your favorite breakfast sides: a creamy yogurt parfait, sliced fresh fruit, or even a light, crustless quiche all work beautifully. Morning Glory Muffins are also perfect alongside a piping hot cup of coffee or a tall glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Morning Glory Muffins in a pretty basket lined with a colorful napkin, or wrap them individually in parchment for grab-and-go breakfasts. For brunch gatherings, set them on a tiered cake stand for a charming, bakery-style display—guaranteed to win hearts before anyone even takes a bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Morning Glory Muffins stay moist and delicious for several days when stored properly. Once they’re completely cool, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their life, tuck a paper towel inside to absorb any extra moisture and keep that magical texture.
Freezing
These muffins freeze beautifully. Simply wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months—just remove as many as you need the night before for fresh-tasting muffins any day of the week!
Reheating
To bring Morning Glory Muffins back to their irresistible just-baked state, warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes or give them 20 seconds in the microwave. The gentle heat revives their moist crumb and lovely aroma, making them taste as if they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I make Morning Glory Muffins gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, like baking soda and shredded coconut, are gluten-free as well.
What’s the best way to grate carrots and apples?
You can use a box grater or a food processor with a shredding attachment. Try to grate them just before mixing so they stay juicy and fresh—this keeps your Morning Glory Muffins moist and flavorful.
Can I substitute other add-ins?
Definitely! Try swapping out raisins for dried cranberries, or use sunflower seeds in place of nuts for a nut-free version. Feel free to get creative with other dried fruits or even chopped pineapple for a tropical twist.
How do I know when the muffins are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re ready! The tops should look risen, golden, and set to the touch.
Can I make mini Morning Glory Muffins?
Yes! Prepare the recipe as directed, but use mini muffin tins and reduce the baking time to about 12-15 minutes. Keep a close eye—they bake quickly but are adorable and perfect for sharing.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to fall in love with breakfast all over again, whip up a batch of these Morning Glory Muffins and see why they’re so beloved. Trust me, once you catch the scent of warm spice and citrus floating through your kitchen, you’ll want to share (or not!) these muffins with everyone. Happy baking!
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Morning Glory Muffins Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Morning Glory Muffins are a delightful combination of flavors and textures, perfect for a wholesome breakfast treat. Packed with carrots, apples, coconut, and nuts, these muffins are moist and flavorful, making them a favorite among both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
- 1 large apple, peeled and grated
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Add the grated carrots, apple, coconut, raisins, and nuts. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, orange juice, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Bake the muffins: Divide the batter among the muffin cups and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before serving.
Notes
- For added texture, toast the nuts before adding.
- These muffins freeze well — just thaw at room temperature or warm slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
