Embark on a culinary journey to create the ultimate Morning Glory Muffins – a delightful fusion of wholesome ingredients that promises to energize your day! These aren’t just any muffins; they’re packed with grated carrots, crisp apples, juicy raisins, tropical coconut, and crunchy nuts, delivering a hearty and flavorful experience in every bite. Perfect for a nourishing breakfast or a wholesome snack, these muffins are designed to bring a burst of flavor and essential nutrients to your table.
Our kitchen is a hub for muffin enthusiasts, and these wholesome treats frequently grace our breakfast table. While my children, with their discerning palates, might occasionally eye the generous “stuff” inside these Morning Glory Muffins with a touch of skepticism, my husband and I are utterly captivated by their complex flavors and satisfying texture. If your little ones, or any family member for that matter, appreciate a muffin bursting with delightful inclusions, then prepare for them to fall head over heels for this recipe!
Beyond their incredible taste, Morning Glory Muffins are a nutritional powerhouse. Each muffin is a treasure trove of carrots, coconut, pecans, and raisins, creating a harmonious blend that is both incredibly flavorful and wonderfully satisfying. The beauty of these muffins lies in their ability to make you feel truly nourished, providing a substantial start to your day that keeps you feeling full and energized.
If you’re constantly seeking new and exciting muffin variations, you’ve come to the right place! Be sure to explore our extensive collection, which includes favorites like Classic Bran Muffins for a fiber-rich option, comforting Oatmeal Muffins, exotic Mango Muffins with Banana, and the timeless appeal of Apple Cinnamon Muffins. There’s a perfect muffin for every craving!
Unveiling the Story Behind Morning Glory Muffins
The history of Morning Glory Muffins is as rich and delightful as their flavor. These iconic muffins were first conceived by the talented Chef Pam McKinstry at the renowned Morning Glory Cafe in Nantucket. Their unique combination of ingredients and vibrant taste quickly captured hearts, leading to their widespread recognition. The recipe gained significant traction and national popularity after being featured in Gourmet magazine in 1981, becoming a staple in many home kitchens throughout the 1990s and continuing to be cherished today.
Why Morning Glory Muffins Deserve a Spot in Your Recipe Box
These aren’t just another muffin recipe; Morning Glory Muffins offer a multitude of reasons to become your new favorite:
- A Symphony of Flavors and Textures: Every bite of a Morning Glory Muffin is an exciting journey. The blend of sweet carrots, tangy apples, chewy raisins, tropical coconut, and nutty pecans creates a complex flavor profile and an incredibly satisfying texture. You’re guaranteed a taste of pure goodness with each mouthful, making them far from boring.
- Effortless Preparation: No Mixer Needed! Forget about lugging out heavy kitchen appliances. This recipe is designed for simplicity, requiring only a couple of bowls and a whisk. It’s a testament to how easy it can be to bake incredibly delicious muffins from scratch, making it perfect for busy mornings or an impromptu baking session.
- A Healthier Indulgence: While undeniably delicious, these muffins lean towards the healthier side. They’re packed with fruits and vegetables, offering fiber and vitamins. For an even healthier twist, you can easily incorporate whole wheat flour for added fiber, honey as a natural sweetener, or avocado oil for beneficial fats.
- Perfectly Spiced for a Warm Hug: The subtle yet distinct blend of spices, particularly cinnamon, elevates these muffins from good to extraordinary. The warmth of the cinnamon perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the fruits and carrots, creating a comforting aroma and flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Freezer-Friendly Convenience: Life gets busy, and having wholesome, homemade options on hand is a game-changer. These Morning Glory Muffins freeze beautifully, allowing you to bake a large batch and store them for later. Simply pull one out, thaw at room temperature, and enjoy a fresh-tasting muffin whenever a craving strikes. This makes them ideal for meal prepping or unexpected guests.
Essential Ingredients & Smart Substitutions for Your Morning Glory Muffins
Crafting the perfect Morning Glory Muffin involves a careful balance of flavors and textures. Here’s a detailed look at the ingredients and how you can adapt them to your preferences or what you have on hand:
- Eggs: Large eggs are crucial for providing structure, lift, and richness, ensuring your muffins are light and moist. They act as a binder, holding all the delightful ingredients together.
- Sugar: We use a balanced mix of granulated white sugar and light brown sugar. The granulated sugar provides crispness, while brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel note. While you could use all of one type, the combination offers the best flavor depth and texture. For those looking to reduce sugar, you could likely cut the total amount by half without drastically affecting the texture, but we don’t recommend reducing it further. Alternatives like maple syrup or honey could work with slight adjustments to liquid content, but haven’t been tested.
- Vegetable Oil: This provides essential moisture and tenderness to the muffins. If you prefer, melted unsalted butter can be used as a delicious alternative, imparting a richer flavor. Avocado oil or other neutral-flavored oils are also suitable substitutes for a slightly healthier fat option.
- Applesauce: A game-changing addition! Initially, our recipe used more oil, resulting in a heavier muffin. Swapping half the oil for unsweetened applesauce lightened the texture beautifully, adding natural sweetness and moisture without excess fat.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic depth that completes the muffin’s profile.
- Flour: All-purpose flour yields a classic, tender muffin. For a heartier, fiber-rich option, whole wheat flour can be substituted, though it might result in a slightly denser texture. White whole wheat flour is an excellent compromise, offering the nutritional benefits of whole wheat with a lighter texture closer to all-purpose flour.
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent is vital for giving the muffins their characteristic rise and fluffy texture. Ensure your baking soda is fresh for optimal results.
- Cinnamon: The warm, inviting spice of ground cinnamon is quintessential to Morning Glory Muffins, complementing the fruit and carrot flavors beautifully. For an extra kick, a pinch of nutmeg or allspice can be added.
- Salt: A small amount of salt is essential for balancing and enhancing all the sweet and savory notes in the muffin. We prefer sea salt for its clean flavor.
- Carrots: Freshly grated whole carrots are highly recommended over pre-grated varieties, which tend to be drier and can make your muffins less moist. The natural moisture from fresh carrots is key.
- Apple: A Granny Smith apple is excellent for its tartness and firm texture, which helps maintain moisture in the muffin. While its flavor doesn’t dominate, it contributes significantly to the overall moistness. Any firm apple variety will work well here.
- Raisins: Raisins add a delightful chewiness and bursts of natural sweetness. We love their texture in these muffins! If raisins aren’t to your liking, feel free to omit them or substitute with other dried fruits like chopped dried cranberries, apricots, or even blueberries for a different flavor profile.
- Pecans: While many traditional Morning Glory Muffin recipes call for walnuts, our personal preference leans towards the buttery richness of pecans. Both varieties of nuts work wonderfully, adding a satisfying crunch and nutty depth. Feel free to use your favorite!
- Coconut: Sweetened, shredded coconut adds a lovely tropical flavor and another layer of texture. Unsweetened shredded coconut can be used if you prefer less sweetness, or if you’re keen on reducing overall sugar content.
Crafting Your Own Morning Glory Muffins: A Step-by-Step Guide
While these muffins are incredibly rewarding, they do require a touch more preparation than some simpler recipes, mainly due to the grating of carrots and apples. Trust us, the extra effort is absolutely worth it for the incredible flavor and texture!
1. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the eggs, both granulated and brown sugars, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well-incorporated. Set this bowl aside for a moment.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate, equally large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Ensure these dry components are evenly distributed to guarantee a consistent rise and flavor throughout your muffins.
3. Integrate Carrots and Apple with Dry Mix: Add the freshly shredded carrots and grated apple directly into the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a spoon or spatula, stir everything together until the carrots and apple are thoroughly coated with the flour mixture. This crucial step helps prevent the fruits and vegetables from sinking to the bottom of the muffins during baking, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl containing the flour, carrots, and apples. Mix gently until the ingredients are mostly combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins. The key is to mix just until everything comes together.
5. Fold in Remaining Inclusions: Now, add the raisins, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut to the batter. Mix just until these wonderful additions are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Again, avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender and light.
6. Fill Muffin Tins: Divide the prepared batter evenly among 16 greased muffin cups. The cups should be generously filled, almost to the very top. For consistent sizing and easy filling, we highly recommend using a large cookie scoop. This helps achieve those beautifully domed muffin tops.
7. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven until a tester inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. This indicates they are fully cooked through. The specific baking time will be detailed in the recipe card below, but typically it involves an initial higher temperature for a quick rise, then a lower temperature for even baking. Keep an eye on them, and if the tops start to brown too much, you can lightly tent the muffin tin with foil.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Your Morning Glory Muffins
Proper storage ensures your delicious Morning Glory Muffins remain fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible:
Storing: To maintain their optimal freshness and moist texture, store your cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature. They are truly at their best on the day they are baked. Over time, usually within 2-3 days, they might start to become a bit gummier, but they will still be perfectly delicious for up to 3 days. To prevent excess moisture buildup, you can place a piece of paper towel at the bottom of the container and another on top of the muffins.
Freezing: Morning Glory Muffins are incredibly freezer-friendly, making them perfect for meal prep or enjoying a homemade treat anytime. To freeze, ensure the muffins are completely cooled to room temperature. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them into the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until they are solid. This prevents them from sticking together. Once frozen, transfer the muffins to a freezer-safe bag or another airtight container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours, or warm them briefly in the microwave for a quicker option. A quick toast in a toaster oven can also revive their texture beautifully.
Elevate Your Morning Glory Muffin Experience
While Morning Glory Muffins are undeniably delicious on their own, there are many ways to enhance your enjoyment and even customize them:
- Classic Pairings: Enjoy them warm with a knob of butter that melts right into their hearty texture. A dollop of cream cheese or a smear of your favorite fruit jam also makes a delightful accompaniment.
- Breakfast Spread: Serve them as part of a larger brunch spread alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, eggs, or bacon for a truly satisfying meal. Their vibrant ingredients make them a colorful addition to any table.
- Coffee or Tea Companion: These muffins are the perfect partner for your morning coffee, a relaxing cup of tea, or a glass of milk. The spices and natural sweetness complement warm beverages beautifully.
- Add Citrus Zest: For an extra layer of brightness, incorporate 1-2 teaspoons of orange or lemon zest into the wet ingredients. Citrus zest pairs wonderfully with the carrots and apples.
- Spice It Up: If you love warm spices, consider adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or allspice along with the cinnamon.
- Different Dried Fruits: Experiment with other dried fruits like chopped dried apricots, cranberries, or even dried cherries for a different flavor profile.
- Chocolate Chip Surprise: While not traditional, a handful of mini chocolate chips can be folded into the batter for a fun, sweeter twist that kids often adore.
- Make it a Loaf: The batter can also be baked in a loaf pan for a delightful quick bread! Adjust baking time accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Morning Glory Muffins
Here are answers to some common questions about making these wholesome muffins:
- Can I make these gluten-free? While this recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can experiment with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Note that the texture might vary slightly, sometimes being a bit denser.
- Do I have to use freshly grated carrots and apples? For the best texture and moisture, yes, freshly grated is highly recommended. Pre-shredded carrots tend to be drier, and pre-chopped apples can oxidize quickly.
- Can I reduce the sugar further? We recommend not cutting the sugar by more than half, as it contributes significantly to the muffins’ moisture, browning, and overall texture, not just sweetness.
- What kind of apple is best? A Granny Smith apple is excellent for its tartness and firmness, which holds up well during baking. However, any crisp, firm apple variety will work.
- My muffins didn’t get high domes, what happened? Ensure your baking soda is fresh and you’re not overmixing the batter. The initial high oven temperature also helps create that classic domed top.
Discover More Delectable Muffin Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed these Morning Glory Muffins, you’ll love exploring our other popular muffin creations:
Irresistible Cinnamon Muffins
Classic Chocolate Chip Muffins
Zesty Orange Muffins
Comforting Oatmeal Raisin Muffins
Rich Brown Sugar Muffins
Moist Zucchini Muffins
Delicious Banana Muffins
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Morning Glory Muffins
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Ingredients
- 3 eggs (large)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 1 cup peeled, cored, and shredded apple
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Spray 16 muffin tins with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Stir the carrots and apple into the flour mixture until it is well coated.
- Add the wet mixture to the flour mixture and stir until mostly combined. Add the raisins, pecans, and coconut. Mix just until combined.
- Fill each muffin tin with the batter. The cups should be almost filled to the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven at 425ºF for 5 minutes, then turn the heat down to 350ºF, leaving the muffins in the oven the whole time. Continue to bake until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean, about 18 more minutes. If the muffins start to get too dark on top, cover with a sheet of foil.
- Once baked through, remove from the oven and let the muffins cool for about 5 minutes before removing from the baking tin.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 244kcal (12%),
Carbohydrates: 33g (11%),
Protein: 3g (6%),
Fat: 11g (17%),
Saturated Fat: 1g (6%),
Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g,
Trans Fat: 0g,
Cholesterol: 35mg (12%),
Sodium: 172mg (7%),
Fiber: 2g (8%),
Sugar: 13g (14%)