There’s a special joy that comes from baking, especially when it fills the kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon and freshly baked goodness. That’s precisely what happens when I whip up a batch of these Healthy Morning Glory Muffins. Mixing the delightful flavors of apple, spice, and carrot into a single bite is a game-changer for busy mornings. As I blend together whole wheat flour, juicy apples, and grated carrots, I can’t help but feel excited about starting my day on a pleasantly wholesome note.
These muffins are not only a delicious treat, they’ll also leave you feeling satisfied, thanks to their nutrient-packed ingredients like flaxseed and brown sugar substitutes that help keep the sweetness just right. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make—no mixer necessary! Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a special addition to your brunch spread, these breakfast delights do it all. What’s more, these muffins freeze beautifully, so you can enjoy a homemade treat whenever the craving strikes. Let’s dive into this healthy recipe that’s sure to become a morning staple!
Why are Morning Glory Muffins a must-try?
Deliciously Nutritious: These muffins are bursting with wholesome flavors, mixing apples, carrots, and spices for a vibrant taste sensation.
Healthy Ingredients: Using whole wheat flour and flaxseed means you’re starting your day on the right foot with fiber and nutrients.
Versatile Options: Easily customize them! Swap in blueberries for a fruity twist, or turn them into a vegan treat with flax eggs.
Simple Preparation: Ditch the mixer! This recipe is all about combining ingredients by hand for a delightful baking experience.
Perfect for Meal Prep: These muffins freeze wonderfully and are perfect for busy mornings, ensuring you have a hearty breakfast ready at a moment’s notice.
Get ready to elevate your breakfast game with these delightful muffins!
Morning Glory Muffin Ingredients
Dive into the wholesome goodness of these muffins with this curated list of ingredients!
For the Muffins
• Whole Wheat Flour – Provides structure and a nutty flavor; can substitute with all-purpose or gluten-free flour for your dietary needs.
• Ground Flaxseed – Adds healthy fats and acts as a binding agent; optional if you prefer more flour or want to skip it.
• Baking Powder – Essential for helping muffins rise; make sure it’s fresh and active for the best results.
• Baking Soda – Works alongside baking powder as a leavening agent for the right texture.
• Cinnamon – Infuses warm spice into the muffins; swap with pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired flavor.
• Salt – Elevates sweetness and overall flavor; don’t skip it for a tastier finish.
• Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a hint of sweetness; coconut sugar offers a lower glycemic alternative.
• Eggs – Provide both structure and moisture; flax eggs are a great vegan option if needed.
• Applesauce – Keeps the muffins moist while reducing oil; you can swap it with yogurt or mashed banana.
• Raisins – Add delightful sweetness and chewy texture; feel free to use chopped nuts or chocolate chips instead.
• Grated Carrots – Bring sweetness and hydration; zucchini works as a substitute or you can omit.
• Diced Apples – Infuse freshness into the mix; pears or berries can also do the trick.
• Orange Zest (Optional) – Adds a lovely citrus note; omit if you’re not a fan!
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor profile; opt for pure vanilla for the best taste.
These delightful Morning Glory Muffins are ready to charm your taste buds!
How to Make Morning Glory Muffins
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Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your muffin tins with paper liners. This will ensure your muffins come out easily and stay moist.
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Dry Mix: In a large bowl, combine your dry ingredients: whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ground flaxseed, and brown sugar. Mix well to evenly distribute all the flavors.
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Wet Mix: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, applesauce, and vanilla extract until they are fully combined and slightly frothy. This will create a lovely moist base for your muffins.
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Combine: Gently pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Fold in the grated carrots, diced apples, and raisins, being careful not to overmix. A few lumps are okay!
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Fill Tins: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins, filling each about two-thirds full. This will allow them to rise perfectly without overflowing.
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Bake: Bake the muffins for 22-24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown on top.
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Cool: Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from getting soggy.
Optional: Serve warm with a spread of honey butter for an extra treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Morning Glory Muffins Variations & Substitutions
Customize these delightful muffins to suit your taste buds and dietary needs with these inviting alternatives!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute whole wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
- Vegan: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs and coconut yogurt in place of applesauce for a plant-based treat.
- Low-Sugar: Swap brown sugar for a stevia or monk fruit sweetener to lower the sugar content.
- Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful nutty flavor and extra crunch.
- Extra Fruity: Replace raisins with fresh or frozen blueberries or chopped strawberries for a juicy twist in every bite.
- Spiced Option: For a warming touch, add ginger or allspice to the spice blend, enhancing the flavor profile beautifully.
- Zucchini Twist: Replace grated carrots with finely shredded zucchini for a moisture-filled, low-sugar alternative.
- Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Incorporate dark chocolate chips into the mix for a deliciously sweet surprise with every muffin.
Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your perfect Morning Glory Muffins!
What to Serve with Morning Glory Muffins?
These wholesome muffins are perfect for creating a delightful and satisfying breakfast or brunch spread.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of juicy fruits adds a bright contrast, balancing the hearty muffins while providing refreshing, natural sweetness.
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Greek Yogurt Parfait: Creamy yogurt layered with granola and more fruit delivers a delightful textural contrast, making your meal feel indulgent yet healthy.
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Honey Butter Spread: A dollop of honey butter atop a warm muffin enhances its flavor with creamy sweetness, creating a cozy, comforting experience with each bite.
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Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy, seasoned eggs offer protein to complement the muffins, ensuring a balanced breakfast that keeps you energized throughout the day.
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Vegetable Smoothie: Blend up a nutrient-packed smoothie to sip alongside your muffins, adding a fresh, vibrant element to your morning meal.
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Chai Tea: The warm spices of chai tea echo the flavors in the muffins, creating a harmonious pairing for a cozy start to your day.
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Coffee or Herbal Tea: A comforting cup of your favorite brew elevates your breakfast experience, whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning or bustling brunch with friends.
Feel free to mix and match these pairings to create a breakfast feast that warms the heart and delights the taste buds!
Expert Tips for Morning Glory Muffins
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Don’t Overmix: Avoid dense muffins by mixing just until combined; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
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Finely Grated: Shred your carrots and apples finely for even distribution and the best texture in your muffins.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh to achieve those lovely, fluffy rises in your Morning Glory Muffins.
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Customize Wisely: Experiment with substitutions, but be cautious; some changes may affect moisture and texture.
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Cool Properly: Allow muffins to cool in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to prevent them from becoming soggy.
How to Store and Freeze Morning Glory Muffins
Room Temperature: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness.
Fridge: For extended storage, place muffins in the fridge, where they can last for up to 5 days. Make sure to seal them properly to avoid drying out.
Freezer: Freeze muffins individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer bag, for up to 3 months. This makes it easy to enjoy a homemade treat whenever you like!
Reheating: To enjoy your frozen Morning Glory Muffins, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for 30 seconds for a warm treat.
Make Ahead Options
These Healthy Morning Glory Muffins are a fantastic choice for busy home cooks looking to save time during hectic mornings! You can mix the dry ingredients (whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ground flaxseed, and brown sugar) up to 3 days in advance; just store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. You can also prep the wet ingredients (eggs, applesauce, and vanilla) the night before and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine the mixtures, fold in the grated carrots, diced apples, and raisins, and proceed with baking. This way, you’ll enjoy warm, homemade muffins with just minimal effort, ensuring your mornings start on a deliciously healthy note!
Morning Glory Muffins Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best apples for the muffins?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture in your Morning Glory Muffins, opt for sweet and crisp apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp. These varieties add natural sweetness and juiciness, which enhance the overall muffin experience. Avoid mealy apples, as they won’t provide the right bite.
What is the best way to store the muffins?
Very! Store your cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll keep for about 5 days. Just make sure they’re sealed properly to prevent drying out.
Can I freeze the muffins, and how?
Absolutely! To freeze your Morning Glory Muffins, first let them cool completely. Then, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, simply thaw it at room temperature or microwave it for about 30 seconds.
Why are my muffins dense, and how can I fix that?
Great question! Dense muffins often result from overmixing the batter or not using fresh leavening agents. Be gentle when combining your dry and wet ingredients, and only mix until just combined. Also, check that your baking powder and baking soda are still active—old leaveners can lead to less rise.
Are there any dietary considerations for these muffins?
Yes! These Morning Glory Muffins can easily be modified to meet various dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, swap the whole wheat flour with your favorite gluten-free blend. Vegan bakers can replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg). Just make sure to account for any allergies to nuts, as substitutions like nut flour can alter the taste and texture.
How long do the muffins last in the fridge?
The muffins should last in the fridge for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and moist for your breakfast enjoyment.
Morning Glory Muffins: Healthier, Delicious Starts to Your Day
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your muffin tins with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, combine your dry ingredients: whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ground flaxseed, and brown sugar. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, applesauce, and vanilla extract until frothy.
- Gently pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Fold in the grated carrots, diced apples, and raisins, being careful not to overmix.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake the muffins for 22-24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.