Morning Glory Muffins

Name: Morning Glory Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 and 1/4 cups (150g) whole wheat flour; 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup (159g) brown sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1/2 cup (114ml) coconut oil melted; 1 large apple shredded; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 2 cups grated carrot (about 3 medium); 1/2 cup raisins; 1/2 cup flaked coconut; 1/3 cup walnuts chopped

By:

Thomas

Published:

September 11, 2026

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Morning Glory Muffins are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, combining the wholesome goodness of whole grains, fruits, and nuts. The moment you pull these muffins from the oven, the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon and vanilla fills your kitchen, inviting family and friends to indulge. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch from the walnuts, followed by the sweetness of grated carrots and apples, all enlivened by the nutty presence of coconut. They’re not just breakfast; they’re a warm hug on a plate!

I first stumbled upon these muffins when I was searching for something hearty yet healthy to energize my mornings. The beauty of Morning Glory Muffins lies in their simplicity—they’re incredibly easy to whip up, using straightforward ingredients you probably already have on hand. With just 15 minutes of prep time and 35 minutes in the oven, you can enjoy the comforting flavors of these muffins any day of the week. Trust me, once you make a batch, you’ll be counting the days until you can make them again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can have these muffins baking while you enjoy your morning coffee.
Irresistible Flavor: Each muffin is a slice of heaven, bursting with the sweetness of apples, carrots, and a warm hint of spices.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These muffins are not only delicious but also vibrant, making them a delightful addition to any breakfast table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even a sweet treat at parties, they shine at any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily make them gluten-free by substituting with your favorite blend, catering to various dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 and 1/4 cups (150g) whole wheat flour: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and contributes to a hearty texture. You can substitute with all-purpose flour if you prefer.
1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour: Balances the density of whole wheat flour for a light muffin.
3/4 cup (159g) brown sugar: Provides moisture and depth with its caramel-like sweetness. Coconut sugar is a great alternative for a lower glycemic option.
1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures the muffins rise beautifully, creating a fluffy texture.
2 teaspoons baking soda: Helps create a light and airy muffin by activating with the acidity in the applesauce.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Enhances flavor with its warm, sweet spice—an essential for any morning treat.
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a zesty kick that complements the sweetness of the fruits.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies flavors throughout the muffin.
3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce: Keeps the muffins moist and adds natural sweetness without extra fat. Use homemade or store-bought versions for convenience.
1/2 cup (114ml) coconut oil melted: Adds rich flavor while knocking down the cholesterol content. For a lighter option, use vegetable oil.
1 large apple shredded: Fresh fruit brings rustic sweetness and texture. Gala or Honeycrisp apples are excellent choices.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor that harmonizes with all the ingredients.
2 cups grated carrot (about 3 medium): A star ingredient, carrots offer moistness and natural sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
1/2 cup raisins: Chewy bites of sweetness complement the muffin’s texture; feel free to swap for dried cranberries or leave them out entirely.
1/2 cup flaked coconut: Adds a tropical crunch, elevating the nutty richness of the muffins. Unsweetened coconut is recommended for a more balanced sweetness.
1/3 cup walnuts chopped: Provides a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor. Pecans or almonds would also work beautifully as alternatives.

How to Make Morning Glory Muffins

Prepare the Muffin Tin and Preheat Oven: First, line a muffin tin with paper liners and set it aside. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, which is crucial for the initial rise.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 and 1/4 cups whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Making sure everything is well combined is important for consistent flavor.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Next, add 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1/2 cup melted coconut oil, 1 shredded large apple, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Whisk until just combined; overmixing can lead to dense muffins, which we want to avoid!
Fold in Additional Ingredients: Gently fold in 2 cups of grated carrots, 1/2 cup of raisins, 1/2 cup of flaked coconut, and 1/3 cup of chopped walnuts. This step incorporates all those delicious textures and flavors.
Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full for optimal rising and to prevent overflowing.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. After that, reduce the temperature to 350 degrees and continue baking for an additional 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Cool: Once baked, let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time ensures they don’t steam in the pan, keeping the outer layer delightful.

Storing & Reheating

To keep your muffins fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the refrigerator, which will extend their shelf life for up to a week—just make sure to use a moisture-proof container. For longer-term storage, you can freeze the muffins, well-wrapped, for up to 3 months. To enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, refreshing the texture while enhancing their flavors.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing the batter—gently combining the wet and dry ingredients helps yield lighter muffins.
For best results, use room temperature ingredients such as the eggs (if used) and applesauce, which will help emulsify the batter better.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar slightly or opt for unsweetened coconut.
Experiment with different nuts or dried fruits to find your perfect combination, as each adds its own delightful twist.
Feel free to substitute grated zucchini for half of the carrots for added moisture and nutrients.

Morning Glory Muffins truly shine throughout the week as a nutritious breakfast option or a sweet mid-day snack. Their versatility allows you to customize with your favorite mix-ins while providing essential nutrients to start your day right. Don’t shy away from personal experimentation—with each batch, you might discover a new favorite twist on this classic recipe.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?

Absolutely! While the whole wheat flour contributes to the nutritional content and unique flavor, you can substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour. Just keep in mind it may slightly change the texture, making it a bit lighter.

Can I make these muffins vegan?

You can! Replace the eggs (if included) with a flax egg, using 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg. Ensure your coconut oil is dissolved on low heat to keep the mixture liquid, and use a plant-based applesauce.

How can I enhance the flavor?

Consider adding spices like nutmeg or allspice for a deeper flavor profile. You can also switch up the nuts and dried fruits based on your preferences—each swap creates a unique experience.

Can I add fresh fruits instead of dried?

Yes, fresh fruits like blueberries or diced peaches can be added, but reduce the liquid content slightly to maintain the muffin’s balance. Fresh fruits can make the muffins a bit denser, but they will absolutely provide a refreshing taste!