Morning Glory Muffins
Morning Glory Muffins are a deliciously fragrant, wonderfully wholesome addition to your breakfast table. Just imagine the aroma of freshly baked muffins wafting through your home, tempting your senses and coaxing you out of bed with their delightful scent. These muffins are not only quick to whip up but are also packed with wholesome ingredients that evoke nostalgia with every bite. They are irresistibly fluffy, generously studded with tender carrots, tart apples, and crunchy walnuts, making them a fun yet nutritious treat for kids and adults alike. If you’re looking for a comforting recipe that feels like a warm embrace on a crisp morning, then Morning Glory Muffins are definitely worth making!
Who Can Resist a Muffin?
Have you ever craved a delicious breakfast treat that feels indulgent but is surprisingly good for you? Think of a moment when you reached for that perfect muffin, only to find it bursting with flavor and texture. Morning Glory Muffins satisfy that sweet-tooth craving while also delivering a powerhouse of nutrition in every bite. Aren’t they the perfect way to start the day or even to brighten up a mid-afternoon slump?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Morning Glory Muffins are a delightful blend of flavors and textures that make them an instant favorite. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore this recipe:
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Quick Prep Time: Ready in about 30 minutes, you can whip these up in no time!
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Nutrient-Dense Ingredients: With wholesome additions like carrots and apples, these muffins pack a nutritional punch without compromising on taste.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for a family breakfast, brunch party, or bake sale, these muffins are sure to disappear fast.
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Minimal Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry, making this recipe easy and accessible.
Ingredients
To make these scrumptious Morning Glory Muffins, you’ll need:
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1/2 cup raisins (plump and sweet)
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2 cups whole wheat flour (a healthy base)
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1 cup light brown sugar, packed (for that molasses sweetness)
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2 teaspoons baking soda (for perfect rising)
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2 teaspoons cinnamon (for warm, comforting notes)
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1/2 teaspoon ginger (a hint of zing)
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1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (to balance flavors)
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2 cups carrots, peeled and finely grated (about 8 medium; sweet and fibrous)
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1 cup Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and grated (about 1 large; tart and juicy)
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1/2 cup shredded sweetened or unsweetened coconut (for a tropical touch)
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1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped (for that crunchy texture)
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3 large eggs, room temperature (binding everything together)
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1/3 cup vegetable oil (for moistness)
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract (a sweet, fragrant addition)
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1 medium orange, zested and juiced (to brighten and elevate flavors; 1 teaspoon zest, 1/4 cup juice)
Timing
Imagine the delightful scene—your kitchen filled with mouthwatering smells as these muffins bake away, ready to be devoured in under an hour. Morning Glory Muffins can fall on either end of the timing spectrum. You can whip them up in approximately 30 minutes for a quick breakfast or leisurely enjoy the experience of making them on a cozy weekend morning.
Step-by-Step
To create your delicious Morning Glory Muffins, follow these simple steps:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with muffin liners and set aside.
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Soak Raisins: Add the raisins to a small dish and cover them with hot water. Set them aside to soak for 10-15 minutes while preparing the muffin batter.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt until well combined.
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Add Fruits & Nuts: Stir in the grated carrots, grated apples, shredded coconut, and chopped walnuts until fully incorporated.
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Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest until fully mixed.
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Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until just incorporated; avoid over-mixing.
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Fold in Raisins: Drain the soaking liquid from the raisins and gently fold them into your muffin batter.
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Fill Muffin Cups: You should have about 4 cups of batter. Fill each muffin cup with a heaping 1/3 cup of batter, filling each liner to the top.
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Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (with a few crumbs clinging).
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Cool: Remove muffins from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature before serving.
As you tear into these warm muffins, imagine the gooey goodness inside, each bite bursting with sweetness from the raisins, freshness from the apples, and crunch from the walnuts.
Nutritional Information
One Morning Glory Muffin typically contains around 210-250 calories, depending on portion sizes and specific ingredient brands. While they are definitely a delightful indulgence, the inclusion of wholesome ingredients means you can enjoy this breakfast treat guilt-free. Don’t let the sweetness overwhelm you; these muffins offer a balanced meal option to kickstart your day.
Healthier Alternatives
For those who want to lighten up their Morning Glory Muffins, consider making a few adjustments:
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Low-Sugar: Reduce the amount of brown sugar or opt for a healthier alternative like coconut sugar or maple syrup.
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Dairy-Free: Replace the eggs with ground flaxseeds mixed with water or applesauce, resulting in a completely dairy-free muffin.
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Gluten-Free Option: Swap out whole wheat flour for a gluten-free blend to cater to gluten-sensitive eaters.
Serving Suggestions
These meltingly delicious Morning Glory Muffins are perfect for various occasions. Serve them warm as a comforting breakfast, or as an afternoon pick-me-up with a steaming cup of coffee. For a special touch, consider pairing them with a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream, making them a fantastic treat during family gatherings or holiday brunches.
Common Mistakes
As with any recipe, there are pitfalls to avoid when making your Morning Glory Muffins:
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Overbaking: Keep an eye on your muffins in the oven. Overbaking can lead to dry muffins instead of the moist, heavenly center you desire.
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Texture Issues: Overmixing the batter can result in dense muffins. Stir gently until just combined.
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Messy Muffins: Avoid overflowing muffin liners by only filling them up to the top and using a good-quality muffin tin that allows for even baking.
Storing Tips
To keep your Morning Glory Muffins fresh:
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Freezing Portions: Place cooled muffins in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer. They can last up to 3 months and can easily be thawed at room temperature or reheated in the microwave.
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Reheating Instructions: To bring your muffins back to their glory, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave them for 20-30 seconds.
Tempting Readers to Bake ASAP
If you’re eager for a wholesome yet indulgent breakfast treat, don’t hesitate! Morning Glory Muffins merge nostalgic flavors with nutritional benefits, creating the perfect morning pick-me-up. Your taste buds deserve a satisfying experience, so grab your ingredients and get baking today! The delightful aroma and taste will make you wonder why you ever waited to enjoy these goodies.
FAQs
1. How can I make these muffins even healthier?
You can reduce the sugar, use whole-food ingredients, and substitute gluten-free flour to align with your dietary preferences.
2. Can I make mini versions of these muffins?
Absolutely! Just reduce the baking time by about 5-10 minutes, and keep an eye on them until a toothpick comes out clean.
3. How long can I store my muffins?
Freshly baked muffins can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, while frozen muffins can last up to 3 months in an airtight container.
4. What can I use instead of eggs?
Instead of eggs, you may use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg.
5. Are there variations of the Morning Glory Muffins I can try?
Absolutely! Consider adding nuts, cranberries, or even spices like nutmeg, or swapping out the coconut for chocolate chips for a delicious twist.
Dive into your kitchen, embrace the warmth of delicious baked goods, and treat yourself to the comfort of baked Morning Glory Muffins today!
Print
Morning Glory Muffins
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously fragrant and wholesome muffins packed with carrots, apples, and walnuts, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups carrots, peeled and finely grated
- 1 cup Granny Smith apple, grated
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened or unsweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 medium orange, zested and juiced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with muffin liners.
- Soak the raisins in hot water for 10-15 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
- Stir in grated carrots, apples, coconut, and walnuts.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until just incorporated.
- Fold in the drained raisins.
- Fill each muffin cup with a heaping 1/3 cup of batter.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
- Cool the muffins to room temperature before serving.
Notes
To store, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in a preheated oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
